Commemoration of the foundation of the Organization of African Unity on May 25, 1963
“An Integrated, Prosperous and Peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.”
The African Union (AU) was officially launched on July 9, 2002, in Durban, South Africa. It succeeded the Organization of African Unity (OAU), established in 1963 with the aim of promoting unity and solidarity.
Key visionary was Kwame Nkrumah, the first President of Ghana: he passionately advocated for a united Africa, emphasizing the need for political and economic cooperation among the newly independent states.
The AU’s headquarters is in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This city holds historical significance as the OAU’s original headquarters and continues to be a symbol of the unity and resilience of the continent.
The AU has made significant strides in promoting continental integration, like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aiming to create a single market for goods and services, enhancing economic growth and development.
The Peace and Security Council has been instrumental in mediating conflicts and deploying peacekeeping missions.
Launched in 2016 in Kigali during the AU 27th Ordinary Session, held by Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Chadian President Idriss Déby, the African Union Passport aims to facilitate movement across member states.
Through policies and initiatives, AU works to ensure that women have equal opportunities in political, economic, and social spheres, promoting inclusive growth and development.
