The Lagos Plan of Action (LPA) is a landmark document in African development history, adopted in 1980 by the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now known as the African Union (AU). Named after the host city of Lagos, Nigeria, where it was formulated, the LPA aimed to address the economic challenges facing Africa and promote sustainable development on the continent. The plan emerged during a period of economic crisis and political upheaval in Africa, marked by external debt burdens, declining terms of trade, and dependence on primary commodity exports.
Objectives of the Lagos Plan of Action
Promotion of Economic Cooperation: The LPA sought to promote economic cooperation among African countries to enhance their collective bargaining power in international trade negotiations and reduce their dependence on external actors. It emphasized the importance of regional integration, intra-African trade, and cooperation in key sectors such as agriculture, industry, and infrastructure development.
Diversification of Economies: A central objective of the LPA was to promote economic diversification and industrialization in Africa to reduce reliance on primary commodity exports. The plan emphasized the need for value addition, technology transfer, and investment in manufacturing industries to create employment opportunities, increase productivity, and foster sustainable economic growth.
Enhancement of Agricultural Productivity: Recognizing the importance of agriculture as a driver of economic development and food security, the LPA prioritized measures to enhance agricultural productivity, promote rural development, and address challenges such as land tenure systems, access to credit, and inadequate infrastructure in rural areas.
Resource Mobilization and Financial Cooperation: The LPA called for increased resource mobilization and financial cooperation to support development initiatives in Africa. It emphasized the importance of domestic resource mobilization, foreign aid, concessional financing, and debt relief to address Africa’s development financing needs and reduce its dependence on external debt.
Human Resource Development: The LPA underscored the importance of human resource development, education, and skills training to enhance Africa’s capacity for sustainable development. It called for investments in education, health, and vocational training to equip African populations with the skills and knowledge needed to participate effectively in the development process.
Legacy and Impact of the Lagos Plan of Action
While the Lagos Plan of Action laid out a comprehensive framework for African development, its implementation faced challenges due to factors such as political instability, conflicts, and changing global economic dynamics. However, the LPA remains a significant milestone in African development history, setting the stage for subsequent initiatives such as the Abuja Treaty, the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. The principles and objectives outlined in the LPA continue to inform African development strategies and efforts to achieve sustainable development on the continent.
