The way forward for the realisation of the right to development in Africa

This chapter explores the way forward in turning the right to development (RTD) into reality in Africa. It begins by summarising the discussion in the form of closing remarks and then proceeds with suggestions on what needs to be done to improve people&s;s lives in Africa in giving effect to the RTD. The chapter demonstrates that against the backdrop of the controversy on the RTD at the global level, this right is part and parcel of the African human rights system where it is absolutely binding. It defines the African human rights system broadly to include arrangements at the continental, sub-regional, and national levels and assesses the extent to which these arrangements influence the realisation of the RTD. The chapter discusses that at the sub-regional level numerous RECs Protocol aim to improve people&s;s standard of living and provide for human rights explicitly. It recognises the significant role of political organs of the Africa Union in fostering the RTD in Africa.