About a decade since inception, Africa is still searching for the relevance of Nepad, an agency created to drive the economic engine in the continent.

The New Partnership for Africa's Development was created at a time when the continent was bubbling with enthusiasm for renewal, mainly inspired by the achievements made in the political and economic spheres after years of gloom.

A new crop of leaders had emerged to replace the old dictators and military rulers, and it was a time when talk was rife about an African Renaissance.

Unfortunately, the optimism did not translate into tangible gains. Weighed against the set goals, Nepad has made little impact. In fact, its role is even confused among other AU organs and networks.

For this reason, African leaders have voted to give Nepad a new direction, including funding it to push a socio-economic and governance agenda. It is, thus, meant to implement development programmes.

Fair enough. But, will it pull through the novel plans on its plate?

Often, critics are accused of being too harsh on Africa and its leadership. However, historical evidence points to the fact that most of the institutions under the aegis of AU or its predecessor, the OAU, are merely paper organs rather than realistic platforms.

The new thinking around Nepad sounds good, but actualising it may be another issue altogether. Still, we in the continent can only hope.