African countries have already started the hard work of implementing Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which were adopted in January 2015 and September 2015 respectively. Both agendas are complex in terms of numbers of goals, targets and indicators as well as dimensions of development covered; both are very ambitious and geared towards sustainable development through notably industrialization, eradication of poverty and inclusiveness. This progress report on Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2017) will provide a rigorous assessment of Africa’s progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063 and serve as a basis for policy discussion, peer learning and advocacy.

African countries have already started the hard work of implementing Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which were adopted in January 2015 and September 2015 respectively. Both agendas are complex in terms of numbers of goals, targets and indicators as well as dimensions of development covered; both are very ambitious and geared towards sustainable development through notably industrialization, eradication of poverty and inclusiveness. This progress report on Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (2017) will provide a rigorous assessment of Africa's progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2063 and serve as a basis for policy discussion, peer learning and advocacy.

The Africa Sustainable Development Report 2018 reviews Africa's performance on five goals, and related targets and indicators of the 2030 Agenda, taking into account their correspondence with Agenda 2063. The report uses the latest data from international sources to track performance and highlight lessons learned in the implementation of the two agendas. In line with the theme of the 2018 High-level Political Forum (HLPF), this year's report is aligned with the theme, "Transformation towards sustainable and resilient societies" and Goals 6, 7, 11, 12 and 15 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In addition, the report examines trends in science, technology and innovation in Africa and its role in advancing implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals on the continent.

Contains insights on current issues in research on sustainable development, featuring the SDG Index and Dashboards.

The aim of this report is to present an overview of the 17 Goals using data currently available to highlight the most significant gaps and challenges.

Africa’s Development Dynamics uses lessons learned in the continent’s five regions – Central, East, North, Southern and West Africa – to develop policy recommendations and share good practices. Drawing on the most recent statistics, this analysis of development dynamics attempts to help African leaders reach the targets of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 at all levels: continental, regional, national and local.

The book draws upon the expertise and international research collaborations forged by the Worldwide Universities Network Global Africa Group to critically engage with the intersection, in theory and practice, of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Africa’s development agendas and needs. Further, it argues that – and demonstrates how – the SDGs should be understood as an aspirational blueprint for development with multiple meanings that are situated in dynamic and contested terrains. As the SDGs have substantial implications for development policy and resourcing at both the macro and micro levels, their relevance is not only context-specific but should also be assessed in terms of the aspirations and needs of ordinary citizens across the continent. Drawing on analyses and evidence from both the natural and social sciences, the book demonstrates that progress towards the SDGs must meet demands for improving human well-being under diverse and challenging socio-economic, political and environmental conditions. Examples include those from the mining industry, public health, employment and the media. In closing, it highlights how international collaboration in the form of research networks can enhance the production of critical knowledge on and engagement with the SDGs in Africa.