African Union · AU
The continent's principal political and economic union — 55 member states, headquartered in Addis Ababa, parent body of AfCFTA and the African Peer Review Mechanism.
Mandate
Established 2002, succeeding the Organisation of African Unity (OAU, founded 1963). 55 member states (every African country except some non-recognised territories). Headquartered in Addis Ababa, with specialised offices across the continent. Mandate: accelerate political and socio-economic integration; promote peace, security, and stability; defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states; promote democratic principles, human rights, and good governance.
How it works
The Assembly of Heads of State (annual) is the supreme decision-making organ. The Executive Council (foreign ministers) prepares the Assembly's work. The AU Commission (Addis-based secretariat) handles implementation under a Chairperson elected by the Assembly. The Peace and Security Council coordinates conflict response. NEPAD (now part of AUDA-NEPAD) runs the development agenda. The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) handles voluntary governance reviews.
Why it matters
AU positions on debt restructuring, climate finance, AfCFTA, and reform of the international financial architecture set the continental negotiating posture used at the G20 (where the AU is now a permanent member) and the UN. Kenya is a regular participant in AU debates and was the host of the inaugural Africa Climate Summit (2023).
What to watch
Annual Assembly outcomes and decisions, Peace and Security Council communiqués, AU Commission Chairperson elections (every four years), AUDA-NEPAD reports, APRM country reviews.
More from Regional and pan-African institutions
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The regional bloc — Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, DRC, Somalia — that runs a common market, a customs union, and (eventually) a monetary union.
- African Development Bank · AfDB
Africa's pan-continental multilateral development bank — provides loans, grants, and technical assistance to African governments and businesses.
- African Export-Import Bank · Afreximbank
Pan-African trade-finance bank — focused on financing intra-African trade, processed exports, and trade-enabling infrastructure.
- African Continental Free Trade Area · AfCFTA
The African Union's flagship trade agreement — an ambition to create the largest free-trade area in the world by member-state count, covering 1.4 billion people.
- Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa · COMESA
A 21-member regional bloc covering much of eastern and southern Africa — a free trade area with a customs union ambition.