Directorate of Information & Communication

AUECHO2018 Annual Magazine

Combatting CORRUPTION in Africa AGENDA 2063 Goals and Aspirations Tackling the Fall INTERVIEW WITH Chair of the PRC Amb. Armyworm Hope Tumukunde pest boosting special intra-african oau/autreaties pullout trade through

AfCFTA www.au.int The continental Commodities Strategy is a flagship project of the AU’s Agenda 2063 and envisions a commodity-led industrialisation: developing Africa’s commodities as a driver for achieving the structural, social and economic transformation of the continent.

The strategy aims to identify, formulate and drive the implementation of policies and programmes that will enable African countries to add value, extract higher rents from their commodities, integrate into global value chains and promote vertical and horizontal diversification anchored in value addition and local content development.

Find out more about Agenda 2063 and Africa’s Commodities Strategy by visiting www.au.int

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2 AU ECHO 2018 Note From The Editor

One of the most memorable phrases about shirking from It is an exciting time to be in Africa and to be African……and one’s own strength comes from the poem by Marianne watch the giant awakening. Williamson; “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.”

Although not applied to a collective like a continent, these phrases seem to apply in a way to Africa which for far too long has shied away from its latent strength, power and potential in spite of what our eyes see around us from the bountiful natural resources to the cultural wealth, history and diversity of its people. The fear entrenched through the decades has been manifested in physical, mental and imaginary boundaries that have ensured Africa remained divided and unaware of the strength that comes in integration and real unity. By envisioning the new spirit of pan-Africanism that requires Africa’s people to work together if we want to archive continental growth, Agenda 2063 forces us to face our fears and break down the barriers that can prevent us from achieving our goals. Agenda 2063 is not for the fearful and wary, it is for those brave enough to make a stand for collective action for progress; those with enough courage to admit that we need to take big bold steps as a people towards integration if we wish to have a seat and a voice at the global table and those willing to hold up a mirror and admit that we need to address societal plagues such as corruption.

2018 has been indeed a year of collective courage.

Shining a light on corruption from the grand headline grabbing stories to the individual acts that have debilitated our progress has been a stark reminder that corruption is not about “them” but about everybody and the need to fight practices that infringe on our rights to fair play and equity. At a continental level, the African Union Convention on LESLIE RICHER Preventing and Combating Corruption addresses corruption in DIRECTOR the public and private sectors and represents a consensus on Directorate of Information & Communication what African countries should do in the areas of prevention, criminalisation, international cooperation and asset recovery. The treaty has been signed by 49 of the 55 African member states while 40 have ratified it.

We have shown courage, by making progress towards greater regional integration and addressing barriers to trade and movement by launching the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), signing Protocols on Free Movement of People within Africa as well as making steps towards the African Passport. We have shown a greater capacity to manage human, animal and crop disease outbreaks on the continent and a willingness to put African resources to address African problems. We have acknowledged that to achieve the dreams for an industrialised Africa we must commit resources and invest in the sector with the highest growth potential to drive industrialisation…. Agriculture.

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The AU ECHO is produced by the Directorate of Information and Communication of the African Union. The views expressed by contributing external authors who are not officials of the African Union do not reflect the official position of the African Union. Articles from this publication, except those emanating from the AU, may not be freely printed. Articles from the AU must correctly state source as the African Union when used on any publication (print or digital) or extracted as source material for any digital, print, audio, video or any other broadcast medium. Copyrighted photographs may not be reprinted without written permission from the Directorate of Information and Communication of the African Union.

Editor in Chief: Leslie Richer Managing Editor: Wynne Musabayana Research & Media Liasion: Esther Azaa Yambou Tankou, Gamal Eldin Ahmed Karrar, Faith Adhiambo Contributors: Stahmili Gama, Mbuton Ulrike Kahbila, George Mulingi Mugabe, Teddy Namatovu Administration: Sehenemaraam Hailu, Muluken Sisay Layout & Design: Peter INSIDE Kyambadde Photography: Yohannes Zirotti P.11 The Aspirations and Goals of Agenda 2063 Agenda 2063 seeks to deliver on a set of 7 Aspirations each with its own set of goals which if achieved will move Africa closer to achieving its vision for the year 2063. P.16 From the Organisation of the African Unity (OAU) to the African Union (AU). In May 1963, 32 Heads of independent African States met in Addis Ababa Ethiopia to sign the Charter creating Africa’s first post-independence continental institution....

P.06 African Union Institutional Reforms. As Africa’s leading continental institution, the African Union is expected to play a key role in driving and achieving Africa’s Agenda 2063 vision of inclusive economic growth and sustainable growth and development. P.22 P.08 th Interview with Prof. Pierre Moukoko Mbonjo Key Decisions of the 30 about AU Reforms Ordinary Session of the African Union

4 AU ECHO 2018 P.24 P.37 Summary of the Key Decisions and Declarations National Approaches to the fight against of the 31st African Union Summit 25th of June to Corruption in Africa: Lessons from the Republic of 2nd July 2018. Nouakchott, Mauritania Cameroon P.28 P.40 Ambassador Hope Tumukunde Towards A Corrupt Free Africa: Normative Chair of the Permanent Representatives Dimensions and Success Stories in Winning the Committee speaks about the PRC, AfCFTA and the Fight Against Corruption for Africa’s Transformation AU Reforms P.30 P.48 H.E Mrs Minata Cessouma Samate, Leveraging Youth Capacities in the fight Commissioner for Political Affairs focuses against Corruption in Africa: To inspire on the theme of the year: Winning the Fight collective citizens’ action in the fight against against Corruption - A sustainable path to Africa’s corruption, it is imperative that Africa’s major Transformation demography, its young people, must be involved, engaged and partnered with in the process. P.32 African Union Convention on preventing and Combatting Corruption P.35 Tanzania’s effort to win the war over Corruption Corruption systematically drains the state’s maximum available resources’, precipitating poverty, unnecessary debt burden, and economic crisis which inevitably magnify dispossession, hunger, disease, illiteracy, and insecurity. P.50 The AU-EU-UN Tripartite Task Force on the situtation of stranded migrants in Libya: The AU-EU-UN tripartite Task Force on the Situation of Stranded Migrants in Libya came into existence as a result of deliberations during the African Union-EU Abidjan Summit, in 2017. P.56 The Fall of the Armyworm in Africa: How the African Union is Fighting back against a pest that can cause food insecurity on the continent

5 AU ECHO 2018 AFRICAN UNION INSITUTIONAL REFORMS As Africa’s leading continental institution, the African Union is expected to play a key role in driving and achieving Africa’s Agenda 2063 vision of inclusive economic growth and sustainable growth and H.E.Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda and development. Chairperson of the AU 2018

To achieve the ambitions of Agenda 2063 and to ensure an impactful 2. Realign African Union institutions in order to and effective manner in delivering on its mandate, the AU therefore deliver against the continental priorities; needs to reposition itself and ensure it has the requisite institutional • Establish a lean and performance-oriented capacity and capabilities given the evolving economic, political, and senior leadership team at the African Union social needs of the continent. Commission (AUC) • The Commission’s structures should be re- The decision by African leaders to institute the reforms of the AU evaluated to ensure that they have the right was a clear indication of the political will to accelerate, reinforce size and capabilities to deliver on the agreed and ensure service delivery to the African citizenry, with a special priorities; emphasis on Pan-African values of unity, solidarity, freedom and • Review and update the mandate and structure equality. of AU organs and institutions in alignment with agreed priority areas H.E. Mr. Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda and • Conduct a professional audit of bureaucratic current chair of the AU, was appointed to lead the AU institutional bottlenecks and inefficiencies that impede reforms process. Working with the African Union Commission(AUC) service delivery and a committee of pan-African experts, the reforms team have submitted proposals for a system of governance for the AU that 3. Connect the African Union to its citizens; would ensure the organisation is better placed to address the • Launch initiatives focused on increasing the AU’s challenges facing the continent with the aim of implementing relevance to citizens programmes that have the highest impact on Africa’s’ growth and • Establish women and youth quotas across development, so as to deliver on the vision of Agenda 2063. its institutions, and identify appropriate ways and means to ensure the private sector’s 5 areas have been identified and recommended as focal areas for the participation; Institutional Reforms of the AU • Establish an African Youth Corps, as well as develop programs to facilitate cultural and sports 1. Focus on key priorities with continental scope; exchange among Member States • The AU should focus on fewer priority areas, which are • Member States should make the African continental in scope, such as political affairs, peace and security, passport available to all eligible citizens as quickly economic integration (including the Continental Free Trade Area), as possible. and Africa’s global representation and voice; • Identify and provide a set of new capabilities or • There should be a clear division of labour and effective ‘assets’ in the form of common continent-wide collaboration between the AU, the Regional Economic public goods and services valued by Member Communities (RECs), the Regional Mechanisms (RMs), the States and citizens e.g. provision of neutral Member States, and other continental institutions, in line with arbitration and competition services, a common the principle of subsidiarity. technical platform for the data and analysis needed to assess Africa’s progress toward its development goals.

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4. Finance the African Union sustainably and with the In September 2017, The African Union Commission (AUC) full ownership of the Member States. appointed Prof. Pierre Moukoko Mbonjou and Ms. Ciru • Expedite the implementation of the 0.2% levy on eligible Mwaura as Head and Deputy Head respectively of the newly imports to enable the African Union to finance itself in formed Institutional Reforms Unit which is tasked with the long term; implementing the day today activities to be delivered on the • The Committee of 15 African Finance Ministers reform process. nominated to spearhead the process, to assume responsibility for oversight of the AU budget and Reserve At its 31st ordinary meeting, the Assembly of the African Fund and develop a set of ‘golden rules’, establishing Union requested the finalisation of the proposals and clear financial management and accountability principles recommendations based on the initial findings, on the and establishment of a Reserve Fund for continental following organs: the Pan African Parliament, the Peace and priorities; Security Council, the African Court on Human and People’s Rights, the African Commission on Human and People’s 5. Manage the business of the African Union efficiently Rights, the African peer Review Mechanism and the Advisory and effectively at both the political and operational Board on Corruption. levels. • Ensuring AU Summit Assembly session, which is For organizational effectiveness and efficiency, the Assembly attended by the Heads of State and Government, has an requested the implementation of the roadmap on the agenda of no more than three (3) strategic items at each clarification of the division of labour between the African Summit and review the frequency (The Assembly to Union, the Regional Economic Communities, Member States hold (1) one Ordinary Summit per year, and extraordinary and continental organisations. sessions to be held as the need arises; • Partnership Summits convened by external parties The Assembly further requested the AU Commission to should be reviewed with a view to providing an effective implement the reform of the Commission in line with the framework for African Union partnerships and prioritising process and timeline set out in the July 2018 progress report, Africa’s development agenda with a view to strengthening the overall administrative, operational and procedural effectiveness of the Commission.

The Institutional Reforms recommend 5 focal areas that need to be urgently addressed • The AU needs to focus on fewer priority areas with continental scope • The structure of the AU needs to be reviewed and designed to ensure realigned to ensure better performance and enhanced service delivery to its stakeholders • Provide goods and services that will ensure the AU connects better with African citizenry • Manage the business of the AU in a manner that ensures operational effectiveness & efficiency • Ensure sustainable financing of the AU and manage the resources of the organization effectively

• Provision of continent wide • Political Public Goods & Affairs CONNECT Services • Peace & • Enhance role of CONTINENTAL WITH Security AFRICANS Youth & Women PRIORITIES • Economic • Private Sector Integration Participation SUSTAINABLE • Implement 0.2% Import Levy • Africa’s • African Passport FINANCING Global • African Youth • Establish AU Voice Corps Reserve Fund • Financial • Lean & Management & Performance- Accountability Oriented senior leadership • Rationalising INSTITUTIONAL team Summits REALIGNMENT • Structural OPERATIONAL • Review and Review EFFECTIVENESS focus on external • Improve & EFFICIENCY partnerships that Service prioritise Africa’s’ Delivery developments “Some of our best moments as a continent in recent years have come when we have organised ourselves to speak with one voice and to act as one under the umbrella of the African Union in which all of our countries participate as equal stake holders. From this perspective, revamping and retooling the Union to enable it to better coordinate and articulate our concerns at a time of epochal change in world affairs is no longer a luxury but an imperative whose time has come.”

H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson African Union Commission (AUC)

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INTERVIEW WITH Prof. Pierre Moukoko Mbonjo

Why does the African Union need a to the financial aspects, you will recall The reform process is broadly inclusive reform and what process led to the that at the June 2015 Summit held and participatory. Today, one can say that creation of a reform unit at the AU in Johannesburg, the Heads of State the cruising speed has been reached, Headquarters? Give us the historical decided that the Union’s operational both at the institutional and financial context ... budget should be 100% financed by the levels. The dynamic is very positive and Reform is necessary for every Union, the program budget at 75% and no doubt bodes well for the future of the organization. The world is changing; the Peace support operations budget continent. Africa is changing and the African Union at 25%. The mechanism for collecting a must adapt to the ongoing changes and 0.2% tax on eligible imports by Member In the near future, can we hope that be able to discharge more efficiently States, decided at the Kigali Summit this AU reform will help bridge the the tasks entrusted to it by the Heads in July 2016, aims to achieve these gap between the AU as an institution of State and Government. As you know, objectives. There is no gainsaying that and its citizens? If yes, how? at the July 2016 Summit in KIGALI, the transformation of the African Union One of the five key areas of the reform the Heads of State and Government is contingent upon a greater financial is to connect the AU to the citizens of entrusted President KAGAME with autonomy on the one hand, and the Africa better than before. This process the task of overseeing the reform of effective and efficient functioning of the is ongoing, and important decisions the African Union. After a thorough organs and institutions of the Union on were made by the Heads of State and diagnosis backed by concrete proposals the other. Government in January 2018, with and recommendations as presented by respect to the youth and women. Other President Paul KAGAME to his peers What is the mandate of the Reform measures will be submitted before in January 2017, the Heads of State Unit? What are the achievements of long to the lead of the Reform and the adpoted decision 635 which is the the Reform Unit to date? Chairperson of the Commission. benchmark of the reform. It provides for The AU Reform Implementation Unit the creation of an Institutional Reform has a clear mandate: To come up with What strategy has been put in place Implementation Unit within the Office of proposals and recommendations for to ensure that the AU Reform Unit the Chairperson of the AU Commission. implementing the decisions of the Heads succeeds in its mission? It is worth pointing out that this decision of State and Government and to monitor One of the keys to the success of the was made in the light of the past failures and evaluate the results thereof. It reform lies in the full ownership of of the Organization. As a matter of fact, submits its work to the appreciation of H reforms by all stakeholders, foremost one of the major causes of the failures E Moussa Faki MAHAMAT, Chairperson among them the Member States. of past reforms is the absence or of the African Union Commission. The This presupposes the consolidation weakness of an effective mechanism for latter reports to the lead of the Reform, of the ongoing consultation process, implementing decisions made by Heads H E Paul KAGAME who in turn briefs broad inclusion of all and sundry, and of State and Government. the Assembly of the Union. The Reform at the same time an unwavering faith Unit has no claim to any balance sheet in the merits of the reform in light of How will the AU reform help to or achievements. It works, of course, the exigencies of the day, when Pan- “transform the African Union”? in tandem with all the organs and Africanism shall finally triumph. This reform encompasses the institutions concerned by the reform, as institutional and financial aspects of the provided for in decision 635 of January continental organization. With regard 2017 referred to above.

9 Prosperity, Integration, Democracy, Peace, Common Heritage, People Driven & Global Influence is what we Aspire!

Find out more at www.au.africa/agenda2063

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Agenda 2063 seeks to deliver on a set of 7 THE Aspirations each with its own set of goals which if achieved, will move Africa closer to achieving its vision for the year 2063. These ASPIRATIONS 7 Aspirations reflect our desire for shared prosperity and well-being, for unity and AND GOALS OF integration, for a continent of free citizens and expanded horizons, where the full potential of women and youth are realised, and with AGENDA 2063 freedom from fear, disease and want.

