Africa Takes Charge Of Its Development Agenda – The African Union (AU) has been actively working to improve partnerships and align them strategically with Africa’s development priorities outlined in Agenda 2063. The AU has engaged with various development partners to discuss collaboration and streamline projects for achieving the desired vision of Africa’s future.
One significant partnership is the AU-European Union (EU) partnership, which aims to support the African Peace and Security Architecture and African-led efforts to address arms proliferation. The EU has committed an additional €800 million to the African Union Peace Fund, emphasizing its support for African solutions to African problems. The funding will strengthen conflict prevention, resolution mechanisms, compliance with human rights and international humanitarian law, rapid response initiatives, and peace support operations led by the AU. The AU will also receive financial assistance for gender and human rights promotion in peace operations.
Another important event was the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 7) Summit held in 2019. The summit focused on advancing Africa’s development through human resources, technology, and innovation. The conference brought together heads of state, representatives of international organizations, private sectors, civil society, academia, and the media to discuss key themes such as science, technology, innovation, education, health, agriculture, climate change, and the blue economy. The summit resulted in the adoption of the 2019 Yokohama Declaration and the Yokohama Action Plan, which emphasize economic transformation, sustainable societies, and peace and stability.
Additionally, the Republic of Korea signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the African Union Commission to support the “One Million by 2021” initiative, focusing on youth engagement and interventions in employment, entrepreneurship, education, and engagement. The MoU highlights youth exchange programs and sharing best practices to accelerate the socio-economic development of Africa. The Korean government also pledged to enhance consultations and information exchange on peace and security activities and projects with the AU, addressing initiatives like FemWise-Africa and peace efforts in various African countries.
Nurturing Collaborative Synergies: The African Union’s Preparations for the 5th Africa-Arab Summit and Exploring Partnerships with the Eurasian Economic Commission
In preparation for the 5th Africa-Arab Summit in November 2019, the AU Commission and the League of Arab States (LAS) discussed political developments, security challenges, and opportunities for strengthening cooperation. The 14th Senior Officials Meeting of the Africa-Arab Partnership Coordination Committee further discussed funding modalities for approved projects, including the Migration and Disaster Response Fund, security situations in Somalia, Sudan, and the Lake Chad Basin, the establishment of the Africa-Arab Cultural Institute, and the organization of the Trade Fair for Africa-Arab.
Moreover, the AU engaged with the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) to explore a potential partnership between the two entities. Discussions focused on formal cooperation between the Eurasian Economic Union and the African Union, with Russia expressing support for the AU’s initiatives. A Memorandum of Understanding between the AU and the EEC was scheduled to be signed at the Russia-Africa Economic Forum and Summit in October 2019.
Overall, the AU is actively fostering partnerships with various regional and international actors to drive Africa’s growth and transformation. These collaborations focus on peace and security, economic development, technology and innovation, youth empowerment, and cultural exchanges. Through these efforts, the AU aims to realize Agenda 2063 and create the desired future for Africa.
Africa Takes Charge Of Its Development Agenda
