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The African Union (AU) is a continental organization representing all 55 African states, established in 2002 as the successor to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which was founded in 1963. The OAU emerged from a historic gathering of African leaders who, driven by the ideals of Pan-Africanism, sought to unify the continent and end the remnants of colonialism and apartheid, ultimately emphasizing freedom, equality, and self-determination. As Africa evolved, so did its needs, and in 1999, leaders called for a new organization that would not only continue the legacy of the OAU but also promote deeper political, economic, and social integration across the continent. The AU was launched to steer Africa toward becoming a more integrated, prosperous, and peaceful region, driven by its own citizens and positioned as a formidable player on the global stage. Guided by its Constitutive Act and ambitious frameworks such as Agenda 2063—the long-term strategic vision for Africa’s socio-economic transformation—the AU focuses on key objectives including defending state sovereignty, spurring economic development, enhancing cooperation among nations, and promoting democratic governance and human rights. Its work is carried out through several critical bodies such as the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, the Executive Council, the Peace and Security Council, and the African Union Commission, among others, while also integrating regional and civil society voices through entities like the Pan-African Parliament and ECOSOCC. Additionally, the AU addresses legal and financial dimensions with specialized institutions aimed at fostering judicial oversight, anti-corruption measures, and economic collaboration, thereby creating the necessary conditions for Africa to fully realize its potential on both the continental and global frontiers.
African Union Handbook 2022.pdfsourced from: AU Handbook2022
Organigram
Organigram
Chairperson of the African Union is H.E. João Goncalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola
Deputy Chairperson of the African Union is H.E. Selma Malika Haddadi
AUC Commissioners:
Mr. Moses Vilakati (Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (ARBE))
Commissioner yet to be elected (Economic Development, Tourism, Trade, Industry, Mining (ETTIM))
Commissioner yet to be elected (Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI))
Ms. Lerato Mataboge (Infrastructure and Energy (I&E))
Amb. Bankole Adeoye (Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS))
Amb. Amma Twum-Amoah (Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development (HHS))
AUC Directors:
Dr. Guy Fleury Ntwari - Legal Counsel
Dalitso Dikirani Bonongwe - Office of the Secretary to the Commission
Steve Patrick Lalande - Partnerships and Resource Mobilization
Dr. Regina Muzamai - Office of Internal Oversight
Ms. Botho Kebabonye Bayendi - Strategic Planning and Delivery
Prudence Ngwenya - Women, Gender and Youth
Leslie Katherine Awiti Richer - Information and Communication
Amb. Yousif Ahmed Eltayeb Elkordofani - Protocol Services
Magalie Christelle Amlamba Anderson (Ag.) - Operational Support Services
Abdellahi NAHAH - Conference Management and Publications
Betty Mupenda Wangozi (Ag.) - Citizens and Diaspora
Dr. Adamu Isah - Medical and Health Services
Nadege Tandu - Human Resources
Edith Akorfa Akua Lumor - Finance
Magalie Christelle Amlamba Anderson - ICT
Djamel Ghrib - Eco.Dev, Integration & Trade
Chiza Chiumya (Ag.) - Industry
Alhaji Mohamed Sarjoh Bah - Conflict Management
Patience Zanelie Chiradza - Governance and Conflict Prevention
Angela Martins (Ag.) - Social Affairs
El-C Julio Rakotonirina - Health and Humanitarian Affairs
Dr. Godfrey Bahiigwa - Rural Economy and Agriculture
Harsen Nyambe Nyambe - Sustainable Environment, Blue Economy
Kamugisha Rutayaukana Kazaura - Infrastructure and Energy
Professor Madougou Saidou from Niger - Education and Science & Technology and Innovation
AGenda 2063 as a programme of the AU
AGenda 2063 as a programme of the AU
Agenda 2063.pdfAgenda 2063: The Africa We Want is a visionary strategic framework developed by the African Union, outlining the blueprint for Africa’s transformation over the next fifty years. It aims to create a unified, prosperous, and peaceful continent by addressing long-standing socio-economic challenges, modernizing infrastructure, promoting inclusive growth, and ensuring sustainable development. The document articulates a series of bold aspirations from eradicating poverty and modernizing agriculture to enhancing governance and fostering the free movement of people and goods across Africa that collectively chart a course toward an integrated African future.
At its core, Agenda 2063 is deeply connected to the concept of Decoloniality. Decoloniality is about rethinking and dismantling the lingering legacies of colonialism that continue to influence Africa’s political, economic, and cultural systems. It calls for a transformation in the way African nations and their citizens conceive development, governance, and identity by rejecting imposed colonial frameworks and embracing indigenous values, practices, and experiences. Agenda 2063 reflects this decolonial perspective by seeking to reclaim African agency, promote self-reliance, and ensure that development is driven by the aspirations and knowledge of Africans themselves rather than by external forces.