We are determined to 1. A high standard of ending poverty, inequalities of income and opportunity; job creation,

Aspiration 1: eradicate poverty in one living, quality of life and especially addressing youth unemployment; facing up to the challenges A prosperous Africa generation and build shared well-being for all of rapid population growth and urbanization, improvement of habitats based on inclusive prosperity through social and and access to basic necessities of life – water, sanitation, electricity; growth and sustainable economic transformation of providing social security and protection development the continent. 2. Well educated citizens developing Africa’s human and social capital (through an education and and skills revolutions skills revolution emphasizing science and technology) underpinned by science, technology and innovation 3. Healthy and well- expanding access to quality health care services, particularly for women nourished citizens and girls 4. Transformed transforming Wturing, industrialization and value addition, as well as economies and jobs raising productivity and competitiveness 5. Modern agriculture for radically transforming African agriculture to enable the continent to feed increased proactivity itself and be a major player as a net food exporter and production 6. Blue/Ocean Economy exploiting the vast potential of Africa’s blue/ocean economy; for accelerated economic growth 7. Environmentally putting in place measures to sustainably manage the continent’s sustainable climate and rich biodiversity, forests, land and waters and using mainly adaptive resilient economies measures to address climate change risks and communities Since 1963, the quest for 8. United Africa accelerating progress towards continental unity and integration for African Unity has been sustained growth, trade, exchanges of goods, services, free movement Aspiration 2: inspired by the spirit of Pan of people and capital through establishing a United Africa and fast An integrated continent, Africanism, focusing on tracking economic integration through the of the CFTA politically united and liberation, and political and based on the ideals economic independence. It of Pan-Africanism and is motivated by development the vision of Africa’s based on self-reliance and Renaissance self-determination of African people, with democratic and people-centred governance 9. World class improving connectivity through newer and bolder initiatives to link infrastructure criss- the continent by rail, road, sea and air; and developing regional and crosses Africa continental power pools, as well as ICT 10. Decolonisation All remnants of colonialism will have ended and all African territories under occupation fully liberated. We shall take measures to expeditiously end the unlawful occupation of the Chagos Archipelago, the Comorian Island of Mayotte and affirming the right to self-determination of the people of Western Sahara Aspiration 3: Africa shall have a universal 11. Democratic values, consolidating democratic gains and improving the quality of governance, An Africa of good culture of good governance, practices, universal respect for human rights and the rule of law; governance, democracy, democratic values, gender principles for human respect for human equality, and respect for rights, justice and rule rights, justice and the human rights, justice and the of law entrenched rule of law rule of law 12. Capable institutions building strong institutions for a development state; and facilitating and transformed the emergence of development-oriented and visionary leadership in all leadership in place at spheres and at all levels. all levels

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Mechanisms for peaceful 13. Peace security and strengthening governance, accountability and transparency as a prevention and resolution of stability is preserved foundation for a peaceful Africa conflicts will be functional at all levels. As a first step, dialogue-centred conflict Aspiration 4: prevention and resolution will A peaceful and secure be actively promoted in such Africa a way that by 2020 all guns will be silent. A culture of peace and tolerance shall be nurtured in Africa’s children and youth through peace education. 14. A stable and peaceful strengthening mechanisms for securing peace and reconciliation at all Africa levels, as well as addressing emerging threats to Africa’s peace and security 15. A fully functional and putting in place strategies for the continent to finance her security operational APSA needs.

Pan-Africanism and the 16. Africa cultural inculcating the spirit of Pan Africanism; tapping Africa’s rich heritage and Aspiration 5: common history, destiny, renaissance is pre- culture to ensure that the creative arts are major contributors to Africa’s An Africa with a strong identity, heritage, respect eminent growth and transformation; and restoring and preserving Africa’s cultural cultural identity, for religious diversity and heritage, including its languages. common heritage, consciousness of African shared values and ethics people’s and her diaspora’s will be entrenched. All the citizens of Africa 1 7. Full gender equality in strengthening the role of Africa’s women through ensuring gender will be actively involved all spheres of life equality and parity in all spheres of life (political, economic and social); Aspiration 6: in decision making in all eliminating all forms of discrimination and violence against women and An Africa, whose aspects. Africa shall be an girls; development is people- inclusive continent where no driven, relying on the child, woman or man will be potential of African left behind or excluded, on people, especially its the basis of gender, political women and youth, and affiliation, religion, ethnic caring for children affiliation, locality, age or other factors. 18. Engaged and creating opportunities for Africa’s youth for self-realisation, access to empowered youth and health, education and jobs; ensuring safety and security for Africa’s children children, and providing for early childhood development Africa shall be a strong, 19. Africa as a major improving Africa’s place in the global governance system (UN Security united, resilient, peaceful partner in global affairs Council, financial institutions, global commons such as outer space) and influential global player and peaceful co- and partner with a significant existence Aspiration 7: role in world affairs. We Africa as a strong, affirm the importance of united, resilient and African unity and solidarity influential global player in the face of continued and partner external interference including, attempts to divide the continent and undue pressures and sanctions on some countries. 20. Africa takes full improving Africa’s partnerships and refocusing them more strategically responsibility to respond to African priorities for growth and transformation; and for financing her ensuring that the continent has the right strategies to finance its own development development and reducing aid dependency

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FLAGSHIP PROJECTS global market place. The AfCFTA aims in March 2018, 30 of the 55 member to significantly accelerate growth of states of the African Union signed the OF AGENDA 2063 Intra-Africa trade and use trade more Free Movement Protocol. effectively as an engine of growth and The flagship projects of Agenda 2063 sustainable development by doubling 5. SILENCING THE GUNS BY 2020 refers to key programmes and initiatives intra-Africa trade, strengthening Africa’s To achieve the goals of Agenda 2063, which have been identified as key to common voice and policy space in global Africa needs to work towards ending accelerating Africa’s economic growth trade negotiations all wars, civil conflicts, gender-based and development as well as promoting violence, violent conflicts and preventing our common identity by celebrating our 49 of the 55 member states of the genocide. In addition progress in the history and our vibrant culture African Union (AU) have signed the areas are to be monitored through the agreement establishing the AfCFTA. establishment and operationalisation of 1. INTEGRATED HIGH SPEED TRAIN While 6 countries had ratified the an African Human Security Index (AHSI) NETWORK agreement namely Kenya, Ghana, The project aims to connect all African Rwanda, Niger, Eswatini (formerly In January 2017, the Assembly endorsed capitals and commercial centres through Swaziland) and Chad. In addition, during the AU Master Roadmap of Practical an African High Speed Train Network the July 2018 Summit in Nouakchott Steps for Silencing the Guns in Africa thereby facilitating the movement of Mauritania, the Assembly adopted by 2020. The inaugural Roadmap goods, factor services and people. the five (5) services priority sectors - implementation report was presented The increased connectivity by rail also Transport, Communication, Finance, by the PSC in July 2017. The Assembly aims to reduce transport costs and Tourism and Business services called on Member States and RECs relieve congestion of current and future to strengthen their accountability systems. 4. THE AFRICAN PASSPORT AND mechanisms, and, amongst other things, FREE MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE stressed the importance of promoting The AUC and the National Development Remove restrictions on Africans’ ability the involvement of youth and women in and Reform Commission of China signed to travel, work and live within their addressing the problems of proliferation, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) own continent. The initiative aims at use and movement of illegal weapons on an African integrated high-speed train transforming Africa’s laws, which remain and illicit goods. In addition, the network (AIHSRN) in January 2015. The generally restrictive on movement of Assembly declared the month of two parties agreed to prepare a Joint people despite political commitments September of each year till 2020 as Africa–China Vision 2063 of the AIHSRN. to bring down borders, with the view Africa Amnesty Month for surrender and A Joint Africa–China Five Year Action to promoting the issuance of visas collection of illegally owned weapons/ Plan (2016–20) was agreed on 5 October by Member States to enhance free arms 2016 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. movement of all African citizens in all African countries. 6. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2. FORMULATION OF AN AFRICAN GRAND INGA DAM PROJECT COMMODITIES STRATEGY A common passport for Africa was The development of the Inga Dam The development of a continental launched symbolically at the AU is expected to generate 43,200 MW commodities strategy is seen as key Assembly Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, of power, to support current regional to enabling African countries to add in July 2016. In July 2018, Chiefs of power pools and their combined service value, extract higher rents from their Immigration from African Union Member to transform Africa from traditional to commodities, integrate into the global States met in Nairobi, Kenya to review modern sources of energy and ensure value chains, and promote vertical the draft guidelines for the design, access of all Africans to clean and and horizontal diversification anchored production and issuance of the African affordable electricity. in value addition and local content Passport. development. The strategy aims to 7. ESTABLISHMENT OF A SINGLE transform Africa from simply being a A meeting of experts from Member AIR-TRANSPORT MARKET raw materials supplier for the rest of the States was held from 30 August to (SAATM) world to a continent that actively uses its 2 September 2017 in Port Louis, The SAATM aims to ensure intra-regional own resources to ensure the economic Mauritius, to consider the draft Protocol connectivity between the capital cities development of Africans on Free Movement of Persons, Right to of Africa and create a single unified air Residence and Right of Establishment transport market in Africa, as an impetus 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE in Africa and its draft implementation to the continent’s economic integration AFRICAN CONTINENTAL FREE plan. During the Extraordinary Summit and growth agenda. SAATM provides TRADE AREA (AfCFTA) on the African Continental Free Trade for the full liberalisation of intra-African Accelerate intra-African trade and Area (AfCFTA) held in Kigali Rwanda air transport services in terms of market boost Africa’s trading position in the

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THE GREAT GREEN WALL INITIATIVE Focal areas of The Great Green Wall Initiative: Sustainable Water and Land management, Land restoration & rehabilitation, Smart Agriculture, Alternative and Renewable Energy, Animal husbandry, Education and awareness, Promotion of Agroforestry, Knowledge exchange, Non Timber Forest Products value chains development production, Resources Mobilization , Advocacy and political engagements, Capacity building and innovation

Find out more about Agenda 2063 and Africa’s Great Green Wall Initiative by visiting www.au.int

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access, traffic rights for scheduled the establishment of organisation which 12. AN AFRICAN VIRTUAL AND and freight air services by eligible will play a pivotal role in the mobilization E-UNIVERSITY airlines thereby improving air services of resources and management of the This project aims to use ICT based connectivity and air carrier efficiencies. African financial sector. The financial programmes to increase access to It removes restrictions on ownership institutions envisaged to promote tertiary and continuing education in and provides for the full liberalisation economic integration are the African Africa by reaching large numbers of of frequencies, tariffs and capacity. Investment Bank and Pan African Stock students and professionals in multiple It also provides eligibility criteria for Exchange; the African Monetary Fund sites simultaneously. It aims to develop African community carriers, safety and and the African Central Bank. relevant and high quality Open, Distance security standards, mechanisms for fair and eLearning (ODeL) resources to competition and dispute settlement as 10. THE PAN-AFRICAN E-NETWORK offer students guaranteed access to the well as consumer protection. This aims to put in place policies and University from anywhere in the world strategies that will lead to transformative and anytime (24 hours a day, 7 days a Single African Air Transport Market e-applications and services in Africa; week. (SAATM) was launched during the especially the intra-African broad band January 2018 AU Summit. 25 member terrestrial infrastructure; and cyber 13. CYBER SECURITY states have declared their commitment security, making the information The decision to adopt Cyber Security as to the implementation of the SAATM; revolution the basis for service delivery a flagship programme of Agenda 2063 namely: Benin, Botswana, BurkinFaso, in the bio and nanotechnology industries is a clear indication that Africa needs to Cabo Verde, Chad, Republic of Congo, and ultimately transform Africa into an not only incorporate in its development Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, e-Society. plans the rapid changes brought about Ghana, Guinea Conakry, Kenya, Liberia, by emerging technologies, but also to Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, 11. AFRICA OUTER SPACE STRATEGY ensure that these technologies are used Niger, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South The Africa outer space strategy aims to for the benefit of African individuals, Africa, Swaziland, Togo and Zimbabwe strengthen Africa’s use of outer space to institutions or nation states by ensuring bolster its development. Outer space is data protection and safety online. The 8. ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ANNUAL of critical importance to the development Cyber Security project is guided by the AFRICAN ECONOMIC FORUM of Africa in all fields: agriculture, disaster African Union Convention on Cyber The annual African Economic Forum, is management, remote sensing, climate Security and Personal Data Protection a multi-stakeholder meeting that brings forecast, banking and finance, as well as together the African political leadership, defence and security. Africa’s access to 14. GREAT AFRICAN MUSEUM the private sector, academia and civil space technology products is no longer The African Charter for African Cultural society to reflect on how to accelerate a matter of luxury and there is a need to Renaissance recognises the important Africa’s economic transformation speed up access to these technologies role that culture pays in mobilising and harnessing its vast resources to enhance and products. New developments unifying people around common ideals the development of the African people. in satellite technologies make these and promoting African culture to build The forum discusses key opportunities accessible to African countries and the ideals of Pan-Africanism. The Great as well as the constraints that hamper appropriate policies and strategies are African Museum project aims to create economic development and proposes required to develop a regional market for awareness about Africa’s vast, dynamic measures to be taken to realise the space products in Africa. and diverse cultural artefacts and the Aspirations and goals of Agenda 2063. influence Africa has had and continues The AU Assembly adopted the African to have on the various cultures of The first African Economic Platform was Space Policy and Strategy in January the world in areas such as art, music, held in Mauritius from 20 to 22 March 2016 as the first major step towards language, science, and so on. The Great 2017 to reflect on how to accelerate an African outer space programme African Museum will be a focal centre Africa’s economic transformation The Assembly also requested the AU for preserving and promoting the African through the implementation of Agenda Space Working Group to develop an cultural heritage. 2063. implementation framework for the Strategy and a governance framework The AUC met with the Government 9. ESTABLISHMENT OF covering the relevant legal requirements of Algeria in April 2017 to discuss THE AFRICAN FINANCIAL and protocols for an operational African the establishment of a technical INSTITUTIONS outer space programme. advisory committee to develop an The creation of African Continental implementation roadmap for the Great Financial Institutions aims at accelerating Museum of Africa. AU Member States integration and socio-economic have been encouraged to provide development of the continent through financial support for construction of the Museum.

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FROM THE ORGANISATION OF AFRICAN UNITY (OAU) TO THE AFRICAN UNION (AU) In May 1963, 32 Heads of independent African States met in Addis Ababa Ethiopia to sign the Charter creating Africa’s first post-independence continental institution, the Organisation of African Unity (OAU).

The Organisation of African Unity • To promote international (OAU) was established on 25 May 1963 cooperation, having due regard to [25May–OAU Day / AU Day] The OAU the Charter of the United Nations was Africa’s continental body from)1963– and the Universal Declaration of 1999. The OAU was the manifestation of Human Rights. the pan-African vision for an Africa that was united, free and in control of its own On 9.9.1999, the Heads of State and destiny and this was solemnised in the Government of the OAU issued a OAU Charter Declaration (The Sirte Declaration) calling An Integrated, Prosperous and Peaceful for the establishment of an African Union Africa, driven by its own citizens and The OAU Charter spelled out the [9 September–African UnionDay].9.9.99. representing a dynamic force in the purpose of the Organisation namely: global arena. • To promote the unity and solidarity The African Union was established in of the African States; accordance with the Constitutive Act • To coordinate and intensify their which was adopted in 2000 at the Lome cooperation and efforts to achieve a Summit, Togo and entered into force in better life for the peoples of Africa; 2 0 01. • To defend their sovereignty, their territorial integrity and In 2002, the African Union (AU) was independence; officially launched as the successor to • To eradicate all forms of colonialism the Organisation of African Unity. from Africa; and The decision to re-launch Africa’s

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pan-African organisation was the continent by promoting research in outcome of a consensus by African all fields, in particular in science and leaders that in order to realise technology Africa’s potential, there was a need 14. Work with relevant international to refocus attention from the fight for partners in the eradication of decolonisation and ridding the continent preventable diseases and the of apartheid, which had been the promotion of good health on the focus of the OAU, towards increased continent. cooperation and integration of African 15. Ensure the effective participation states to drive Africa’s growth and of women in decision-making, economic development. particularly in the political, economic and socio-cultural areas; The objectives of the AU: 16. Develop and promote common 1. Achieve greater unity and solidarity policies on trade, defence and between the African countries their foreign relations to ensure the the people defence of the Continent and the 2. Defend the sovereignty, territorial strengthening of its negotiating integrity and independence of its positions; Member States; 17. Invite and encourage the full 3. Accelerate the political and socio- participation of the African Diaspora economic integration of the Iconic Building of OAU, that defined the as an important part of our continent; Ethiopian skyline 1963 Continent, in the building of the 4. Promote and defend African African Union. common positions on issues of interest to the continent and its peoples; 5. Encourage international cooperation 6. Promote peace, security, and stability on the continent; 7. Promote democratic principles and OAU to AU institutions, popular participation and good governance; 8. Promote and protect human and peoples’ rights in accordance with With the launch of the African Union, the Emblem of the Union was transitioned to the African Charter on Human and reflect the new vision for Africa’s’ future and the aspirations of its people. Peoples’ Rights and other relevant human rights instruments; 9. Establish the necessary conditions Each component of the AU Emblem therefore has a significance which enable the continent to play its rightful role in the global Gold Circle symbolises economy and in international Palm Leaves Africa’s wealth negotiations; stand for Peace 10. Promote sustainable development and bright at the economic, social and cultural future. levels as well as the integration of African economies; The Gold Green circle 11. Promote cooperation in all fields of Map of Africa stands for human activity to raise the living without African hopes standards of African peoples; boundaries and aspirations. 12. Coordinate and harmonise the in inner circle policies between the existing signifies African and future Regional Economic 7 interlocking unity. Communities for the gradual Red rings signify attainment of the objectives of the African solidarity Union; and the blood 13. Advance the development of the shed for Africa’s liberation.

