National development planning is a need and a priority in Africa to achieve sustainable development and structural transformation. The AfCoP discussion on national planning and accountability has helped to highlight the numerous challenges that African countries face, despite the long history of development planning in Africa, going back to the 1960s. Nevertheless, it also pointed out the lessons learned and the capacity needs for effective national planning. Engaged leadership, effective institutions (including an efficient Central Planning Agency), and enhanced citizens participation (without forgetting the gender dimension of it) are the main recommendations drawn from the AfCoP exchanges.