The African Union (AU) is a continental union consisting of all 55 countries on the African continent. It was established on 26^th May 2001 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with the aim of promoting unity and solidarity of African states, to spur economic development, and to promote international cooperation. In this respect, the AU’s vision is “An integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in global arena.” The objectives of the AU are:

1. To achieve greater unity and solidarity between African countries and Africans.
2. To defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of its Member States.
3. To accelerate the political and social-economic integration of the continent.

The African Union has been effective in boosting cooperation and unity within Africa, putting its efforts towards diminishing conflict and boosting democracy.  Processes are also being implemented that aim to diminish corruption and boost credibility amongst African leaders like the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). APRM evaluates member states on their successes and failures in a wide range of areas. Under this mechanism, leaders submit themselves to public scrutiny.

Uganda has been hailed as being among many examples of governments leading society and acting decisively in building a better life for current and future generations despite challenges. Uganda’s efforts in promotion of gender equality and empowering women; free movement of persons; the fight against malaria and child education have been recognized by the African Union. Furthermore, the country is pursuing its development objectives in line with the African Union Agenda 2063, which is a strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation of the continent over the next 50 years. The agenda puts forward seven aspirations for “the Africa that we want” as below:

1. A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development
2. An integrated continent, politically united and based on the ideals of Pan-Africanism and the vision of Africa’s Renaissance
3. An Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of Law
4. A peaceful and secure Africa
5. An Africa with a strong cultural identity, common heritage, shared values and ethics
6. An Africa whose development is people-driven, relying on the potential of African people, especially its women and youth, and caring for children
7. Africa as a strong, united and influential global player and partner

 http://www.un.org/en/africa/osaa/pdf/au/agenda2063.pdf

The African Union Commission (AUC) Signs Memorandum of Understanding with the African Culture House

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the African Union (AU) and the African Handicrafts and Cultural House Association hereinafter referred to as “African Culture House”) was signed in September, 2023. The signing of the MoU that was facilitated by the AU Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations in New York, USA, aims to enhance cross-cultural understanding and strengthen the bridges of friendship between Türkiye and Africa, which has deepened over the last two decades through equal partnership and mutual respect. The cooperation is also built on trust, respect, reciprocity, and mutual benefit.

The partnership agreement is within the framework of the outcome of the 3rd Africa-Türkiye Summit held from 17^th -18^th December, 2021 under the theme “Strengthening the Partnership for Common Prosperity and Development" as stated on the Summit Declaration and the Africa-Türkiye Joint Action Plan 2022-2026.

The 4^th Ordinary Session of the African Union Specialised Technical Committee on Transport, Transcontinental and Interregional Infrastructure (STC-TTII), and Energy held. The STC-TTII was held between 2^nd – 15^th September 2023, Zanzibar, Tanzania and revolved around the theme “Accelerating Infrastructure to Deliver on Agenda 2063 Aspirations”.

The fourth session of the STC comes at a time when the AU is in the process of evaluating the implementation of the First Ten-Year Implementation Plan (FTYIP) of Agenda 2063 and gearing to launch the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan (STYIP). Therefore, the fourth edition of the STC provided an opportune moment to rally the Member States and stakeholders to commit to the implementation of the STYIP by highlighting the crucial and catalytic role of infrastructure and energy in attaining the aspirations of Agenda 2063. 

The 2^nd Africa Business and Human Rights Forum called for Inclusive Growth that respects Human Rights convened. African Union in partnership with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UNICEF, UN Human Rights (OHCHR), and the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights (UNWG) with support from the Governments of Sweden and Japan organized the 2^nd Africa Business and Human Rights Forum called for Inclusive Growth that respects Human Rights from 5-7 September 2023 under the theme “For Africa, From Africa”, at the AUC Headquarters. The African Business and Human Rights Forum is an annual event convening stakeholder across Africa to facilitate a robust and multi-stakeholder dialogue based on the UNGPs that will foster joint action to prevent, mitigate and remediate business-related human rights and environmental abuses. 

The 2^nd Annual Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises Forum held. This was organized by African Union Commission (AUC) through its Department of Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals (ETTIM) under the theme “Start-up Acts: Fostering Development and Innovation in Africa. The Forum was held in September, 2023 as one of the initiatives in implementing the African Union Small Medium Enterprises strategy. Start-up Acts can significantly improve Private Sector Development and consequently, economic development as they provide a framework and business environment that is predictable and makes it easier for start-ups to operate.”