As Africa races to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 and implement its own agenda by 2063, a new Africa Sustainable Development Report released by the United Nations Development Programme on Wednesday urged the continent to deepen South-South cooperation to bridge a staggering $762 billion annual financing gap and accelerate progress in health, education and job creation.

With mounting debt and shrinking aid, the report warns that African nations must embrace innovative partnerships, build stronger institutions and ensure more effective public spending — or risk derailing hard-won development gains.

"In the context of recent geopolitical uncertainties, South-South cooperation is more important than ever," the report stated.

"African countries should leverage a common platform to advocate for unique solutions and opportunities for Africa and tap into the opportunities of regional collaboration to attain the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063."

Despite the African continent currently hosting 12 of the world's 20 fastest-growing economies, the report cautions that Africa's growth remains fragile and largely jobless. Debt burdens, low investment in education and health, and a decline in official development assistance are hindering sustainable progress.

"Africa is making progress in Sustainable Development Goals… however, the current pace of progress is insufficient to achieve them by 2030," the report noted.

The report highlighted that over 80 percent of the financing shortfall is concentrated in the least developed countries, underscoring the need for inclusive partnerships, innovative financing and deeper regional integration.

Amid these challenges, African leaders are calling for a new era of strategic cooperation. Selma Malika Haddadi, deputy chairperson of the African Union Commission, emphasized the need to align partnerships with Africa's priorities.

"Africa's success is not only dependent on domestic efforts but also on the strength of our partnerships," Haddadi said.

"We need to shift from the mindset of aid dependency to that of strategic alliances that reflect mutual respect and shared prosperity.

"We must redefine partnerships for a new era. True partnerships should not be transactional. They should be anchored in mutual respect, co-creation and shared responsibility," she added.

The report also called for investment in youth, data, technology and infrastructure, warning that gender inequality and child labor — affecting over 92 million children — remain major obstacles.

UN deputy secretary-general Amina Mohammed reinforced the need for unified action: "Africa's journey towards 2030 and 2063 is not a sprint but a relay race. Future generations will inherit the possibilities we create today."

sharon@chinadailyafrica.com