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01 Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa 06 H.E. Abdirascid Ali Balewa Scermarch, Prime Minister of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Nigeria Republic of Somali 02 Dr. Kwame Nkrumah 07 H.E. Apollo Milton Obote, President of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Ghana Republic of Uganda 03 His Majesty Haile Selassie I 08 H.E. Amadu Ahidjo, The Emperor of Ethiopia President of the Federation of Cameroon 04 General Gamal Abdul Nasser President of the United Arab Republic of Egypt 05 H.E. Ben Bella, President of the oau Republic of Algeria founders 01 03

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09 11

10 13

15 16 12 14

09 H.E Seku Toure, 15 H.E David Dacko, President of the President of Central Republic of Guinea African Republic. 17 10 H.E. Mokhtar Ould 16 H.E. U.Modibo Keita, Daddah, President President of the of the Republic of Republic of Mali Mauritania 17 H.E Habib Bourguiba, 11 H.E Leopolod Senghor, President of the President of the Republic of Tunisia Republic of Senegal 18 H.E Fulbert Youlou, 12 H.E Julius K.Nyerere, President of the President of Republic of the Tanganyika Congo (Brazzaville) His Majesty Mwambutsa H.E Hamani Diori, 19 13 19 I V, King of Burundi President of the 18 Republic of Niger 14 His Majesty King Idris of Lybia

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20 H.E Maurice Yameogo, 27 Sir Milton Margai, President of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Burkina Republic of Sierra 20 Faso Leone 21 His Majesty King Hassan II of Morocco 22 H.E Philbert Tsiranana, President of the Republic of Madagascar 23 Dr. William V.S.Tubman, President of the Republic of Liberia 24 H.E. Sylvanus Olympio, President of the republic of Togo 25 Leon M’ba, President of the Gabon Republic 26 Dr.Hastings Banda, Prime Minister of Malawi 21 22

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28 Hon. Jomo Kenyatta, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya 29 H.E. Joseph Kasavubu, 28 President of the Congo (Leopoldville) 30 H.E Hubert Maga, President of the Republic of Benin 31 H.E. Ibrahim Abboud, President of the Republic of Sudan 32 H.E. François Tombalbaye, President of the Republic of Chad

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21 KEY DECISIONS OF THE ORDINARY SESSION OF THE AU 30thSINGLE AFRICAN AIR TRANSPORT SILENCING THE GUNS PEACE AND SECURITY COUNCIL MARKET (SAATM) High level committee on Libya On the activity Report of the Peace Adoption of the Decision on the On the Report of the Leader of the and Security Council and the State Establishment of a Single African African Union High-Level Committee of Peace and Security in Africa, the Air Transport Market (SAATM). 25 on Libya, the Assembly requested the Assembly welcomed the signing, on 21 member states have declared their African Union Commission to re-launch December 2017, by the South Sudanese Solemn Commitment to the immediate the efforts of the Contact Group on stakeholders, of an Agreement of implementation of the Yamoussoukro Libya, in close cooperation with the Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Decision towards establishment of a United Nations, in order to pool the Civilians and Humanitarian Access. The Single African Air Transport so far. efforts of the international community on Assembly expressed deep concern the issue, and support the efforts of the over the repeated violations of the INSTITUTIONAL REFORMS African Union High-Level Committee on Agreement by the parties, resulting in Implementation Process Libya. further deterioration of the already dire The Assembly reiterated its commitment humanitarian situation caused by the to the reform and renewal of the Union. SUSTAINABLE FINANCING OF THE ongoing conflict, and demanded that The Assembly decided that the Reform AFRICAN UNION all warring parties immediately put an Troika shall be expanded to the Bureau Decision made to expand the end to all military actions and comply of the Assembly and will collaborate membership of the Committee of scrupulously with their commitments, with President Kagame in his capacity as Ministers of Finance from 10 to 15 as contained in the agreement of 21 Champion on the AU Institutional Reform members, based on the principles of December 2017. process. equitable geographical distribution and rotation. In this regard, the Committee will be called the Committee of Fifteen Ministers of Finance.

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COMPREHENSIVE AFRICAN APPOINTMENTS AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT • Ms. Amal Mahmoud Ammar PROGRAMME (CAADP) (Egypt) as a Member of the African On fast tracking the CAADP-Malabo Union Advisory Board on Corruption Commitments for Accelerating for a 2 year term. Agriculture Transformation in Africa • Mr. Nzinzi Pierre Dominique through Biennial Review Mechanism (Gabon) as President of the Pan and Africa Agricultural Transformation African University (PAU) Council for Scorecard (AATS), the Assembly called a 3-year term. on all member states of the African • 10 members of the Peace and Union, to mobilize adequate technical Security Council of the African and financial resources in supporting Union for 2-year terms as follows: agricultural data systems, monitoring and 1. Central region- Equatorial evaluation systems and strengthening Guinea; Gabon mutual accountability structures to 2. East Africa- Djibouti; Rwanda trigger evidence based planning for 3. North Africa- Morocco agriculture transformation. 4. Southern Africa- Angola; Leaders of African Countries Zimbabwe th attending the 30 African COMBATTING CLIMATE CHANGE 5. West Africa- Liberia; Sierra Union Summit at AU On the outcomes of COP 23/CMP 13 Leone; Togo Headquarters in Addis and Africa’s Engagements at the Global • The Assembly welcomed the Ababa, Ethiopia Climate Change Conference at COP 24/ appointment of former Algerian CMP 14, the Assembly urged developed Foreign Minister and former AU country parties to scale up the current Commissioner for Peace and levels of climate finance, through Security Amb. Ramtane Lamamra agreement among parties on concrete as the AU High Representative for pathways and accounting methodologies Silencing the Guns and called upon for achievement of the collective goal by member states, the RECs/RMs, developed countries to mobilize USD 100 the UN and all partners, to extend billion a year by 2020 and beyond. their cooperation and support his activities.

Some of the participants at the 30th African Union Summit

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1. AFRICAN CONTINENTAL FREE TRADE AREA (AfCFTA) • 49 of the 55 member states of the African Union (AU) have now signed the agreement establishing the AfCFTA. While six countries 6 have ratified the agreement • During the Summit South Africa, Namibia, Burundi, Lesotho, and Sierra Leone signed on to the agreement increasing the number of signatories to 49 countries • Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) and Chad deposited their instruments of ratification thereby increasing the number of states who have ratified the AfCFTA to 6. The other counties that have ratified the AfCFTA are Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda and Niger. • The Assembly of Heads of State and Government (herein after referred to as the Assembly) adopted the five (5) services priority sectors - Transport, Communication, Finance, Tourism and Business services. • Heads of State and Government, urged member states who have not yet done so, to sign and ratify the agreement, and urged all member states to abstain from entering into bilateral trading arrangements until after the entry into force of the Summary of the Key agreement establishing the AfCFTA. • Mandated the AUC to organise a Civil Society Forum and a Private Decisions and Sector Forum preceding the June/ July 2019 mind-year coordination meeting in Niamey, Niger. DECLARATIONS 2. INSTITUTIONAL REFORMS OF THE AFRICAN UNION st • The Assembly requested the of the 31 African finalisation of the proposals and recommendations based on the initial findings, on the following Union Summit organs: the Pan African Parliament, 25th of June to 2nd July 2018 the Peace and Security Council, Nouakchott, Mauritania the African Court on Human and People’s Rights, the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights, the African peer Review Mechanism and the Advisory Board on Corruption. • For organizational effectiveness and efficiency, the Assembly requested the implementation of the roadmap on the clarification of the division

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of labour between the African against those obstructing efforts • Africa Amnesty Month September Union, the Regional Economic to achieve reconciliation and peace 2018: Member States urged to start Communities, Member States and in the country. The Assembly planning for activities to mark, the continental organisations. commended the Intergovernmental day with a the view to mobilising • The Assembly further requested the Authority on Development (IGAD) on citizens to voluntarily surrender AU Commission to implement the its efforts to revitalize the process of illegally owned weapons. reform of the Commission in line implementation of the Agreement • Zambia and Zimbabwe commended with the process and timeline set on the Resolution of the Conflict for being the first countries to out in the July 2018 progress report, in the Republic of South Sudan submit their written reports on their with a view to strengthening the (ARCSS) and welcomed discussions efforts in the implementation of the overall administrative, operational between South Sudanese President AU Master Roadmap on Practical and procedural effectiveness of the Mr. Salva Kirr and Dr Riek Machar; Steps to Silence the Guns in Africa Commission. as well as the Khartoum Declaration by 2020, and the assembly called • Expand the membership of the Agreement of 27 June 2018. It on other member states to emulate Group of Fifteen Ministers of urged the governments of Sudan these examples. Foreign Affairs from 15 to 20 and South Sudan to implement their Member States, 4 per region, commitments as outlined in the 5. THE ISSUE OF WESTERN including the Kingdom of Morocco 2012 Cooperation Agreement. SAHARA following the acceptance of its • Ethiopia & Eritrea: The Assembly • Establish an African mechanism request for membership; commended commitments comprising the AU Troika, namely • Convene an Extraordinary Session and progress made on the the outgoing, the current and the of the Assembly on the AU implementation of the Algiers incoming Chairpersons, as well as institutional reform process on Agreement between Ethiopia the Chairperson of the Commission, 17-18 November 2018 at the AU and Eritrea and reaffirmed its to extend effective support to the Headquarters in Addis Ababa, commitment to support the UN-led efforts, by encouraging the Ethiopia. two countries in their efforts to parties to demonstrate flexibility, normalise relations. mobilizing as large support as 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE • Somalia: The Assembly welcomed possible for the United Nations AFRICAN UNION DEVELOPMENT the Somalia Transition Plan as a led-efforts, and reflecting, in AGENCY sound basis for the country to close consultation with the UN, • The Assembly approved the realize durable peace. on the substance of the desired establishment of the African Union • Libya: The Assembly voiced compromise. Development Agency (AUDA) as deep concern over the persistent • This mechanism shall report the technical body of the AU, and security situation in Libya, which regularly on the implementation requested the AU Commission, continues to prolong the suffering of its mandate to the Assembly of in consultation with the NEPAD of the Libyan people. While noting the Union and, as necessary, to Planning and Implementation the progress in various situations the Peace and Security Council at Agency, to develop a statute for of concern on the continent, the the level of the Heads of State and AUDA and submit it for adoption at Assembly also outlined measures to Government.The Assembly decided the February 2019 summit. be undertaken to resolve the crises, that the issue of Western Sahara will • The New Partnership for Africa’s and allocated responsibilities to only be raised within this framework Development (NEPAD) Agency is various stakeholders involved in the and at this level; the organisation responsible for processes. the implementation of the African • The Assembly welcomed progress 6. AFRICAN UNION BUDGET Union’s Agenda 2063 and works to and gains registered in Guinea • A budget of US$681,485,337 was support the realisation of various Bissau and Mali as well as in the approved for the AU for the financial development programmes and fight against the Boko Haram year 2019. The budget will cover initiatives within African countries. terrorist group. 3 components i.e. operational, Transition from NEPAD to AUDA • The Assembly also endorsed the programme and peace support will be undertaken as part of the decision of the Peace and Security operations. establishment of the latter. Council to designate the 7th of • The Assembly commended the April each year as the African Union AU for reducing its budget by 12% 4. PEACE AND SECURITY IN AFRICA Day of Commemoration of the compared to the 2018 budget • South Sudan: The Assembly 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in which demonstrates an indication to reaffirmed its support for the Rwanda. adhere to the ongoing Institutional imposition of punitive measures • Agenda 2063 Flagship Project Reforms the AU, which require Silencing the Guns by 2020 effectiveness in managing resources

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7. APPOINTMENTS 8. AFRICAN CANDIDATURES • The Assembly made the following appointments: • The Assembly urged all member states to support the • African Court on Human and People’s Rights: candidature of Hon Louise Mushikiwabo, Rwandese • 3 judges of the for 6 year terms: Blaise TCHIKAYA Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and East African (Congo); Ben KIOKO (Kenya); Stella Isibhakhomen Community on the post of Secretary General of the ANUKAM (Nigeria), International Organisation of La Francophonie. • 1 judge of the same court for a term of 2 years, being the remainder of the term for another judge (Imani D. ABOUD 9. THEME OF THE YEAR 2018 (Tanzania) • In line with the 2018 theme “Winning the fight against • African Union Commission on International Law :5 corruption: A Sustainable Path for Africa’s Transformation,” members for five year terms the Assembly encouraged member states to combat illicit • Kevin Ferdinand NDJIMBA (Gabon); Narindra Arivelo financial flows, strengthen their national anti-corruption RAMANANARIVO (Madagascar); Hajer GUELDICH agencies and invest in the demographic dividend amongst (Tunisia); Sindiso H. SICHONE (Zambia) other measures. • The election of one (1) Female Member from the Central • The Assembly undertook to adopt measures to Region shall take place in February 2019 during the Thirty- ensure public personalities declare their assets, and to Fourth Ordinary Session of the Executive Council. progressively abolish bank secrecy jurisdictions and tax • African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare havens. of the Child: 4 members for five year terms • Joseph NDAYISENGA (Burundi); Azza AL ASHMAWY 10. THEME OF 2019 (Egypt); Alassane Aissatou SIDIKOU (Niger); • 2019 was designated as “The Year of Refugees, • The election of one (1) Female Member from the Central Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons: Towards Region shall take place in February 2019 during the Thirty- Durable Solutions to Forced Displacement in Africa.”. Fourth Ordinary Session of the Executive Council • Pan African University Council: 1 Vice President for a three year term • Audrey Nthabiseng OGUDE (South Africa) • AU Board of External Auditors: 5 heads of Supreme Audit Institutions from each of the AU regions to serve on the board

MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR AFRICA’S YOUTH, END CORRUPTION!

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Africa and Europe put Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality at the top of their Agenda

Women Convene at On 30th June 2018, the AU Chair President Paul Kagame and EU the Women in Power Commissioner Mr. Neven Mimica co-hosted the joint African Union “Gender side-event at the 31st – European Union “Women in Power” side-event at the 31st African equality is African Union Summit Union Summit in Mauritania. in Mauritania always on the The purpose of the event was to hold a high-level dialogue between Africa and Europe on the role of women as key drivers of Agenda. It is political, social and economic development, and to deepen existing commitments in this area. always a top

Several other high-level AU and EU representatives, Heads of State, priority for and representatives of international organisations attended the event. Among then were: HE Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the both the AU African Union Commission, HE Mahamadou Issoufou, President of the Republic of Niger, HE Nana Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of and the EU” Ghana, HE Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, President of the Republic of Burkina Faso, HE Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic H.E. President of Egypt. Paul Kagame, President of the Following the AU-EU Abidjan Summit held in 2017, this joint Republic of Rwanda event is another signal of the strong partnership that unites both and Chairperson of the continents and the efforts by the AU and EU to accelerate efforts AU, 2018 to support gender equality and women’s empowerment — which are fundamental to achieving Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Also present at the opening ceremony, were the Minister of Social Affairs, Childhood and Family in Mauritania Ms. Naha Mint Ould Mouknass, and the UN Deputy Secretary General Ms. Amina Mohammed who lauded the efforts across the continent in various spheres. The President of Niger and AU Champion on the African Continental Free Trade Area. Mr. Mahamadou Issoufou, also addressed the gathering.

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Ambassador Hope Tumukunde CHAIR OF THE PERMANENT Representatives Committee speaks about the PRC, AfCFTA and the AU Reforms

How would you describe the working relationship between the PRC and the AUC? The working relationship between the PRC and the AUC at this point in time is excellent and has progressively been improving.

For example, the Chairperson of the Commission himself and the different Commissioners have made it a point since January 2018, to interact with the PRC regularly and share information on the day to day activities of the Commission, and key projects of the Union for our information and advice.

This has greatly improved the working relationship and the mutual trust. I can only hope that it will continue in this manner.

In which area would you like to see some improvement on the work done by the Commission on the one hand and the PRC on the other? I think both sides can do better especially in as far as working with a better sense of urgency in whatever we do. We all tend to do things at the last minute and therefore sometimes miss out on the best outcomes.

