Overview
The African Union (AU) is a continental body consisting of all 55 member states that make up the countries of the African continent. Established in 2001 and launched in 2002 as the successor to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), the AU aims to accelerate the political and socio-economic integration of the continent.
The AU's vision is to build an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena. The organization promotes unity, solidarity, cohesion and cooperation among African peoples and states.
Key Statistics
Population
Over 1.4 billion people across 55 member states, representing about 18% of the world's population and the youngest demographic globally.
Economy
Combined GDP of approximately $3.1 trillion, with significant natural resources including 30% of global mineral reserves and 12% of oil reserves.
Geography
Covers 30.3 million km², representing 20% of Earth's total land area and spanning four time zones.
Languages
Over 2,000 languages spoken, with Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, and Swahili as official working languages.
🎯 Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want
Agenda 2063 is Africa's blueprint and master plan for transforming the continent into the global powerhouse of the future. It is the continent's strategic framework that aims to deliver on its goal for inclusive and sustainable development and is a concrete manifestation of the pan-African drive for unity, self-determination, freedom, progress and collective prosperity pursued under Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance.
AU Institutions
Assembly of the Union
The supreme organ of the AU, composed of Heads of State and Government. It meets at least once a year to decide on common policies.
Executive Council
Composed of Ministers of Foreign Affairs or other designated ministers, coordinates and decides on policies in areas of common interest.
AU Commission
The secretariat of the AU, headed by the Chairperson, responsible for the day-to-day management of the AU and implementation of decisions.
Pan-African Parliament
The legislative body of the AU, ensuring full participation of African peoples in governance, development and economic integration.
Peace and Security Council
Standing decision-making organ for prevention, management and resolution of conflicts, promoting peace, security and stability in Africa.
African Court of Justice
Principal judicial organ of the AU, ensuring respect for and observance of human and peoples' rights and interpretation of AU legal instruments.
Key Initiatives and Programs
African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
The world's largest free trade area since the WTO, connecting 1.3 billion people across 55 countries with a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion.
Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA)
Continental framework for addressing Africa's infrastructure deficit through regional and continental infrastructure development.
African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA)
Framework for promoting peace, security and stability in Africa through early warning systems, mediation, and peacekeeping operations.
Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP)
Africa's policy framework for agricultural transformation, wealth creation, food security and nutrition, economic growth and prosperity.
African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM)
Instrument for self-monitoring by African countries to foster adoption of policies, standards and practices that lead to political stability and economic growth.
New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD)
Strategic framework for pan-African socio-economic development, now integrated as the AU Development Agency.