In practical terms, Agenda 2063 encourages the continent to leverage its rich history, culture, and natural resources to build institutions and policies that are uniquely African. This means not only challenging old paradigms left over from the colonial era but also actively devising strategies that promote homegrown solutions for common challenges from economic integration and industrialization to education and technological innovation. By grounding its vision in decoloniality, Agenda 2063 positions Africa to break free from historic dependencies and neocolonial influences, ultimately fostering a future where the continent’s progress is determined by its own citizens.
Flagship projects of Agenda 2036
Flagship projects of Agenda 2036
Continental High-Speed Train Network: By connecting African capitals and major commercial centers via high-speed rail, this project will reduce transport costs, ease congestion, and stimulate economic integration and growth.
African Commodity Strategy: Focused on upgrading Africa’s raw resource exports, this strategy seeks to add value, capture higher rents, and integrate African countries into global value chains, moving beyond the role of a raw materials supplier
African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): This initiative aims to remove tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade between African nations, thereby boosting intra-African trade and positioning Africa as a major economic player on the global stage.
Free Movement of All Persons and African Passport: By eliminating restrictive travel laws, this initiative will foster unity and economic cooperation through seamless movement of people across national borders.
Silencing the Guns/End Wars in Africa by 2020: This bold project envisions ending all armed conflicts on the continent, thereby creating the secure and peaceful environment necessary for sustainable development.
Grand Inga Hydropower Project: Focused on harnessing the enormous hydroelectric potential of the Congo River through the Inga Dam, this project is envisioned to generate massive amounts of clean, affordable energy to power Africa’s industrial transformation.
Single Africa Air Transport Market (SAATM): Designed to create a unified air transport system, this project enhances connectivity across the continent, streamlines airline operations, and improves passenger and cargo mobility.
African Economic Platform: This framework is intended to leverage Africa’s collective economic potential to promote growth, investment, and sustainable policies at the continental level.
Continental Financial Institutions: Encompassing plans for an African Investment Bank, a Pan-African Stock Exchange, an African Monetary Fund, and an African Central Bank, these institutions aim to provide the financial infrastructure needed for sustainable development.
Pan-African E-Network: This project leverages information and communication technology to provide transformative e-services, cementing the information revolution as a tool for service delivery and economic development.
African Outer Space Programme: This initiative seeks to harness space technology for development, using satellite data for agriculture, weather forecasting, security, and more, thereby integrating space science into Africa’s growth strategy.
Pan-African Virtual and E-University (PAVEU): Aiming to revolutionize higher education through open and distance learning, this virtual university will enhance access to quality education across the continent.
Cyber Security Initiative: With the increasing importance of digital infrastructure, this initiative focuses on protecting Africa’s digital space, ensuring robust cybersecurity measures are in place to support a safe and dynamic e-economy.
Great Museum of Africa (GMA): Aimed at preserving and celebrating Africa’s cultural heritage, this museum will promote a shared sense of identity and serve as a platform for education and tourism.
Encyclopaedia Africana: Serves as a comprehensive and authoritative resource on Africa’s history, cultures, and societal systems. It aims to provide Africans with a foundation of truth that unites and guides their development across various fields, including history, law, economics, religion, architecture, and education. By presenting an authentic African worldview, it corrects historical narratives, educates, and highlights the contributions of African people globally.
Policies related to projects
Policies related to projects
policy digitizing.pdfThe Policy Guidelines on Digitizing Teaching and Learning in Africa
The Policy Guidelines on Digitizing Teaching and Learning in Africa
The Policy Guidelines on Digitizing Teaching and Learning in Africa by the African Union provide a framework for expanding digital education post-COVID-19. Using the DOTSS approach (Digital Connectivity, Online Learning, Teachers as Facilitators, Safety Online, and Skills-Focused Learning), the guidelines address infrastructure, teacher training, cybersecurity, and skill development. They emphasize policy reforms, increased funding, and digital inclusion to ensure accessible, effective learning across Africa
AfCFTA_RULES_OF_ORIGIN_MANUAL.pdfThe AfCFTA Rules of Origin Manual
The AfCFTA Rules of Origin Manual
The AfCFTA Rules of Origin Manual provides guidelines for determining whether goods traded among African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) State Parties qualify for preferential tariff treatment. It explains the criteria for origin determination, certification procedures, and administration of trade rules to ensure uniform implementation across member states. The manual is an essential reference for customs officers, traders, manufacturers, and government institutions, helping them navigate the requirements for goods to benefit from AfCFTA tariff preferences. It also outlines enforcement mechanisms, dispute resolution procedures, and institutional frameworks supporting trade facilitation.
Information sourced from: African Union
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