In line with “The Africa We Want” of Agenda 2063, what Africa would you like the future generation to inherit? I would wish the future generation to inherit an Africa in which to these measures, strong institutions that match the task they can freely interact with each other across the continent have been established and strengthened. Notable among and beyond our national borders, an Africa with policies and an these institutions are: environment that enables all men and women, girls and boys i. The Office of Ombudsman that handles annual asset to realize their full potential. declarations of public officials. It also has prosecuting powers and can reverse court cases that smell of As you are aware the theme of the year 2018 is “Winning corruption and injustice. The office is also in charge of the Fight Against Corruption: A sustainable Path to Africa’s public education in collaboration with local governments. Transformation.” Kindly share with us some of the best ii. Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee practices on how Rwanda is dealing with the issue of iii. Office of the Auditor General corruption? iv. The National Public Prosecution Rwanda has put in place a number of measures to deal with the issue of corruption. These measures include those that educate the citizens on the vices of corruption, measures that promote transparency and also punitive measures. In addition

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The Kigali Summit on the AfCFTA was described as • Participation of every able bodied man and woman successful in terms of mobilizing greater participation • Public- private partnerships in big infrastructure projects of the member states to take active part in signing the • Strong institutions that work for the ordinary people AfCFTA agreement as well as raising awareness on the • Equal opportunities to all Rwandans and many others importance of this flagship project for the continent. What do you think about that? The President of Rwanda, H.E. Mr. Paul Kagame has led Yes I believe the Kigali Extra Ordinary Summit on the AfCFTA high level reflections on the AU reform. How do you see was successful in mobilizing member states towards this the future of the AU after the implementation of these integration initiative. 44 countries signed initially in Kigali. Today reforms? the number has gone up to 49 signatories with 6 ratifications. I see an African Union that is in a position to finance most of I believe with the current momentum, the AfCFTA will enter its budgetary needs. into force as planned. An Africa with dignity and is well respected by partners. Rwanda is considered as one of the success stories in the I also see a well-managed and efficient AU Commission, development of Africa. Can you share with us some of the driving performance and with delivery based on clear lines of best practices implemented by the Rwandan Government? authority, and accountability. Some of the best practices include: • Always trying to be efficient as a country in all we do. I see a well-co-ordinated AU Commission delivering concrete • Using the few available resources to do as much as results in line with agreed priorities and plans, and maintaining possible. In the same spirit we have resorted to the use the highest fiduciary standards and accountability in the of unconventional ways of doing things management of its resources in line with value for money. • Using the Rwandan traditions to address modern I see a performance-based AU Commission, staffed by challenges (home grown solutions) motivated personnel, who have a strong commitment to pan- • Citizen centered policies and programs African values in the delivery of their work and are not subject • Signing annual performance contracts by every institution to administrative impunity from the national level to all local governments

H.E Paul Kagame signing the Africa Continental Free Trade Area(AFCFTA). (left) AU Legal Counsel, Dr Namira Negam

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FOCUS ON THE THEME OF THE YEAR: WINNING THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION- A SUSTAINABLE PATH TO AFRICA’S TRANSFORMATION An Interview with H.E Mrs. Minata Cessouma The role of the AU in the fight Samate, Commissioner against corruption is: • To bring this problem to the attention of the for Political Affairs continental leadership • To encourage its member states to act and root out corruption. Why did African Heads of State and Government choose the fight against corruption as the theme for 2018? • To develop the Common African Position on The African Union (AU) member states have declared the Asset Recovery 11th of July every year as the ‘African Anti-Corruption Day’. to Transparency International, around 80 per cent of African Furthermore, the year 2018 was declared as the ‘African people live on less than US$2 a day, and corruption is one Year of Combatting Corruption’ under the theme: “Winning factor perpetuating poverty. This trend needs to be reversed. the Fight Against Corruption: A Sustainable Path to Africa’s The Mbeki Panel on illicit financial flows has found that Transformation”. Through these two important steps, the AU every year Africa loses between USD50 million and USD150 aims to root out corruption on the continent as part and parcel million through corrupt practices of multinational corporations of its overall goal of achieving an integrated, prosperous and siphoning proceeds from Africa’s natural resources. There is peaceful Africa within the framework of Agenda 2063 and the need for concerted efforts to recover and return Africa’s stolen 2030 global agenda on sustainable development, the seven (7) assets from safe havens and secret financial jurisdictions. noble aspirations enshrined in Agenda 2063 and the sixteen (16) global sustainable development goals. Corruption is one of the chronic problems of the African continent. How can the African Union reduce, prevent, and What explains the adoption of this theme only now when control such a problem? corruption has been a flaw in the society for a long time, I think the best way for the African Union to reduce, prevent with terrible effects on the lives of African citizens? and control this scourge of corruption, is firstly to advocate As the English saying goes, it is better late than never. Indeed, for member states to sign, ratify, domesticate and implement corruption has been a blight on Africa’s development journey the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combatting from time immemorial. It cannot be allowed to continue. Of Corruption (AUCPCC). National anti-corruption bodies have to the top ten most corrupt countries globally, six are in Africa. be strengthened. The civil society organisations and the media This is cause for concern for the AU. Corruption is costly for have to be supported so as to ensure accountable, transparent the socio-economic development of the continent. According

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A Sustainable Path to Africa’s Transformation and corruption-free governance systems. national laws as well as establishment Above all, fighting corruption requires of national anti-corruption bodies. These They also agreed to: high-level political commitment and are indeed commendable efforts that - Establish a monitoring mechanism leadership. must be lauded. However, some gaps to fight against domestic and still exist as 17 member states are yet cross-border corruption through Many scholars agree that political to ratify the Convention. In fact, one of cooperation and commitment of the leaders is the reasons why the AU has declared - Speak strongly against corruption. the prime solution to combatting 2018 the African anti-corruption year is to They proposed courageous reforms corruption. How can we ensure this promote ratification, domestication and of legal and regulatory regimes, tax commitment is shared throughout the implementation of the Convention. administration and procurement continent? systems in order to combat graft It is important that at national level, the Is there any integrated effort and in the public and private sectors. anti-corruption crusade is led by Heads results in the fight against corruption For example, Nigerian President of State and Government. They need to in Africa? Muhammadu Buhari, the AU leader lead by example. Once they lead from Indeed, there are results in our fight on the fight against corruption said: the front, then other societal players against corruption. But they are not “We must all collectively work will feel empowered and motivated to uniform across the board. They vary to place high on the agenda, the take the bull by the horns. But if this from one member state to another. need for open and participatory commitment and leadership is lacking, Meanwhile we applaud the fact as I government, as well as the other players are bound to become said earlier, 49 of the 55 AU member repatriation of stolen assets without reluctant to fight this scourge. states have signed the African procedural technicalities and legal Union Convention on Preventing and obstacles.” What role can the African Union play Combatting Corruption. And 38 of them in eradicating the devastating effect of have gone on to ratify the Convention In your opinion, how can the fight corruption in Africa? and are States Parties to it. Of these, against corruption boost the AU The role of the AU in this fight against many have gone on to domesticate the reforms agenda? corruption is very clear. First, it is to Convention through the enactment of The AU institutional reform agenda is bring this problem to the attention of national laws as well as establishment meant to enhance the efficiency and the leadership of the continent through of national anti-corruption agencies. effectiveness of the Union. One way of normative instruments. This is exactly We hope to see these efforts being doing this, is to ensure that our internal what the AU Convention on Preventing sustainable on the whole. And regarding business processes are corruption-free. and Combatting Corruption has done. to efforts, I think that it is very important We have to live by the shared values Second, the AU then encourages its to recognize that corruption is a cross- of this Union which include, think member states to act and root out cutting issue that requires integrated Africa above all else, transparency and corruption. This is why the AU policy approaches in solving the challenge. accountability, integrity and impartiality organs declared 2018 as the African as well as efficiency and professionalism. anti-corruption year. Finally, the AU will What could African Citizens expect develop the Common African Position from the theme of the year on fighting What is your message to the on Asset Recovery, meant to assist the against corruption? world regarding the complexity of continent locate and recover its stolen I think that African citizens’ expectation corruption and the need to combat it? assets, which have been siphoned to could be of strong political commitment My simple message to the world is that safe havens abroad. in the fight against corruption in general corruption is a global problem. It is not and illicit financial flows in particular, purely an African problem. Therefore, The AU adopted a convention to curb which was expressed in the declaration for us to tackle this problem, we need corruption on the continent 15 years on the African anti-corruption year by to collaborate together and join hands ago. Has there been any change since Heads of States and Government at the at various levels, namely, nationally, the adoption of this convention? July 2018 summit. regionally, continentally and globally. Since of the AU Convention on In this solemn declaration, the Heads Thus, while the AU can work with its Preventing and Combatting Corruption, of State decided to combat illicit 55 member states, it needs to also 49 out of the 55 AU Member States financial flows through various practical collaborate with Regional Economic have signed the Convention. The measures, including the establishment Communities (RECs) and regional Convention has been ratified by 38 AU of ownership registers, country-by- mechanisms, and partner with other member states and has now come into country reporting of financial information, international actors to eradicate this force. Many member states have made exchange of tax information agreements, scourge. concerted efforts to domesticate the and mutual support in reinforcing tax Convention through the enactment of authorities, among others.

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AFRICAN UNION CONVENTION on Preventing and Combatting Corruption

The AU Convention on Preventing and Combatting Corruption to an independent agency, or to an individual, that such is the legal instrument that aims to align African Member official has received by virtue of his or her position states towards the common goal of combatting the negative e) the offering or giving, promising, solicitation or effects of corruption by implementing policies, laws and acceptance, directly or indirectly, of any undue advantage institutions to prevent, curb and penalise practices that have to or by any person who directs or works for, in any negatively affected Africa’s socio-economic development. capacity, a private sector entity, for himself or herself or for anyone else, for him or her to act, or refrain from The Objectives of the Convention are to acting, in breach of his or her duties; 1. Promote and strengthen the development in Africa by f) the offering, giving, solicitation or acceptance directly or each State Party, of mechanisms required to prevent, indirectly, or promising of any undue advantage to or by detect, punish and eradicate corruption and related any person who asserts or confirms that he or she is able offences in the public and private sectors. to exert any improper influence over the decision making 2. Promote, facilitate and regulate cooperation among the of any person performing functions in the public or private State Parties to ensure the effectiveness of measures and sector in consideration thereof, whether the undue actions to prevent, detect, punish and eradicate corruption advantage is for himself or herself or for anyone else, as and related offences in Africa. well as the request, receipt or the acceptance of the offer 3. Coordinate and harmonize the policies and legislation or the promise of such an advantage, in consideration of between State Parties for the purposes of prevention, that influence, whether or not the influence is exerted detection, punishment and eradication of corruption on or whether or not the supposed influence leads to the the continent intended result; 4. Promote socio-economic development by removing g) Illicit enrichment; obstacles to the enjoyment of economic, social and h) The use or concealment of proceeds derived from any of cultural rights as well as civil and political rights. the acts referred to in this Article; and 5. Establish the necessary conditions to foster transparency i) Participation as a principal, co-principal, agent, instigator, and accountability in the management of public affairs accomplice or accessory after the fact, or on any other manner in the commission or attempted commission of, The Convention is applicable to the following acts of in any collaboration or conspiracy to commit, any of the corruption and related offences acts referred to in this article. a) The solicitation or acceptance, directly or indirectly, by a public official or any other person, of any goods of Principles Governing the Convention monetary value, or other benefit, such as a gift, favour, promise or advantage for himself or herself or for another Member States who are part to the person or entity, in exchange for any act or omission in the convention undertake to abide to the performance of his or her public functions; following principles b) The offering or granting, directly or indirectly, to a public • Respect for democratic principles and official or any other person, of any goods of monetary institutions, popular participation, the rule of value, or other benefit, such as a gift, favour, promise or law and good governance. advantage for himself or herself or for another person • Respect for human and peoples’ rights or entity, in exchange for any act or omission in the in accordance with the African Charter performance of his or her public functions; c) Any act or omission in the discharge of his or her duties on Human and Peoples Rights and other by a public official or any other person for the purpose of relevant human rights instruments. illicitly obtaining benefits for himself or herself or for a • Transparency and accountability in the third party; management of public affairs. d) The diversion by a public official or any other person, • Promotion of social justice to ensure for purposes unrelated to those for which they were balanced socio-economic development. intended, for his or her own benefit or that of a third party, • Condemnation and rejection of acts of of any property belonging to the State or its agencies, corruption, related offences and impunity

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EA O

A Sustainable Path to Africa’s Transformation

AU Convention on preventing and Combatting Corruption

38 Ratified

17 Non Ratified

As of 22nd January 2018

The AU Convention on Preventing & Combatting • Adopt measures to establish laws making Illicit Corruption sets out specific areas that Member States Enrichment an offence should undertake in their fight against corruption • Adopt legislation and other measures to give the right of including: Access to Information that is required to assist in the fight • Implementing legislative and other measure that amongst against corruption and related offences other things address issues of establishing, maintaining • Adopt legislation guiding the Funding of Political Parties and strengthening independent national anticorruption and Incorporate the principle of transparency into funding authorities or agencies; implementing strong internal of political parties accounting and auditing systems; control and oversight • Adopt legislation to prevent and combat acts of corruption measures over the operations of foreign companies; and related offences committed in and by agents of the protecting informants and witnesses; promoting public Private Sector and establish mechanisms to encourage education in fight against corruption participation by the private sector in the fight against • Establish as criminal offence the Laundering of the unfair competition, respect of the tender procedures and Proceeds of Corruption through conversion, transfer or property rights and prevention of paying bribes to win disposal of property; concealing illicit origin of property; tenders disguising true nature , source , location of ownership etc • Popularising the Convention with full participation of • Fighting Corruption in the public service by requiring Civil Society Groups and Media and giving media access all or designated public officials to declare their assets; access to information in cases of corruption and related establishing and implementing a code of conduct and offences on condition that the dissemination of such training public officials on matters of ethics; develop information does not adversely affect the investigation disciplinary measures and investigation procedures process and the right to a fair trial. and using technology to support these endeavours; transparency in tendering and hiring practices; ensuring Other areas covered in the Convention include:- jurisdiction, that immunity granted to public officials shall not be an guarantees of fair trial, extradition, confiscation and seizure obstacle to the investigation of allegations against and the of proceeds from corruption bank secrecy, member state prosecution of such officials. cooperation and mutual assistance, international cooperation.

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EA O THE AFRICAN A Sustainable Path to Africa’s Transformation

The African Union Advisory Board on Corruption (AUABC) UNION is an Organ of the African Union that was established as a mechanism to follow-up on the implementation of the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption ADVISORY (AUCPCC). The Advisory Board on Corruption has the broad mandate to: 1. Document and analyse corrupt activities; BOARD ON 2. Advise the AU and Member States on all matters relating to corruption; 3. Monitor and report on implementation and compliance with the Convention through receipt of State Reports; CORRUPTION and 4. Engage in advocacy and outreach to prevent corruption. AUABC The Advisory Board on Corruption is composed of 11 Board Members drawn from the 5 regions of Africa.The Board Members are experts in the field of anti-corruption and have the highest levels of integrity and impartiality.The Board Members are elected by the AU Executive Council, appointed by the Assembly and serve for a period of 2 years renewable once.

“The universal The Advisory Board on Corruption is supported by a Secretariat that carries out the day-to-day activities of the Board and is ratification of the located in Arusha, Tanzania. African Union Convention on The African Union Convention on Preventing and Preventing and Combatting Corruption Combatting To date, 49 out of 55 Member States of the African Union are signatories to the Convention while 39 out of 55 Member Corruption by all States have ratified or acceded to the Convention and are Member States will State Parties to it. Countries which are yet to ratify or accede symbolise Africa’s to the Convention are Cameroon, Central African Republic, determination to Cape Verde, Djibouti, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial fight corruption” Guinea, Eretria, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Somalia, South Sudan, SaoTome and Principle, Sudan, Swaziland andTunisia. Hon. Begoto Miarom, Chairperson African The African Anti-Corruption Year Union Advisory Board 2018 was declared the ‘African Anti-CorruptionYear’ on the on Corruption theme ‘WinningThe Fight Against Corruption: A Sustainable Path To Africa’sTransformation.’The ‘African Anti-CorruptionYear’ aims to evaluate the progress made in fighting corruption and develop new strategies to curb the vice.This will contribute to increased implementation of anti-corruption measures and enhanced citizen participation in transparency and www.auanticorruption.org accountability efforts. In turn, this will contribute to the socio- #AfricaAgainstCorruption economic and political transformation of Africa.

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Tanzania’s effort to win the war over Corruption

“…there is no part of the world where corruption is absolutely eliminated” Olusegun, Obasanjo.

Corruption systematically drains the in implementing the convention. STAHMILI GAMA is an Advocate state’s ‘maximum available resources’, The paper concludes that despite all of the High Court of Tanzania and precipitating poverty, unnecessary debt the challenges facing the fight against human rights enthusiastic. She burden, and economic crisis which corruption, there is still hope for the holds LL.M (Human Rights and inevitably magnify dispossession, member states to overcome, since the Democratization in Africa) from the hunger, disease, illiteracy, and AU is committed to winning the fight. University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South insecurity. Corruption brings about Africa and LL.B from the University of unfair consequences for the vulnerable The AU Convention on Prevention and Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. Apart from groups of the society, including the Combating of Corruption litigation, she is also competent in poor, women and children, perpetrating The convention represents an program and project management and and institutionalizing discrimination. By important step in the efforts to develop research. She has successfully done exploiting a nation’s natural resources international standards to counter research and managed projects on and wealth for the personal gain of systemic corruption across Africa. gender, women’s property and land leaders, rather than socio-economic In effect, the convention imposes rights, gender based violence, sexual development of a country, corruption obligations on African countries to take and reproductive health and rights, jeopardizes the needs and well-being of a leadership role in the international women political participation and future generations1. People, especially fight against corruption in the public children and juvenile justice. the poor, often get hurt when resources and private spheres. The preamble are wasted. That is why it is so important acknowledges that corruption the illicit enrichment of government to understand the different kinds of undermines accountability and officials4. Article 4 of the convention corruption and create pathways that give transparency in the management of requires state parties to criminalize citizens relevant tools to engage and public affairs and requires state parties to ‘acts of corruption and other related participate in their governments. It is build partnerships between governments offences’. According to article 1 of the also important to bring together formal and civil society organizations. In addition convention, corruption is defined as ‘acts and informal processes and use the to criminalization, the convention also and practices including related offences power of technology to build dynamic focuses on precautionary measures. It prescribed in this convention,’ and illicit and continuous exchanges between brings out the objectives, obligations enrichment as ‘the significant increase key stakeholders: government, citizens, and mechanisms to implement those in the assets of a public official or any business, civil society groups, media and obligations; provisions on international other person, which he or she cannot academia2. co-operation and technical assistance; reasonably explain in relation to his or provisions on information exchange, her income.’ Recognizing the gravity of corruption public awareness and education; and its effects on the African region, the research and finally, legal provisions The convention has the potential to AU whose mandate is, among others, relevant to the operation of the reduce or even eliminate opportunities to promote democratic principles and convention on issues such as entry into for heads of state and other top state institutions, popular participation and force and reservation. officials to exploit the international good governance, adopted the African banking system to obscure or launder Union Convention on Preventing and The convention attacks both the demand the proceeds of political corruption from Combating Corruption (AUCPCC) on and supply sides of corruption in that their countries; as article 4 enumerates July 11th 2003 in Maputo, Mozambique. it requires state parties to criminalize what the convention considers ‘acts This paper discusses the AUCPCC as a both the solicitation or acceptance, and of corruption and related offences’ to milestone that sets perimeters to fight the offering or granting of bribes3. It include the offering of illicit payments; corruption at the regional level. It also prohibits foreign bribery and obligates acts or omissions by government official looks at the progress made by Tanzania state parties to take measures to combat for the purpose of obtaining a bribe; the fraudulent diversion by a public official

1 Kolawale Olaniyan at http://www.pccb.go.tz/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Human-Right-JOURNAL.pdf 2 Governance for development at http://blogs.worldbank.org/governance/here-are-10-ways-fight-corruption 3 Article 4 of AUCPCC 4 Article 5(1) of AUCPCC 35 AU ECHO 2018

or any other person of any property Tanzania ratified the AUCPCC on 22nd Another remarkable step on the fight belonging to the state or its agencies; February, 2005. As part of efforts at against corruption is the enactment the offering or giving, promising, fighting corruption and strengthening of the Whistleblower and Witness soliciting or accepting, undue advantage the economy, Tanzania embarked on Protection Act, 2015 that aims at to or by any person in a private sector an aggressive pursuit of legal and protecting and encouraging people to entity’. institutional reforms. One of the major volunteer information on crime. reforms in 2007 was to repeal and State parties also agree to adopt replace the Prevention of Corruption Moreover, in November, 2016 Tanzania measures to establish, maintain and Act with the Prevention and Combating established the Economic, Corruption strengthen independent national anti- of Corruption Act (PCCA), No.11/2007 and Organized Crime Court, and by corruption authorities or agencies, of the PCCA and, among other things, April 2017, twenty five graft cases and internal accounting, auditing and establish the Prevention and Combating had been filed14. Statistics show that follow-up systems5. Furthermore, the of Corruption Bureau (PCCB). there were 3,911 cases involving convention obligates state parties to corruption allegations during the 2015/16 strengthen mechanisms for promoting As stipulated in article 5(3) and 5(8) year. Investigations on 324 of them the education of populations to respect of the AUCPCC, Tanzania, through had already been completed15. The public good and public interest, and the PCCA has strengthened its anti- Director General of the Prevention and build awareness on the fight against corruption agency. Section 7 of the Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB), corruption6. Act gives powers to the PCCB to Valentino Mlowola said the decision investigate and prosecute offences by the government to establish the The status on ratification of the under the Act and all other offences court showed its political will in fighting convention by member states now involving corruption. The new act also corruption16. stands at 38 out of 55 member states7 addresses shortcomings found in the . This means that state parties would repealed law that include, lack of legal State parties agreed to adopt measures need to comprehensively reform their capacity for the agency to prosecute to establish, maintain and strengthen substantive domestic laws in order to corruption related to fraud, and sexual independent national anti-corruption 10 intensify the fight against corruption. corruption . However, the PCA did not authorities or agencies, and internal Currently, according to Transparency criminalize offences such as trading accounting, auditing and follow-up International, Africa ranks high in in influence and possession of wealth systems. corruption levels8. whose legality cannot be explained11.

