The Regional Programme for Africa is the flagship continental programme of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), responding to the challenges and opportunities facing the African continent and to the priorities and aspirations articulated by the African Union and other regional institutions.
Based at the Regional Service Centre for Africa (RSCA) in Addis Ababa, we collaborate and coordinate with UNDP sub-regional hubs in Dakar, Nairobi and Pretoria, and work closely with the African Union, Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms, and other regional actors across the continent. The programme strengthens alignment between regional, sub-regional and national development efforts, supporting coherent and coordinated responses to shared challenges.
Endorsed by the UNDP Executive Board in 2025, the Regional Programme Document for Africa 2026–2029 provides an integrated continental framework to accelerate progress at a critical moment for Africa and for the Sustainable Development Goals. With only a few years remaining to deliver on the 2030 Agenda, the programme supports systems-level, multi-country and cross-border solutions that reinforce resilience, inclusion and sustainable development.
The Regional Programme for Africa 2026–2029 is anchored in the African Union Agenda 2063, including its Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan, and aligned with the UNDP Strategic Plan 2026–2029. It complements national development efforts by leveraging Africa regional institutions, partnerships and platforms to address transboundary challenges, unlock shared opportunities and scale impact.
The programme is guided by a systems approach that recognizes the interconnected nature of economic, governance, environmental and crisis-related risks. It emphasizes regional integration, innovation and coordinated action across levels, linking regional policy frameworks with national and local implementation.
Programme priorities
The Regional Programme for Africa focuses on four interconnected outcome areas that reflect Africa development priorities and the regional comparative advantage of UNDP:
By 2029, prosperity is increased for all, strengthening people agency, capabilities and dignity to thrive. The programme supports inclusive economic transformation through regional integration, implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, sustainable finance, entrepreneurship and value-chain development. Particular emphasis is placed on women and youth, digital inclusion, decent work, and the integration of underserved and fragile regions into regional markets, including through Blue Economy value chains.
By 2029, governance systems are more effective, inclusive and accountable, enabling people, societies and economies to thrive. The programme strengthens democratic institutions, social cohesion and the rule of law, promotes civic participation and accountable public finance, and supports African Union-led governance, peace and security frameworks. It prioritizes people-centred approaches that rebuild trust, protect civic space and reinforce inclusive decision-making at local, national and regional levels.
By 2029, institutions and people are better prepared to prevent, respond to and recover from crises while sustaining long-term development. The programme advances risk-informed development, stabilization and early recovery, supports durable solutions for displacement, and strengthens regional early-warning, prevention and peacebuilding mechanisms. It promotes anticipatory action, cross-border cooperation and resilience-building in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.
By 2029, international environmental agreements are mainstreamed into national development frameworks to drive sustainable development. The programme supports climate adaptation, nature-based solutions, renewable energy deployment, Blue Economy transitions and access to climate and disaster finance. Environmental resilience is integrated into economic planning, public finance and governance systems, with attention to conflict-sensitive and inclusive approaches.
Across all outcomes, the programme is driven by four accelerators: gender equality and youth empowerment, digital and artificial intelligence transformation, private-sector engagement and sustainable finance, and regional integration, particularly in borderland areas. These accelerators enable systemic change and support African-led solutions at scale.
Locations
