Regional Cooperation, Unified Markets Key to Advancing Africa’s Agenda 2063: Sierra Leonean Official

Addis Ababa, May 12, 2026 — African countries must deepen regional cooperation, align national policies with continental priorities, and build unified markets to accelerate implementation of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, according to Sulayman Forimusa, Director of the Public Sector Reform Unit in Sierra Leone’s Office of the President.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, the Sierra Leonean Director said Africa’s development ambitions can only be achieved through coordinated action, disciplined implementation, and stronger integration across the continent.

“Collective efforts from African countries, oneness, being together, being disciplined and purposeful, can help us drive those agendas,” he added.

Forimusa also stressed that national budgets, development plans, and policy frameworks must be closely aligned with Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“When the global agenda and our national agenda are quite different, it will be very difficult to implement them,” the Director stated, noting that African countries must make deliberate efforts to tie policy actions to national plans.

Moreover, policy coherence is essential to translate continental commitments into measurable progress at the national level.

Forimusa further underscored the role of regional institutions in supporting reform efforts, sharing lessons, and adapting successful approaches across borders.

Citing the Mano River Union (MRU), dedicated to fostering peace, unity, and prosperity among the four member countries Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, he emphasized that cooperation among neighboring countries can help benchmark progress and replicate effective policies.

“It all boils down to a collective approach, a regional approach, and how we support each other and learn from what is working.”

The President's Office Reform Unit Director added that Africa has the resources and capacity to drive its own development through homegrown solutions and stronger internal collaboration.

For him, unified regional markets are critical to expanding trade, improving competitiveness, and strengthening economic resilience.

“If we have one market, it will be for our own good and benefit,” Forimusa said. “A unified trade market where we all come together will boost our economies and make us stronger.”

According to Forimusa, Africa’s long-term success will depend on how effectively countries coordinate reforms, align policy with national priorities, and build integrated regional systems capable of delivering the goals of Agenda 2063.