Generally, if fully ratified and There have been suggestions to implemented, the convention would amend the law so as to allow the Generally, Tanzania has an impressive reduce or eliminate corruption by anti-corruption agency to have powers arrangement of structures, institutions toughening the domestic laws and their to recover proceeds of corruption. and laws aimed at combating corruption. enforcement. Speaking at the launch of the human rights week in 2017, the then minister The task of combating corruption is Tanzania Government’s Efforts to of state in president’s office, Ms. an overwhelming one with no simple Fight Corruption Angellah Kairuki announced that plans answers. It is a never ending evolution. Tanzania has been ranked number 103 were underway to amend the PCCA as Establishing an international legal regime out of 180 countries included in the part of the efforts to step up the war is but one essential component that global corruption perceptions index for on corruption, “…the amendment will drives the process forward. And to top 2017. The index awarded the East African make the law more specific and make it all, political will of member states to country a score of 36 points which was a it possible for punitive actions to be empower the legal framework that will slight improvement from 2016 and 2015, taken according to the severity of the be established will be of paramount where the country registered a score of offence committed…”12 The Controller importance if the legal framework is to 32 and 30 points, respectively9. and Auditor General reports show that bear fruit. the government has been losing a lot of money annually in recent years due to embezzlement and corruption13.

5 Article 5(3) of AUCPCC 6 Article 5(8) of AUCPCC 7 African Union at https://au.int/sites/default/files/treaties/7786-sl-african_union_convention_on_preventing_and_combating_corruption_5.pdf 8 Transparency International ‘the cost of corruption’ at https://www.transparency.org/what-is-corruption?gclid=Cj0KCQjwuYTYBRDsARIsAJnrUXDNEAUvuclIWrisb- jcAulBsUd7I0bOopOU_O0yZw8N8pl5sfXKofEaAnHOEALw_wcB#costs-of-corruption 9 Transparency International at https://www.transparency.org/news/feature/corruption_perceptions_index_2017 10 See sections 7 & 25 of the PCCA NO.11/2007 11 These are now criminalized and they are mentioned in the PCCA NO.11/2007 under sections 33 and 27 respectively 12 The Citizen at http://www.thecitizen.co.tz/News/Why-anti-corruption-law-is-not-tough-enough---Minister/1840340-3476438-776f/index.html 13 As above 14 Xinhuanet at http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-04/26/c_136235649.html 15 As above 16 As above 36 AU ECHO 2018 EA O

National Approaches to the A Sustainable Path to Africa’s Transformation fight against Corruption in Africa: Lessons from the Republic of Cameroon

The significant strides the African African States, including Cameroon MBUTON ULRIKE KAHBILA is continent has made towards human have made commendable efforts to a young female Cameroonian rights, good governance, social prevent and combat corruption at Lawyer, currently serving as and economic development with national levels. a Human Rights Officer at the regards to normative framework African Union Mission in Somalia development has been one that Cameroon’s efforts to prevent (AMISOM). She prieviously can be termed progressive. In as and combat corruption at the served as a Human Rights and much as quite a number of the other national level is a combination of Gender Fellow at the Central regional instruments have provided legal, institutional, administrative Africa Regional Office of the commendable provisions in the frameworks and other policy United Nations Center for Human fight for good governance, social measures that have helped check Rights and Democracy, Yaounde, and economic development and corruption in the country. Although Cameroon. She has extensive anti-corruption, the most significant Cameroon is yet to ratify the AU experience working on human and arguably progressive of them Anti-Corruption Convention some of rights issues at both at grassroot is the African Union Convention its anti-corruption measures actually levels and international levels. Her on Preventing and Combating fulfil the objectives set out in the engagement on human rights and Corruption (AU Anti-Corruption AU Anti-Corruption Convention and related issues earned her the 2018 Convention). The AU Anti-Corruption could equally provide some best Mandela Washington Fellowship Convention signals the deep practices for other AU Member and several other awards. commitment of AU Member States States implementing the anti- towards realising the transformation corruption agenda. This paper In additon to her academic of the African continent. therefore discusses the measures backgroud in Law, she holds put in place by the government of an LLM in Human Rights and What comes a surprise is the Cameroon to prevent and combat Democratization, obtained from fact that the AU Anti-Corruption corruption, while highlighting key the Centre for Human Rights, Convention, which was adopted in areas where the government could University of Pretoria and a Maputo, Mozambique on 11 July strengthen its efforts. The paper Masters in Governance, obtained 2003 and entered into force on particularly serves as a call to the from the Pan African University 5 August 2006, has till date not Cameroonian government to ratify of the African Union. She equally received the same enthusiasm and the AU Anti-Corruption Convention holds a Post-Graduate Diploma wide levels of ratification like other as a means of consolidating the in Peace and Conflict Studies, as AU instruments like the African commendable gains it has so well as certifications on advanced Charter on Democracy, Elections far recorded in the fight against human rights trainings. and Governance (ACDEG) of 2007. corruption at the domestic level. This could easily lead one to arrive Kahbila is passionate about to the hasty conclusion that the After the 1990s Cameroon saw interrogating the impact of fight against corruption is not a a rise in corruption related to corruption on the promotion priority on the agenda of the AU privatisation, decentralisation and and protection of human rights and its Member States. However, foreign aid, but Cameroon’s anti- in Africa. This has informed her this is not the case and the AU corruption regime has equally interests in understanding how Member States have, in recent evolved with the implementation existing legal and institutional times expressed in strongest terms, of a number of safeguards against frameworks could be used to their commitment to preventing corruption. combat corruption, particularly and combating corruption in Africa. with a view to advancing human This is particularly reflected in the In terms of the international legal rights in Africa. She is also keen fact that the AU theme of the year framework, since 2006, Cameroon on exploring innovative legal 2018 has been dedicated to the is party to the United Nations approaches to combat corruption fight against corruption. Beyond the Convention against Corruption in Africa in order to truly actualize continental commitment under the (UNCAC) and has signed but not values of the African Union. AU theme for the year 2018, various ratified the AU Anti-Corruption

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Convention. Cameroon signed the AU corruption and related issues, Bank study, CONAC is considered Anti-Corruption Convention on 30 June particularly with respect to political to have fiscal and administrative 2008. party and campaign financing. In autonomy and, on average, handles Cameroon Law No. 2000/15 of 19 about 900 cases a year. Operation In addition to its commitments at the December 2000 regulates political Sparrow Hawk, launched in 2010 by the international level, Cameroon has also party and campaign financing in executive branch of the Cameroonian established a comprehensive domestic Cameroon. government, through the National legal and institutional framework on Anti-Corruption Commission, raided and corruption. One significant step taken In addition, Cameroon has adopted jailed several high-level bureaucrats and by the government is the criminalisation legislation addressing specific issues ex-ministers, some for more than 25 of corruption in Cameroon. In of corruption with respect to conflicts years each, for presumed corruption, Cameroon, the Penal Code of Law N° of interest and asset declaration. bribery and embezzlement. However, 67-LF-1 of 12 June 1967 criminalizes Cameroon’s Law No.2006/3 of 25 April CONAC does not have the capacity to corruption. In its Article 134, the 2006 on the Declaration of Assets take cases of corruption to the courts, Cameroon Penal Code effectively and Properties expands upon the nor does it have the ability to freeze penalizes offering and receiving bribes. constitutional amendment, obligating or confiscate revenue coming from In a similar fashion, the Cameroon public officials and elected politicians corruption. In recent years, CONAC Penal Code proscribes and punishes to present asset and patrimony has come under serious criticism acts or omissions that amount to declarations annually and upon based on the lack of transparency the granting of undue exceptions or entering and exiting the public service in all its proceedings and for not benefits by a public official (Article or public office. offering detailed information about 137), extortion and collusion with public investigations and those convicted of employees (Article 142 and 160), intent Cameroonian legislation also captures corruption. of extortion, collusion or bribery (Art. aspects of corruption within public 161 and 312) and embezzlement (Art. procurement processes. Established The NCHRF serves as legal 184). by a 2004 decree, the Public ombudsman for Cameroon, and is Procurement Code are “the rules charged with defending citizens’ and In the fight against corruption, applicable to the award, execution victims’ human, civil, economic and the aforementioned provisions and control of Public Procurement” cultural rights. NCHRF provides legal of the Cameroon Penal Code are (Article1). This Code sets the rules consultancy and assistance to victims complemented by Decree N° 95/048 of “based on the principles of freedom and takes up cases as prosecutor. In 1995 which offers sanctions to corrupt of access to public procurement, terms of corruption, NCHRF has a Sub- magistrates. Further measures to fight equal treatment of candidates and commission on Special Matters (Sous- corruption in Cameroon are included transparency of procedure” (Art. 2). commission des Questions Spéciales) in Cameroon’s General Statute of which carries forward corruption-related Public Service passed under Decree In terms of the institutional framework, cases and aims to defend victims of No. 94/199 of 7 October 1994. It has Cameroon counts a handful of corruption (NCHRF 2016). been noted that Cameroon’s General institutions responsible for providing Statute of Public Service stands as the oversight of state activities and Cameroon’s 1996 constitution most significant text in administrative investigating corruption. The main creates the Audit Chamber of the penalties. Moreover, it provides that no institutions dealing with corruption Supreme Court. The Audit Chamber one can be recruited if found guilty of in Cameroon include: National Anti- is charged with the implementation a lack of probity, including corruption. corruption Commission (CONAC); of transparency and compliance The General Statute of Public Service National Commission for Human legislation, namely by reporting lays down, in its Articles 92 and Rights and Freedoms (NCHRF); Audit obligations of public accountants of the 93, provisions which constitute the Chamber of the Supreme Court state, public institutions, regional and “disciplinary regime to which a public and the Special Criminal Court. The local authorities, businesses from the official is submitted”, the violation by an CONAC was established in 2006 by public and para-public sector. The Audit official of a “set of rules and obligations national Decree no. 2006/088 on Chamber in Cameroon is organised and constitutes a fault” and exposes this March 11 2006 to replace the Anti- regulated by Law No. 2003/005 of 21 public official to “disciplinary sanction” Corruption Observatory. CONAC’s April 2003. (Article 92 of the Cameroon General main tasks are to educate the Statute of Public Service). population about corruption and to On September 4, President Biya signed investigate corruption in the public decree N°2013/288 fixing the modalities Cameroon has also put in place service and the state apparatus in for the restitution of misappropriated legislative frameworks that address general. According to a 2016 World public property: this, in compliance with

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Section 18 (3) of Law No.2012/011 of • The President of the Special in matters where the value of loss is 06 July 2012 to amend and supplement Criminal Court or during court below fifty million (50,000,000) francs certain provisions of law No.2011/28 of sessions. In either case, a copy CFA. This is in line with Sections 9, 10 14 December 2011 to set up a Special of the official statement and and 11 of the law of 06 July 2012. Criminal Court which stipulates that: the treasury receipt must be “Modalities for the restitution of the forwarded to the Procureur The measures put in place by the corpus delicti shall be fixed by rules and General of the Special Criminal Cameroonian government to prevent regulations.” According to Section 18 of Court within 72 hours, who will in and combat corruption directly feed Law No.2012/011 of 06 July 2012: turn transmit these to the Minister into the objectives and principles 1. Where the corpus delicti is of Justice with his opinion, also of the African Union Convention on restituted, the, Procureur General within 72 hours (Article7-10). Preventing and Combating Corruption of the Court may, subject to Restitutions in kind occur when (AU Anti-corruption Convention). a written authorization by the the accused restitutes the corpus According to Article 3(5) of the AU Minister in charge of Justice, delicti with movable or immovable Anti–corruption Convention, one of enter a nolle prosequi against property equal to the amount the core principles of this instrument prosecution prior to committal embezzled. Restitutions in kind is the condemnation and rejection of before the trial Court. are done exclusively before acts of corruption, related offences 2. However, where such restitution the Procureur General of the and impunity. The Cameroonian is effected after committal to the Special Criminal Court who must, government has demonstrated a trial court, a nolle prosequi may be within 72 hours, send an official strong disposition to condemn and entered against the proceedings statement to the Minister of reject corruption and related offences, prior to any judgment on the merits Justice explicitly mentioning the hence the legal, administrative and and the Court seised shall inflict request to end proceedings along other measures that have been put the forfeitures under Section 30 of with proof that the said movable in place. Some of the anti-corruption the Penal Code and mention made or immovable property exists. The measures put in place by the in the criminal record. Minister of Justice then contacts Cameroonian government precede the competent ministry to assess the adoption and entry into force of Restitution may be either in cash or the value of the property. The the AU Anti-corruption Convention, in kind. (Articles 4 & 5). Where there restitution in kind is certified by but the Republic Cameroon being is cash restitution, the accused either the competent Ministry in the a signatory to this instrument is reimburses the totality of the funds presence of the accused and a yet to ratify same. Preventing and embezzled, or makes a monetary Magistrate. combatting corruption is essential restitution equal to the exact value of for the transformation of the African the embezzled movable or immovable The Cameroonian legislation makes continent, hence the need for the property. According to section 18 of different provisions for case involving Republic of Cameroon to also ratify July 2012 law and Article 3 of the less than 50 million FCFA. According and domesticate this instrument September 2013 decree, the Procureur to Section 2 of the Law No.2012/011 in order to improve the fight General of the Special Criminal Court of 06 July 2012 to amend and against corruption in Cameroon. may, subject to an authorization by the supplement certain provisions of law Nonetheless, the measures put in Minister in charge of Justice, drop the No.2011/28 of 14 December 2011 place by Cameroon should also serve case against the defendant. In other to set up a Special Criminal Court, as a source of inspiration, from which words, freedom is not automatic after Cameroon’s Special Criminal Court is other AU Member States and parties restitution; this is at the discretion of empowered to hear and determine to the AU Anti-corruption Convention the Minister of Justice. Restitution is matters of misappropriation of public can draw some lessons on the made to the Treasury which issues a property and related offences where various approaches to preventing receipt of payment to the accused. the value of the loss is at least fifty and combating corruption at national million (50,000,000) francs CFA as levels. The receipt is then handed over to provided for by the Penal Code and the competent authority who may be International Conventions ratified by (article 6): Cameroon. Nonetheless, Article 12 of • The police during criminal this presidential decree stipulates that investigations its provisions also apply where the • The Examining magistrate during judicial police, examining magistrates, the preliminary inquiry Presidents of Courts of First Instance • The Legal Department of the and High Courts, or the Procureurs Special Criminal Court General of Courts of Appeal, are seized

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Towards A Corrupt Free Africa: Normative Dimensions and Success Stories in Winning the Fight Against Corruption for Africa’s Transformation by George Mulingi Mugabe

As a product of poor governance which corruption to poor governance offers The fight against corruption remains one in turn, affects governance systems a credible contextual view rooted to of the major challenging and complex and institutions, corruption remains Africa’s circumstances. For Shah and priorities for Africa’s transformation. as one of the leading impediments to Schacter5 on the other hand, lack Considerations towards sustainable anti- Africa’s transformation. It is no surprise of strong institutions which are key corruption policy and initiatives require a that, in recent years, endeavours components to accountability, is one more holistic approach in conceptualising towards corruption free states have of the significant determinants of corruption as an axis of systematic received significant attention. This corruption. As such, this institutional reforms across sectors. This approach is greatly due to the fact that, the perspective is also critical to allows for more pragmatic and non- cost of corruption on development contextualising the fight against conventional minimalistic approaches of has become more apparent and corruption in Africa. More so, taking combating corruption. Similarly, although unbearable to governments1. This is into consideration the realities of strides have been made towards realising accentuated in Africa’s struggle for many countries in Africa operating in a corrupt free Africa, little is shared across inclusive democratic governance whose the realms of inadequate institutional the continent as success stories. Thus, relevance not only strives to liberalise structures and weak processes which this calls for more efforts in cataloguing the political and economic arenas, but trigger and enable corruption to success stories for dissemination also to ensure better living standards thrive, the central role of institutions and replication of what works across and social welfare for the African in fighting corruption cannot be over the continent. To this end, the article people.2, 3 emphasised. endeavours to assess few dimensions and complexities towards anti-corruption While the debate on how to define and As a continent that prides itself in efforts in Africa, and take stock of selected or contextualise issues of corruption is its rich and diverse cultural groups, success stories that are often times left ongoing, Khan’s4 internalistic linkage of the cultural dimension to assessing untold.

