Volume 1 of the Strategic Plan of the African Union (AU) Commission outlines the precise contours of the AU’s vision and mission. The vision of the AU is that of an integrated, peaceful and prosperous Africa, driven by its own citizens, and a dynamic force in the global arena. The AU Commission has a critical role to play in translating this vision into concrete action through clearly defined strategic missions.
The African Union was established by virtue of the Constitutive Act of July 2000. The AU is the embodiment of renewed Pan-Africanism and draws its inspiration from conceptual and programmatic sources such as the Charter of the Organisation of African Union (OAU) of 1963 and the Lagos Plan of Action of 1980. Nevertheless, the AU represents a radical shift from the former OAU. In particular, the new AU Commission – which is the Secretariat of the AU – is endowed with exclusive executive competence. In addition, regional and political integration is explicitly mentioned as an ultimate objective of the African Union.
The vision of the African Union can be summarised as follows:
- A united and integrated Africa that is anchored in a pluralistic model of African society and seeks to ensure the progress and prosperity of its citizens.
- Political integration based on three integration spaces: at the continental level through the AU; at the regional level through Regional Economic Communities (RECs); and at the national level through states and local communities.
- Regional integration: the AU vision presupposes the gradual evolution of RECs towards credible regional integration communities (RICs).
- Confederal and federal management of RECs: the acceptance by AU Member States of the gradual transfer of sovereignty and delegation of power at the regional level may lead to the evolution of RECs from intergovernmental management to confederal and subsequently, to federal management.
Amongst its various functions and powers, the AU Commission is mandated to assist the Member States in executing the Union’s policies and programmes, including the Conference on Security, Stability, Development and Cooperation in Africa (CSSDCA) and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). The Commission is mandated to play a crucial role in translating the strategic vision of the AU into concrete action by:
- Building the capacity of actors involved in African integration, including the Commission and its organs, specialised institutions and technical offices of the AU, MemberStates and RECs.
- Ensuring overall coherence of the programmes aimed at accelerating integration by (i) harmonising and rationalising RECs and (ii) integrating various initiatives (such as NEPAD and CSSDCA) into the AU Commission.
- Organising brainstorming sessions on key issues affecting African integration. A network of experts from the continent and the Diaspora could be created to facilitate the conduct and management of these sessions.
- Assuming a dynamic information and advocacy role at a global level. This would enable the AU to make its voice heard and serve as an interface between Africa and the outside world.
- Playing a leadership role for the promotion of peace, human security and good governance in Africa.
- Stimulating economic, social and cultural development in Africa by actively promoting the acceleration of economic growth in the Member States of the Union and by speeding up poverty reduction measures.
- Establishing a standing follow-up or evaluation mechanism that would enable the AU to develop a culture of results and institute modern management methods.
