Established in 2002 as the successor to the Organisation of African Unity, the African Union represents 55 member states and 1.4 billion people. Guided by Agenda 2063, it is building an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa driven by its own citizens.
The Organisation of African Unity was founded in 1963 in Addis Ababa, with the primary goal of ending colonialism and supporting newly independent African states. It achieved landmark successes in decolonisation but was often criticised for its non-interference doctrine, which limited responses to human rights abuses.
In 2002, the AU replaced the OAU with a much more ambitious mandate: promoting democracy, human rights, development, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. The AU's Constitutive Act even allows intervention in member states in cases of genocide, war crimes, or crimes against humanity.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), launched in 2019 and entering force in 2021, represents the AU's most consequential achievement — creating the world's largest free trade area by number of countries.
The supreme decision-making body, comprising heads of state and government. Meets bi-annually to set continental direction.
The secretariat of the AU, implementing Assembly decisions and managing day-to-day operations from Addis Ababa.
The operational decision-making body for conflict prevention, peacemaking, and peacekeeping operations across the continent.
The legislative body representing all 55 member states, working toward a fully elected continental parliament with binding legislative powers.
The AU's 50-year blueprint for an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa — adopted unanimously in 2013. Seven Aspirations define the vision.
High standards of living, quality of life, and well-being for all African citizens through inclusive growth.
A politically united Africa, built on the ideals of Pan-Africanism and realised through the AfCFTA and free movement.
An Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice, and the rule of law.
A peaceful and secure continent, with all instruments of conflict prevention and resolution functioning effectively.
An Africa with a strong cultural identity, shared heritage, values, and ethics.
An Africa whose development is people-driven and reliant on the potential of African people and youth.
The AU recognises eight RECs as the building blocks of continental integration.
West Africa — 15 member states
East Africa — 8 member states
Southern Africa — 16 member states
Eastern & Southern — 21 member states
Sahel-Sahara — 29 member states
East Africa — 8 member states
Central Africa — 11 member states
North Africa — 5 member states
See how the AU's continental vision intersects with EU strategy in the EU–AU Partnership section →