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corruption in Africa cannot be ignored. evidenced by the recent encouraging compliance to international initiatives, This is so because, certain practices glimmers of change where African like the Extractive Industry Transparency can be captured as corrupt practices countries have made notable strides Initiative (EITI), Senegal has by measurements while they are to change corruption trajectories. The successfully managed to continuously merely cultural norms and practices. 2017 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) utilise the country’s Ministry of Good However, it is paramount to not over by Transparency International (T.I) notes Governance and National Office Against emphasise on culturalism which can the role of transformation going on in Corruption (OFNAC) and the Court for mask actual corrupt practices as tied Rwanda and Cape Verde in managing the Repression of Illicit Enrichment to local cultures, as “culture is an corruption levels; while investments (CREI) among other measures, to fight easy explanatory trap.”6. Moreover, dedicated to fighting corruption have corruption. Other notable successes Ndikumana and James7 venture to started to steadily pay off in Cote are notable in Cote d’Ivoire and Tanzania highlight the interplay of external and d’Ivoire and Senegal. where the EITI has played a major role transnational dimension on corruption in boosting good governance in natural in Africa. To them, Africa’s corruption Furthermore, despite being the worst resources and promote transparency maladies are highly exacerbated performing region as a whole, some and accountability along the value chain by foreign multinational companies African countries score better than (contracts and licenses, production, who capitalize on weak institutional some countries of the Organisation revenue collection, revenue allocation infrastructure and mechanisms for Economic Co-operation and and social and economic spending).13 compared to local small and medium Development (OECD).11 Specifically, enterprises. Thus, accounting for all Botswana (61), Seychelles (60), Cape Despite improved anti – corruption externalistic dimensions of corruption Verde (55), Rwanda (55) and Namibia efforts across Africa, it is worth noting in Africa also allows for a pragmatic and holistic strategic approach to combating corruption at its root. Top ten least Corrupt African Countries

AFRICA’S SUCCESS IN COMBATING Ghana CORRUPTION South Africa Recognising the daunting challenge Senegal Sao Tome and Principe posed by corruption to good Namibia governance, sustainable economic Rwanda growth, peace, stability, and Mauritius Cape Verde development; continental, regional Seychelles and national bodies have continued to Botswana wage war against corruption in Africa. 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 The African Union, for example, has 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 declared 2018 as the ‘African Year of Winning the Fight Against Corruption.’ Furthermore, the continued efforts Source: Data compiled from Transparency International CPI, 2018 to fighting corruption echo empirical evidences on the debilitating and corrosive effects of corruption (51) all score better on the 2017 index the dire situations persisting in some on infrastructure8, foreign direct compared to OECD countries like Italy African countries (i.e. Liberia, Somalia, investment9, welfare10 among others. (50), Greece (48), Hungary (45). In Libya, Sudan and a few others) where These efforts are notable through countries like Rwanda, where initiatives corruption is rampant due to weak different initiatives like the African remain inclusive and people centred, and or fragile governance institutions. Union Convention on Preventing and catering to home grown ideologies, This reality cements the pressing Combating Corruption (AUCPCC) and systems and organisations, has helped need to make good use of Africa’s the African Union Advisory Board on in curbing corruption. Such initiatives continental initiatives like the African Corruption. facilitate in building a culture where Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) integrity is valued and corruption to facilitate replication of regional While success stories on fighting rejected, in turn helping to alleviate the initiatives in fighting corruption across corruption in Africa are often times cost of corruption that amounts to over the continent. But while such initiatives spasmodic, supporting the common USD$ 148 billion per annum which is are significant in promoting and sharing narrative to Africa’s failure in combating equivalent to 50% of tax revenue and best practices, mere transplantations corruption at face value would be 25% of the African GDP.12 of best practices at face value across demolarising- if not misleading. This is Similarly, in addition to ensuring countries can lead to detrimental

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EA O

A Sustainable Path to Africa’s Transformation

Create a path for greater infrastructure development, END CORRUPTION!

Find out more at www.au.africa

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42 AU ECHO 2018

results. Sharing of experiences and ensure accountability throughout International%20handbook%20 identifying anti-corruption best practices the social, political and economic on%20the%20economics%20 from other countries, should instead spectrums of states. On the other of%20corruption.pdf. lead to follow-up dialogue, analysis hand, noting the gap on information 5. Shah, A., and Mark, S. (2004). and holistic collaboration between all availability and sharing, there is Combating Corruption: Look stakeholders to fit the unique needs need for institutions like the African Before you Leap. Finance and and circumstances of a country. Since Union and other regional and national Development. Available from countries present different and unique bodies to promote replication of https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ challenges owing to their different anti-corruption best practices across ft/fandd/2004/12/pdf/shah.pdf. political, socio-economic and legal the continent. These mechanisms 6. Sindzingre, A. (1997). Corruptions contexts, it suffices to say, there is no should take into consideration, Africa’s africaines: éléments d’analyse universal model of successful anti- transformation agenda though the comparative avec l’Asie de l’Est. corruption policies and or initiative. As African Union’s agenda 2063 and the Revue Internationale de Politique such, anti-corruption policies and tools UN’s Sustainable Development Goals Comparée, vol. 4, pp. 377–412. would need to be ‘re-invented,’ and (SDGs) to push for reforms at national, 7. Ndikumana, L., and James, K.B. not transplanted in order to address continental and global level. (2012). Capital Flight from North the particular social, economic and African Countries. PERI Research or cultural contexts of the adopting Therefore, for Africa to grow and Report. Amherst, Massachusetts: country. nurture its own ideas, processes and Political Economy Research mechanisms that would successfully Institute. Corruption is indeed, one of the central thwart corruption across the continent, 8. Ameyaw, C., and S. Mensah factors that undermines developmental more holistic and inclusive initiatives (2013). Curbing corruption in the transformations in Africa. The lack constructed on democratic, inclusive public procurement in Ghana. of good governance in Africa, also and participative value are central to (p. 52). Available from http:// leads to weak institutions, ineffective propelling the continent to achieve its pakacademicsearch.com/pdf-files/ checks and balances, inadequate legal development aspirations. art/446/44-53%20Vol%203,%20 frameworks and poor enforcement No%205%20(2013).pdf. mechanisms which, in turn, incite REFERENCES 9. Sikka, P. (2010). Smoke and Mirrors: corruption. Although a significant 1. Policy Forum (PF). 1997. Document Corporate Social Responsibility and amount of literature supports the on “Corruption and Development Tax Avoidance. Paper presented failings of the continent towards in Africa” GCA/PF/N.2.11.1997 at the Essex Accounting Centre, fighting corruption on the continent, it is 2. Adejumobi, S. (2000). Africa and Essex Business School, University crucial to note the oft omitted success the Challenges of Democracy of Essex, United Kingdom. stories that have helped the continent and Good Governance in the 10. Gyimah, B.K. (2002). Corruption, to become a pole for global growth. 21st Century. Available from economic growth and income http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/ inequality in Africa. Economics While several African countries together groups/public/documents/cafrad/ of Governance, vol.3, No. 3, pp. with the regional and continental unpan008483.pdf. 183–209. bodies, have recorded great strides in 3. Mamdani, M. (1987). Extreme 11. T.I. (2017). Transparency curbing corruption through holistic and but not exceptional: Towards International Corruption inclusive initiatives, the challenges that an analysis of the agrarian Perceptions Index, 2017. Available Africa is facing in fighting corruption question in Uganda. The from https://www.transparency. cannot be underestimated. These Journal of Peasant Studies, org/news/feature/corruption_ challenges are notable and pronounced 14(2), 191–225. https://doi. perceptions_index_2017#table. in countries that continue to lag behind. org/10.1080/03066158708438327. 12. Mo Ibrahim Foundation. (2014). Therefore, more constructive, open 4. Khan, M. (2006). Determinants 2014 Ibrahim Index of African and inclusive dialogue is needed of Corruption in Developing Governance. Available from http:// between all stakeholders to create Countries: the Limits of www.moibrahimfoundation.org/ progressive and capable institutions Conventional Economic Analysis. interact/. that serve Africa’s development and In International Handbook on 13. EITI. (2018). Extractive Industry transformation agenda. the Economics of Corruption, Transparency Initiative Fact Sheet. chapter 8, pp. 216–244, Susan Available from https://eiti.org/ Furthermore, there is also need for Rose-Ackerman, ed. Available sites/default/files/documents/ promotion of participatory evaluation from http://www.untag smd. eiti_factsheet_en_feb2018.pdf. of Africa’s institutions, through open ac.id/files/Perpustakaan_ and transparent mechanisms that will Digital_1/CORRUPTION%20

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A Sustainable Path to Africa’s Transformation Since taking over power in 1986, the NRM Government has had eradication Law, Policy of corruption at the top of its agenda. Prior to 1986, the country had undergone a series of undemocratic rule, with and the one autocratic ruler replacing another and each rule being characterized by abuse of human rights, absence of 30-Year TEDDY NAMATOVU is a Junior democracy and corruption1. The NRM Professional Officer with the successfully took over power with the Office of the High Commissioner Anti- aim of changing the status quo and for Human Rights at the United transforming Uganda into a democratic Nations Headquarters in New York. state. The NRM was received with a Corruption She has worked on different lot of enthusiasm upon its takeover of human rights projects within and power, as it represented a number of outside Uganda such as the Better Fight: changes in governance and democracy Migration Management Program that Ugandans longed for. During the of the GIZ in Ethiopia & Djibouti, swearing in ceremony of the incumbent Ugandan Governments and the legal aid unit of the Public president H.E Y K Museveni on 29th Approach Interest Law Clinic in Uganda. She January 1986 he remarked that ‘No one has done research and written should think that what is happening Eradication of corruption has been at papers on different human rights today is a mere change of guard; it is a the core of the National Resistance issues such as migration law and fundamental change in the politics of our Movement (NRM) Government in policy, sexual and reproductive country.’ 2 The NRM plan for fundamental Uganda since its takeover of power health rights, civic space, issues change was unveiled in the form of the in 1986. Eradication of corruption was of access to justice among others. ‘ten-point programme’ whose underlying infused in its ten-point program that Some of her work has been objective was to restore peace, aid with was aimed at transforming Uganda into published in respected journals recovery and development3. At the a democratic state. This programme was such as the African Human Rights core of each point in the programme transformed into the zero tolerance to Law Journal, the ESR Review. She lies the need to eradicate corruption to corruption policy (the policy) highlighted is among the pool of experts on ensure its success4. The elimination of in the different NRM manifestos and sexual and reproductive health corruption is specifically enlisted in point the nation’s vision 2040. Uganda has rights hosted by the Initiative seven (7) of the programme5. The ten also ratified both the United Nations for Strategic Litigation in Africa point programme included the following6; Convention against Corruption and the (ISLA), in Johannesburg-South democracy, security, consolidation of African Union Convention for Preventing Africa. Teddy is a member of the national security and elimination of all and Combating Corruption. In a bid to Health working group of Network forms of sectarianism; defending and actuate the policy and also realize its of Public Interest Lawyers consolidating national independence; obligations under the ratified treaties, (NETPIL) and the Legal Support building an independent, integrated the government has taken several steps Network, both of which are aimed and self-sustaining national economy; in terms of legislative, administrative, at fostering the right to health restoration and improvement of social technical and judicial. government in a and social justice in Uganda. services and the rehabilitation of the war- bid to realize the ‘zero tolerance policy Teddy holds an LLB from Makerere ravaged areas; elimination of corruption to corruption.’ University and an LLM in Human and misuse of power; redressing errors Rights and Democratization from that have resulted in the dislocation the University of Pretoria. of sections of the population and improvement of others; co-operation with other African countries in defending human and democratic rights of our brothers in other parts of Africa; and following an economic strategy of mixed economy.

1 ‘Rebel sown in as Uganda’s President’ The New York Times 30 January 1986 3. 2 W Muhumuza From fundamental change to no change: The NRM and democratization in Uganda (2011) 23. Accessed at : https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265197679_From_ Fundamental_Change_to_No_Change_The_NRM_and_democratization_in_Uganda (accessed on 15th May 2018) 3 J Hitchen ‘Steady progress? 30 years of Museveni and the NRM in Uganda’ Africa Research Institute Briefing Note 1601 February 2016. 4 As above. 5 As above. 6 As above. AU ECHO 2018

The fight against corruption has since then, been infused in Principles under the constitution call for accountability in all the NRM policies, programmes and manifestos over the the form of taking all lawful measures to expose, combat years. Zero tolerance to corruption has been infused in the and eradicate corruption and abuse or misuse of power by current NRM Manifesto of 2016-2021 with the government those holding political and other public offices. To this end the vowing to fight corruption until the end.7 In the country’s constitution places a duty on citizens to combat corruption vision 2040 the government recognizes that corruption is one and misuse or wastage of public property11. It equally creates of the major challenges hindering economic development a number of institutions with the mandate to eliminate and therefore vows to put in place appropriate measures to corruption such as the Inspector General of Government12 ensure strong implementation and monitoring mechanisms and the Auditor General13, the parliament and the Director of for effective service delivery during the vision period. Uganda Public Institutions14. has also ratified both the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (2004)8 and the African Union Convention for The main objective of the Anti-Corruption Act is to provide Preventing and Combating Corruption in 2004)9 implying that for the effective prevention of corruption in both the public it is legally bound by the provisions of these instruments. and private sectors. To this end the act provides for a number Indeed the government has put in place several mechanisms acts and omissions that amount to corruption, some of such as legislative, judicial, technical and administrative which include diversion of public resources, bribery of to ensure transparency and accountability, and combat public officials, influence peddling, nepotism and abuse corruption. of office among others. The act also prescribes different forms of punishments for the different offences provided for As previously highlighted the Government has taken several thereunder. measures against corruption all of which are aimed at releasing its ‘zero tolerance’ policy towards corruption. These Other pieces of legislation aimed at combating corruption measures will be discussed in the different categories under in Uganda include; the Public Finance and Accountability which they fall that is; National Strategic Plans; Legislation, Act 2003, Leadership Code Act 2002, Inspectorate of and Institutions. Government Act, 2002, the Audit Act 2008, Public Service Standing Orders, the Whistle Blowers Protection Act, and the NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLANS Anti-Money Laundering Act among others. • National corruption strategy 2004-2007 This strategy was adopted in June 2004 as a means INSTITUTIONS to ensure coordination of existing laws and public Several institutions have been put in place and are tasked involvement in the fight against corruption10. This was with the implementation of the above laws. Some of these to be actuated through strengthening of enforcement of institutions include; anti-corruption initiatives; strengthening the legislative • The offices of the Inspector of General of Government framework to address corruption; increasing active public (IGG) and Deputy Inspector of General Government involvement in the fight against corruption and building (DIGG), which were created under chapter thirteen of sustainable systems and institutional capacities within the Constitution. Part of the mandate of these offices is anti-corruption agencies to address key bottlenecks that to to eliminate and foster the elimination of corruption, hamper effective action. abuse of authority and of public office15. Another law relating to the activities of this office is the Inspectorate The National Strategy to Fight Corruption and Rebuild of Government Act, 2002. Ethics and Integrity in Uganda was designed to make a significant impact on building the quality of accountability • The office of the Auditor General created under A.163 of and reducing the levels of corruption in Uganda. The the Constitution is tasked with auditing public accounts vision of the strategy was ‘a society that cherishes and holding any person holding a political or public integrity and demands zero tolerance for corruption’. It office who directs or concurs in the use of public funds re-echoed objectives similar to those of the previous contrary to existing instructions. National Corruption Strategy. • The Anti-Corruption Court: This is a specialized division of LEGISLATION the High Court of Uganda created in 2008 to adjudicate Different spates of legislation have been adopted to combat corruption and corruption related cases16. Cases are corruption including the Constitution that gives way to the heard based on all the different pieces of legislation that subsidiary legislation. In addition to the constitution therefore, criminalize corruption in Uganda. the main piece of legislation against corruption is the Anti- Corruption Act of 2009. The National Objectives and Directive

7 Action Point 1.3 NRM Manifesto (2016-2013) Steady Progress: Taking Uganda to modernity through job creation and inclusive development at P.19. 8 Status of ratification of the United Nations Convention against Corruption as at 30 September 2011 https://www.unodc.org/documents/treaties/UNCAC/COSP/session4/V1186007e.pdf (accessed 15th May 2018). 9 List of countries which have signed, ratified/acceded to the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption https://au.int/sites/default/files/treaties/7786-sl-african_ union_convention_on_preventing_and_combating_corruption_5.pdf (accessed 15th May 2018). 10 Inspectorate of Government Final Report The 3rd National Integrity Survey NIS III (2008) 28. https://www.igg.go.ug/static/files/.../third-national-integrity-survey-report.pdf (accessed 15th May 2018) 11 Article 17(i) of the 1995 Constitution of Uganda (As amended). 12 Article 225 (b) of the Constitution. 13 Article 163 and 164 of the Constitution. 14 Article 120 of the Constitution. 15 As above. 16 Website of the Judiciary of Uganda http://judiciary.go.ug/data/smenu/19/Anti-Corruption%20Division.html (accessed 15th May 2018). AU ECHO 2018

“It is evident that corruption has a devastating impact on marginalised communities, especially the youth, women and children. Corruption breeds unequal societies, renders vulnerable groups prone to human trafficking, as well as recruitment into armed groups and militia. In effect, corruption deprives our young citizens of opportunities to develop meaningful livelihoods.”

H.E. Muhammadu Buhari, President of Nigeria

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Kampala Taxi Park in the downtown area

• The Directorate of Public Prosecutions was created to inquire into the effectiveness of law, policies and under article 120 of the constitution, with the main role processes of land acquisition, land administration, land of instituting criminal proceedings against any person or management and land registration in Uganda18. In a authority in any court that has competent jurisdiction. series of public hearings conducted in several districts These include criminal proceedings for abuse of office and in the country, the committee has unearthed a number corruption. of instances of misuse of public land and resources in Uganda19. It is widely credited for fostering accountability • Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC): PAC was in land management and administration in Uganda. created by Rule 148 of the Rules of Procedure of the Parliament of Uganda. It is mandated to examine the • Anti-Corruption Hotline: The anti-corruption hotline is audited accounts showing the appropriation of the sums a toll free telephone that is aimed at enabling citizens, granted by parliament to meet the public expenditure of aggrieved persons, investors (potential or actual), to blow government17. the whistle on any form of corruption or red tape they have witnessed or experienced20. • Commissions of Inquiry: Commissions of inquiry have often been established to investigate actions of public • The government has undertaken a number of plausible officers and matters that affect the public welfare, with measures in an effort to combat corruption. However the aim of fostering accountability. These inquiries are despite the above steps corruption in the country still governed by the Commissions of Inquiry Act of 1914. persists in different forms. Persistent levels corruption On a number of occasions the president has sanctioned have had an impact on economic social and political several commissions to inquire into matters of public development of the country. It is therefore recommended importance, with the most recent commission being the that the government strengthen the implementation of Commission of Inquiry into land matters. The Land Probe established measures at all levels to curb corruption, and Committee as it’s popularly known, has the mandate increase transparency and accountability in the country.

17 Website of Parliament Watch http://parliamentwatch.ug/committee/public-accounts-committee/#.WwiA5VOFOuU (accessed 15th May 2018). 18 Website of the Government Citizen Interaction Centre http://gcic.gou.go.ug/land-inquiry-starts-work/ (accessed 15th May 2018). 19 As above. 20 Anti-Corruption Coalition Uganda Anti-corruption hotline receives no call in one year 10 November 2017 http://accu.or.ug/anti-corruption-hotline-receives-no-call-in-one-year/ (accessed 26th May 2018) AU ECHO 2018 EA O

A Sustainable Path to Africa’s Transformation LEVERAGING YOUTH CAPACITIES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION IN AFRICA The African Union (AU) Theme of the Year 2018, “Winning the fight against corruption: a sustainable path to Africa’s transformation” was adopted to galvanise every section of the African society towards collective action in the fight against corruption.

Impact of To inspire collective citizens’ action in the fight against corruption, Corruption on it is imperative that Africa’s major demography, its young people, Africa’s Youth • Widens the fault lines must be involved, engaged and partnered with in the process. By leading to break down virtue of their sheer numbers, energies, capacities, and aptitude in trust destroying the for transformation, Africa’s youth must be leveraged for improved social fabric accountable and transparent governance systems, capable of • Causes setbacks in the accelerating the attainment of Africa’s Agenda 2063. In this socio-economic and political development case, systems, mechanisms, and processes have to be put in of the continent. place, strengthened and adequately resourced to leverage youth • minimizes the full capacities for the fight against corruption in Africa. enjoyment of young people’s rights and freedoms. Corruption, a global phenomenon, continues whom more than 60% are under the age to be at the heart of governance deficits of 25, corruption disproportionately affects in Africa impacting sustainable economic the continent’s most vulnerable groups growth, peace, stability, and development including women and young people. in Africa. According to the Report of the Invariably the net impact of corruption is High-Level Panel on Illicit Financial Flows the inability of Africa’s greatest resource, from Africa, popularly known as the Mbeki its young people to fully contribute to its Report, Africa loses over US$ 50 Billion development aspirations. US annually through illicit financial flows. Stemming illicit financial flows, combatting Across all levels, Africa’s political leaders corruption and enhancing accountability have expressed their political commitment and transparency mechanisms in Africa’s to the fight against corruption through governance systems remains key to the the adoption of policies and treaties like attainment of Africa’s 50-year development the AU Convention on Preventing and blueprint, Agenda 2063. Combatting Corruption (AUCPCC), as well as regional and national anti-corruption Corruption in Africa exerts a heavy financial frameworks and laws. In addition, the cost on development and exacerbates establishment of anti-corruption and inequalities in society and with a ombudsman institutions like the AU population of over 1.2 billion people, of Advisory Board on Corruption aim to E- governance is the future

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popularize the charter, support member corruption. The consultations afforded state implementation and facilitate the participants the opportunity to share knowledge sharing on progress of its their insights on the AU theme of the implementation . Despite these political year and demonstrate how they are commitments, Africa continues to making a change in their respective grapple with the scourge of corruption, spheres of influence. with many analysts arguing that, amongst others, there is a need for The consultations amongst other collective action, anchored on the buy- things, assessed various anti-corruption in and ownership of African citizens norms and institutional frameworks themselves. This is why leveraging youth at continental, regional and national capacities in the fight against corruption levels; interacted with various initiatives becomes imperative. and projects on open governance systems, budget tracking, anti-corruption 2018 AGA Regional Youth advocacy and access to information. Consultations and afforded government ministries Young people have the potential and and agencies, including, National capacity to infuse new energies, Anti-corruption institutions; Regional innovative approaches and rally their Economic Communities; and AUABC to peers as a formidable bulwark against share experiences and best practices, corruption. Although often overlooked, perspectives and commitments towards youth are some of the most important the fight against corruption, with agents of change in the fight against particular focus on engaging young Africa’s youth hold the key to new corruption, particularly in a bid to build a people meaningfully in the fight against groundswell of citizen’s action. corruption in Africa. governance value system. efforts towards meaningful youth Furthermore, increasing numbers Participants at the consultations engagement in prevention efforts by of young people are leveraging their reiterated the centrality of preventing African Governance Platform Members agency through several youth-led and combatting corruption as a key and at national levels through National and focused initiatives established element in the acceleration and Anti-Corruption Bodies and Ombudsman to support anti-corruption efforts. For attainment of the developmental agencies. instance, Accountability Lab with offices objectives of the continent as enshrined in Mali, Liberia, Nigeria organizes the in Agenda 2063 noting that it is By focusing 2018 as the year to have Integrity Idol Initiative which identifies impossible to make progress without frank discussions about corruption and and celebrates honest government stemming the tide of corruption and how to stem its negative tide, African officials through a citizen-led campaign emplacing accountable and transparent leaders, reiterated their commitment to encourage positive role-modeling governance systems at all levels in to be accountable, transparent and for anti-corruption in African public Africa; sub-national, national, regional establish responsive governance service. Other initiatives such as BudgIT and continental. A key outcome from systems in Africa. By engaging young (Nigeria), Budeshi (Nigeria, Uganda and the consultations was commitment by people in the political discourse on Malawi), FollowTheMoney (Nigeria, The participants towards the establishment corruption, Africa can match rhetoric with Gambia and Kenya), iWatch (Tunisia), of an African Youth Community of action by ensuring the youth are active Mzalendo (Kenya), and CLARION (Kenya) Practice on Anti-Corruption (AYCPAC) as players in development initiatives that are implementing several initiatives a structured engagement platform for empower them to leverage their youth aimed at encouraging transparency youth experts working on anti-corruption agency. and accountability, galvanizing active themes on the continent. AYCPAC is citizenship and driving government-wide envisaged as a melting pot of ideas, Africa’s youth hold the key to a new commitment to openness. opportunities, and resources that can be governance value system that is leveraged to support national, regional abhorrent of corruption and must must In line with its citizen’s engagement and continental institutions. be engaged meaningfully through initiative of the African Governance Regarding policy synchronization, the collective citizens action which ensures Architecture (AGA) Youth Engagement outcomes of the regional consultations their buy-in and ownership of anti- Strategy, the African Governance are expected to form part of the corruption. ` Platform hosted three Regional Youth conversations at the 2018 High-Level Consultations for East and Southern Dialogue on Democracy, Human Rights Africa in Gaborone, Botswana; West and Governance to be held in Gaborone, and Central Africa in Dakar, Senegal and Botswana. Further, recommendations North Africa in Casablanca, Morocco. from the consultations will inform Over 300 young Africans took part in individual programming of AUABC and the consultations, sharing their stories, other AU Organs and RECs working lessons and experiences on how they on corruption, transparency and are contributing to the fight against accountability issues as well as enhance

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THE AU-EU-UN TRIPARTITE TASK FORCE ON THE SITUATION OF STRANDED MIGRANTS IN LIBYA

A migrant ponders on his next move with his belongings

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The AU-EU-UN tripartite Task Force on the Situation of situation and to provide for immediate humanitarian Stranded Migrants in Libya came into existence as a needs of migrants, but also for Libya to take appropriate result of deliberations during the African Union-EU Abidjan measures to ensure protection of migrants within its Summit, in 2017. The high representatives of the AU, EU territories, as well as to provide access to migrants in and UN were deeply concerned about the situation of detention centres, facilitate their access to consular migrants in Libya, and their deliberations explored the best services and for the issuance of exit visas to those possible way to approach the matter. It was then resolved returning home. by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, AU Member States (both those with and without stranded the High Representative of the EU and the UN Secretary migrants in Libya), have responded positively to the AU’s General that a task force be established with the mandate call for action to save the lives of migrants in Libya and of saving lives and taking appropriate and adequate those attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea to measures to upscale voluntary return programmes for Europe. those wishing to return to their countries of origin, as well as enhance the protection mechanisms in place for those The response to these calls can be seen in the numbers in need of international protection, in accordance with of returnees recorded since the establishment of the task international instruments. force. Within six months of its mandate, returnees had doubled by more than 50% and to date, 22,519 stranded Under the leadership and coordination of the African migrants have been assisted to return to their countries Union, a task force was operationalized at the working of origin. 18,000 returnees were facilitated with the group level in Addis Ababa, on December 4, 2018 and, at support of the IOM, while another, 4,519 were enabled by the political level on December 2017, in Brussels, where concerned member states. UNHCR, on the other hand has the Chairperson of the AUC was represented by H.E. evacuated 1,858 persons of concern to Niger. Madam Amira Elfadil, Special Envoy of the Chairperson on the Situation of Stranded Migrants in Libya and In spite of the above positive achievements, the migrant Commissioner of Social Affairs. The EU was represented situation in Libya remains worrisome, as irregular by H.E. Ms Federica Mogherini, High Representative and migration into the Libyan territory continues unabated, Vice President of the Commission, while the UN was mainly exacerbated by non-state actors, including human represented by Ambassador William Lacy Swing, Director traffickers and migrant smugglers. General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and UNHCR’s Assistant High Commissioner for There is an urgent need to continue strengthening the Protection, Mr. Volker Turk. The operational arm of the task capacity of Libya to manage and address the situation, force was also put in place in Tunis, Tunisia and coordinated continue dialogue with concerned member states to take by the AU Liaison office for Libya. action and to actively engage in return and reintegration of their nationals, if the repatriation exercise is to be Within six months of its mandate, the task force set a sustained. The AU will continue to rally its member target to facilitate the voluntary return home, or to their states, especially in the Economic Community of countries of origin, of 15,000 stranded migrants. West African States (ECOWAS) to better manage and coordinate irregular migration through their territories However, the task force faced some hurdles, including, into Libya, and to further consolidate information and and most importantly, difficulty in accessing detention data sharing in respect to organized criminal networks centres in order to gain access to migrants in detention. It that are perpetuating irregular migration. The AU will also was confronted with the issue of landing rights for airlines work with its member states and its partners across the and chartered flights, granting of over flights by member Mediterranean, towards creating the requisite environment states bordering Libya, non-existence of consular services and opportunities for regular/legal pathways to migration. by concerned member states in Libya, and last but not least, the issue of exit visas for migrants willing to return The continental regional integration initiatives of Agenda to their home countries. 2063 such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), as well as the African Passport and Free Meanwhile, the task force, under the leadership of Movement of Persons which aim to remove restrictions the African Union, has benefited from the enormous on Africans’ ability to travel, work and live within their convening power of the continental body, which has been own continent are seen as key in building the conducive instrumental in calling upon and rallying its concerned environment necessary for creating opportunities for member states with nationals stranded in Libya, to take Africans to prosper within their motherland, Africa. action. This included calls on the international community to not only support the State of Libya in addressing the

51 AU ECHO 2018

AFRICA CENTRES FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION

A health worker in a laboratory checking samples

52 AU ECHO 2018

The Africa Centres for Disease environmental health and neglected AU Specialized Technical Committee Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) tropical diseases (NTDs) on Health, Population and Drug is an African Union specialized agency 6. Promote partnership and Control. launched on 31st January 2017 in Addis collaboration among member Ababa, Ethiopia with the aim to support states to address emerging and • The Advisory and Technical member states (MS) in their efforts endemic diseases and public health Council: Advises on emerging to strengthen health systems through emergencies issues and other related matters capacity building which will result in 7. Harmonize disease control and of disease control and prevention. effectively responding to emergencies, prevention policies and the It further provides advisory on the addressing complex health challenges surveillance systems in member strategic plans and activities of the and conducting life-saving research in states Africa CDC; advocacy and resource the public health sector. 8. Support member states in public mobilization. health capacity-building through, Specifically, Africa CDC aims to medium and long-term field • The Regional Collaborating ‘strengthen Africa’s public health epidemiological and laboratory Centres (RCCs): technical support institutions’ capacities, capabilities and training programs institutions for the Africa CDC that partnerships to detect and respond work closely with the member quickly and effectively to disease threats The Africa CDC Governing Statute states. RCCs support surveillance, and outbreaks based on science, policy, anchors the institution in the following laboratory systems and networks, and data-driven interventions and guiding principles: leadership, credibility, information systems, emergency programs. ownership, delegated authority, preparedness and response, timely dissemination of information, capacity development and public The objectives of the Africa CDC are transparency, accountability, and value- health research in countries to: addition. 1. Establish early warning and • The Secretariat: Supports member response surveillance platforms to Building on these guiding principles and states to develop appropriate address all health threats and health mission, the Africa CDC has developed disease surveillance, detection emergencies and natural disasters in a five-year strategic plan (2017—2021). and response policies, programs, a timely and effective manner This strategic plan describes five systems and structures. The 2. Assist member states to address strategic pillars, which will help the secretariat is responsible for gaps in capabilities required for Africa CDC to achieve its mission and networking with member states, International Health Regulations vision. These are: the World Health Organisation, (IHR) compliance 1. Surveillance and disease intelligence regional health organizations, 3. Support and/or conduct regional- 2. Information systems regional economic communities, and country-level hazard mapping 3. Laboratory systems and networks private sector organizations, regional and risk assessments for member 4. Preparedness and response health networks, partner CDCs, and states 5. Public realth research. other relevant stakeholders to attain 4. Support member states in health the objectives of the Africa CDC. emergency responses, particularly Governance structure of the Africa those which have been declared CDC: a public health emergency of • The Governing Board: provides international concern the overall strategic guidance to the To find out more about the Africa CDC 5. Support health promotion and secretariat, in accordance with AU please visit www.au.int disease prevention through policies and procedures. It examines health systems strengthening, by the decisions and/or proposals addressing infectious and non- submitted by the secretariat, and communicable diseases (NCDs), submits its recommendations to the

The Africa CDC’s vision is to build ‘a safer, healthier, integrated and prosperous Africa, in which member states can efficiently prevent disease transmission, implement surveillance and detection, and always be prepared to respond effectively to health threats and outbreaks.’

The Africa CDC will support African countries to improve surveillance, emergency response, and prevention of infectious diseases including outbreaks, man-made and natural disasters and public health events of regional and international concern. It further seeks to build the capacity to reduce disease burden on the continent.

53 The Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme

Transforming Africa through Agriculture

Agenda 2063 recognises that for the targets for continent to develop national and reducing poverty regional efforts on development need and malnutrition, to be coordinated and consolidated to for increasing ensure collective benefit for Africans. productivity Several continental frameworks and farm have been developed to address the incomes, and for development of key sectors such as improvements in Agriculture, trade, transport, energy and the sustainability mining; sectors which are seen as key in of agricultural enabling Member States of the Union to production and use of natural resources. African leaders who have championed achieve their development goals. CAADP also supports member states to CAADP in their countries can influence enhance resilience to climate variability their counterparts towards agricultural One of the key Agenda 2063 continental through development of disaster transformation frameworks is the Comprehensive preparedness policies and strategies and African Agricultural Development early warning response systems and To promote accountability, the CAADP Programme (CAADP), which is a social safety nets. Results Framework provides Africa continental initiative to help African and its partners with a set of goals countries eliminate hunger and reduce CAADP has 4 priority areas namely: and results to be pursued in the poverty by raising economic growth 1. Extending the area under transformation of the agriculture sector. through agriculture-led development. sustainable land management and It gives the political and technical The agricultural sector employs about reliable water control systems impetus to foster policy alignment and 60% of Africa’s labour force thus 2. Improving rural infrastructure and harmonization of interventions geared at positioning it as the key sector that can trade-related capacities for market advancing the agriculture transformation transform livelihoods if the right level of access agenda. It articulates the targets to be investment is provided. Africa spends 3. Increasing food supply, reducing achieved by 2025, and provides the set more than US$40 billion annually on food hunger, and improving responses to of associated indicators. Accordingly, imports and without intervention, net food emergency crises the Framework serves as a basis for import levels will likely increase to over 4. Improving agriculture research, promoting evidence-based policy and US$100 billion by 2025. This means that technology dissemination and programmatic design, implementation, Africa as a continent will contribute to adoption reporting, accountability and learning. the creation of more jobs and business According to the 2015 Annual Trends and opportunities outside than inside the CAADP promotes inclusive Outlook Report by the Regional Strategic continent. participation of all sector players Analysis and Knowledge Support System There is a need to radically shift the and has brought agriculture to the (ReSAKSS) CAADP is having a positive perception about the key role agriculture forefront of development discourse. It impact on food and nutrition security plays and ask what changes could be has contributed to more specific and in countries that are implementing envisaged on the continent if the US$40 incentive-oriented agricultural policies. it. Several African countries such as billion spent on imports was invested In addition CAADP places emphasis Rwanda, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso and in agriculture to create more jobs and on African ownership and African Sierra Leone report significant reduction business opportunities on the continent. leadership to set the agricultural agenda in food insecurity due to targeted and the stage for agricultural change. programs emerging from CAADP Through CAADP, African governments This change emphasises Africans truly priorities. agreed to allocate at least 10% of being the drivers of CAADP, rather than Currently, over 40 countries have national budgets to agriculture and rural the more typical case of leadership and formally launched CAADP; including development, and to achieve agricultural direction coming from donors or other 30 countries that have signed national growth rates of at least 6% per annum. international partners. CAADP is thus an CAADP compacts. AU Member States Underlying these main targets are inward looking policy framework where also commit to report on a biennial basis,

54 AU ECHO 2018

Country overall progress for implementing the Malabo Declaration 2017 for Agriculture transformation in Africa Benchmark 3.9

Burkina Algeria Angola Benin Botswana Burundi Cameroon Cape Verde Faso

n/a 2.1 4.3 4.4 4.7 4.2 2.1 4.6

Central Cote African Chad Comoros Congo DR Congo Djibouti Egypt d’Ivoire Rep.

2.4 2.2 n/a 2.8 3.5 1.4 3.2 3.4

Equatorial Guinea- Eritrea Ethiopia Gabon Gambia Ghana Guinea Guinea Bissau

3.6 n/a 5.3 2.9 3.1 3.9 3.3 n/a

Kenya Lesotho Liberia Libya Madagascar Malawi Mali Mauritania

4.8 3.7 0.9 n/a 3.2 4.9 5.6 4.8

Rep .A. Mauritius Morocco Mozambique Namibia Niger Nigeria Rwanda Saharwi

5.0 5.5 4.1 4.1 3.5 3.4 6.1 n/a

Sao Tome & Sierra South South Senegal Seychelles Somalia Sudan Principe Leone Africa Sudan

1.5 3.8 4.0 1.5 n/a 4.1 n/a 1.9

Swaziland Tanzania Togo Tunisia Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe

4.0 3.1 4.9 1.7 4.5 3.6 3.2

Against the 2017 their progress in achieving the CAADP 20 AU member states are on track to Benchmark of 3.9 out commitments. To support the tracking achieving the CAADP Malabo by 2025 of 10 which is the and reporting on agricultural achievement signifying the urgent need to reinforce minimum score for a the CAADP Biennial Review Report the commitment at national levels to country to be on track including the first-ever Africa Agriculture invest in agriculture. The 2018 report Transformation Scorecard (AATS) was recognized 5 countries as having made for implementing the launched on January 29, 2018 during the the most progress in implementing Malabo Declaration, 30th AU Assembly. CAADP provisions with Rwanda scoring countries which appear The AATS, the first of its kind in Africa, first, followed by Mali, Morocco, Lesotho in ‘’Green” are ON TRACK captures the continent’s agricultural and Botswana respectively. The next and countries which progress based on a pan-African data CAADP Biennial Review report will be appear in “Red” are collection and assesses progress across presented in 2020. NOT ON TRACK to meet 43 indicators and 23 performance the Malabo Declaration categories. Commitments. 47 out of 55 AU MS submitted country To find out more about Agenda 2063 and reports and data used to produce the CAADP visit www.au.int *n/a = Data Not Available country scorecards and Biennal Review report. According to the report, only

55 AU ECHO 2018

THE FALL ARMYWORM IN AFRICA How the African Union is Fighting back against a pest that can cause food insecurity on the Continent

The Fall Armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda, is a The African Union’s Actions on FAW; pest destroying over 80 crop species including maize, rice, sorghum and legumes, leading to food insecurity and 1. Resource mobilization for a Technical Cooperation economic losses. Project (TCP) of $500,000 to support AUC’s Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture (DREA), to organize FAW was first reported in 2016 and, by February 2018, it had policy dialogues, strengthen capacity to manage FAW spread to 44 countries. Maize, Africa’s staple crop is the information, create an Africa-wide coordination platform worst affected. Farmers are using pesticide cocktails and to support regulatory actions to ensure and fast-track biological control methods, which are both financially costly registration of low-risk products for FAW management, and damaging to the environment. develop a well-coordinated early warning and rapid response system at all levels, and address technical The Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International capacity gaps. (CABI) conducted a study in Ghana and Zambia showing 2. Policy harmonization and coordination to minimize that in 91% of households with FAW, 98% attempted to FAW’s impact by coordinating efforts of partners, control it using pesticides (63%), handpicking larvae (29%) including the United Nations Food and Agriculture and frequent weeding (10%). CABI further estimates that, Organization (FAO), CABI International, the International in the 2017-2018 season, 13.5 million tonnes of maize worth Centre for Insect and Pest Epidemiology (ICIPE), and US$ 3 billion in Southern Africa are at risk from FAW. The the United States Agency for International Development Department for International Development (DFID), also (USAID). conducted a study on understanding the potential impact of 3. Partnership building; i.e. initiating and maintaining FAW on maize yields in 12 African countries. The study found strategic partnerships to address FAW challenges that FAW could potentially cause maize yield losses from 4. Conducted a series of awareness campaigns including 8.3 million to 20.6 million tonnes. The value of these losses press briefings in conjunction with the participation of is estimated at between USD$2.5 billion and US$6 billion the Permanent Representative Committee (PRC), the annually. Specialised Technical Committee on agriculture, South- South high level policy dialogue with Brazil and the The presence of the FAW in 80% of the AU member CAADP Partnership Platform states, therefore, warrants a coordinated response for effective actions to manage its impact in Africa. Moreover, the World Trade Organization (WTO) considers FAW as a The presence of the fall army worm in 80% of trade issue. FAW is therefore a big setback in achieving the the AU member states warrants a coordinated Malabo target of ending hunger by 2025 and Agenda 2063 response for effective actions to manage its impact aspirations. in Africa

56 AU ECHO 2018

January 2016 November 2016

Niger

Benin Togo Ghana

Cameroon Nigeria

Sao Tome and Principe

0 2000

km

Known or suspected Occurence

February 2017 April 2017

DR Congo Rwanda Uganda Ethiopia

Kenya Burundi Mozambique Tanzania Zambia Malawi Angola Zimbabwe Namibia Botswana Swaziland

South Africa

January 2018 Rapid Spread of Fall Armyworm in Africa Erik Stokstad, Science, th Detected and Officially 5 May, 2017 and FAO 2018 Reported

Detected and awaiting official reporting KNOWLEDGE FOR LIFE AU ECHO 2018

AFRICAN CONTINENTAL FREE TRADE AREA (AfCFTA) Boosting Intra African Trade

Trade is a powerful engine for economic What is the AfCFTA? Why is the establishment of the growth and development. However, The African Continental Free Trade AfCFTA urgent? Africa’s fundamental role in the global Area (AfCFTA) is a flagship project of Globally, countries are concluding Mega- trade market has been providing Agenda 2063 and refers to a continental Regional Trade Agreements (MRTAs), raw commodities in exchange of geographic zone where goods and thus reshaping and changing the global manufactured goods, thereby capturing a services move among member trading landscape in the process. The minimal 3% of the global share of trade. states of the African Union (AU) with establishment of the AfCFTA will allow In addition, intra-Africa trade is not more no restrictions. The AfCFTA aims to Africa to strengthen its position vis-à-vis than 15%. boost intra-African trade by providing a the rest of the world, speak with one comprehensive and mutually beneficial voice and act in unison on all continental The low level of intra-African trade can trade agreement among the member and international trade issues. change if Africa effectively addresses states, covering trade in goods and supply side constraints and weak services, investment, intellectual How will the AfCFTA affect the productive capacities, infrastructural property rights and competition policy. development of African Countries? bottlenecks, trade information networks, The AfCFTA will be the world’s largest The CFTA will create a wider market access to finance for traders and other free trade area since the formation of the of more than 1.2 billion people with economic operators, trade facilitation World Trade Organization (WTO). a combined GDP of US$2.19 trillion. and trade in services and free movement This will induce investments, result in of people for cross border trade. pooling of African resources to enhance

58 AU ECHO 2018

25

Exports to outside Africa Exports to within Africa Share of Africa’s 20 exports destined Non- for Africa (%) 15 Extractive Exports 10

5

Extractive 0 Exports

20002001200220032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016

Figures I and II: Extractive exports: CEPII-BACI trade dataset, three-year averaged exports (2012-2014), extractive exports include petroleum oils, gas, non-ferrous metals, metalliferous ores and metal scrap, crude fertilizers and minerals, coal, coke and briquettes, and the remaining precious metals in HS 71, uranium, and the

basic iron products of HS7201–HS7206. Figure III: Intra-African trade: IMF Direction of Trade Statistics. 100bn

90bn Non- 600bn 140 80bn Extractive Precious 120 Exports 500bn Non- Metals 70bn Extractive 2010=100 100 400bn Exports 60bn

80 50bn 300bn Crude oil, 60 $/bbl 40bn Extractive 200bn 30bn 40 Exports

Metals & 20bn 100bn Extractive Minerals Exports 20 2010=100 10bn 0bn 0bn 0bn

200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014 200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014 200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014

Figure IV: Exports outside Africa: ECA calculations using CEPII-BACI trade dataset. Figure V: Extractive commodity prices: World Bank commodities market data. Figure VI: Exports within Africa: ECA calculations using CEPII-BACI trade dataset.

structural transformation and the the continent’s ability to supply its import while less than 40%of intra-African trade development of regional value chains. needs from its own resources; were extractives in the same period. The UN Economic Commission for Africa Better allocation of resources, improved (UNECA) estimates that the AfCFTA has competition and reduced price The great risk with products like oil and the potential both to boost intra-African differentials; minerals is their volatility. The fiscal trade by 53.2% by eliminating import Growth of intra-industry trade through and economic fate of too many African duties, and to double this trade if non- regional value chains and development of countries relies on the vicissitudes of tariff barriers are also reduced. geographically based specialisation; these product prices. Using the AfCFTA Reduced vulnerability of countries to pivot away from extractive exports Benefits of the AfCFTA to Africa to external trade shocks by reducing will help to secure more sustainable and With average tariffs of 6.1 percent, the trade balance deficits of African inclusive trade that is less dependent on businesses currently face higher tariffs Countries; the fluctuations of commodity prices. when they export within Africa than Enhanced participation of Africa in Global when they export outside it. The AfCFTA trade and reduced dependency on aid The AfCFTA will also produce more will progressively eliminate tariffs on and external borrowing. jobs for Africa’s rapidly growing youth intra-African trade, making it easier for population. This is because extractive African businesses to trade within the Why does intra-African trade drive exports, on which Africa’s trade is continent and cater to and benefit from sustainable growth and jobs? currently based, are less labour-intensive the growing African market. Africa’s industrial exports are forecast than the manufacturing and agricultural Boosting employment opportunities; to benefit most from the AfCFTA. This goods that will benefit most from Increased food security through is important for diversifying Africa’s AfCFTA. By promoting more labour- reduction of barriers to trade in trade and encouraging a move away intensive trade, the AfCFTA creates agricultural products; from extractive commodities, such as more employment. Increased competitiveness of African oil and minerals, which have traditionally industrial products through harnessing accounted for most of Africa’s Participation of non-state actors in the economies of scale of a continental exports, towards a more balanced and AfCFTA wide market; sustainable export base. Over 75% of The AfCFTA provides for the Increased rate of diversification and Africa’s exports outside the continent establishment of an African Business transformation of Africa’s economy and were extractives from 2012 to 2014, Council, as a continental platform for

59 AU ECHO 2018

aggregating and articulating the views inputs, including leather for seats from for informal traders to operate of the private sector in the continental Botswana and fabrics from Lesotho, through formal channels, which offer policy formulation processes. The under the preferential Southern African more protection. This can be further Business Council plays an advisory role Customs Union trading regime. enhanced by simplified trading regimes in the continental policy formulation for small traders, such as the Simplified processes and will communicate its The AfCFTA will foster the Trade Regime in the Common Market views and positions through the African implementation of trade facilitation for Eastern and Southern Africa Union Commission. It will be composed measures to boost speed and reduce (COMESA), which provides a simplified of umbrella (regional) associations/ the cost of customs procedures and clearing procedure alongside reduced business councils that represent private port handling increasing cross border import duties that provide particular sector interests, small and medium trade and investments thus enhancing help to small-scale traders. scale enterprises (SMEs), women market access for good and services entrepreneurs and traders, and sectorial produced in Africa. The AfCFTA will How will the least-developed associations such as banking and promote innovation and enterprise economies compete with the more finance, farmers etc. through protection of intellectual developed countries under the property rights of the African private AfCFTA? In addition, the AfCFTA architecture sector. African countries have a diversity provides for an African Trade Forum of economic configurations and will which serves as a pan-African platform How will the AfCFTA benefit and be affected in different ways by the for reflection and discussion on the protect consumers? AfCFTA. Flexibility shall be accorded to progress and challenges of continental The AfCFTA will create a competitive member states that have special trade market integration. environment in which consumers will needs, specificities and circumstances. benefit from lower prices and wider Special and differential treatment CFTA role in development of regional variety of good and services. The shall apply to flexibilities in transitional value chains, fostering infrastructure AfCFTA will also ensure maintenance periods for liberalization, exemptions and industrial development of quality standards to safeguard the as well as other measures within the By taking into consideration the need health and safety of consumers. scope of the AfCFTA negotiations to develop Africa’s productive capacity applicable to member states at different and industrial integration, the AfCFTA How will the AfCFTA benefit the levels of socio-economic development. will provide an enabling environment youth and women? where businesses can build efficient Informal trade between African While African countries that are regional supply chains and encourage countries is driven mostly by the youth relatively more industrialised are intra-industry trade, thereby promoting and women. The AfCFTA supports well placed to take advantage of the investment, growth and the creation of the economic empowerment of opportunities for manufactured goods, jobs. women and youth by creating trade less-industrialised countries can benefit and investment opportunities and from linking into regional value chains. How Private sector and SMEs will easing cross border movement. Trade Regional value chains involve larger benefit from AfCFTA facilitation measures will benefit industries sourcing their supplies from Small and medium-sized enterprises women in trade, and contribute smaller industries across borders. The (SMEs) are key to growth in Africa. positively to gender equality. The AfCFTA makes the formation of regional They account for around 80% of the Addis Ababa Action Agenda states: value chains easier by reducing trade region’s businesses. These businesses “Recognising the critical role of costs and facilitating investment. usually struggle to penetrate more women as producers and traders, we advanced overseas markets, but are will address their specific challenges Agricultural countries can gain from well positioned to tap into regional in order to facilitate women’s equal satisfying Africa’s growing food security export destinations and can use and active participation in domestic, requirements. The perishable nature of regional markets as stepping stones for regional and international trade.” many agricultural food products means expanding into overseas markets at a that they are particularly responsive to later point. Women are estimated to account for improvements in customs clearance around 70% of informal cross-border times and logistics that are expected of SMEs can benefit from the AfCFTA traders in Africa. When engaged in the AfCFTA. which will make it easier to supply such an activity, women are particularly inputs to larger regional companies, vulnerable to harassment, violence, The majority of African countries are who then export. Before exporting cars confiscation of goods and even classified as resource rich. By lowering overseas, for example, large automobile imprisonment. By reducing tariffs, intra-African tariffs on intermediates manufacturers in South Africa source the AfCFTA makes it more affordable and final goods, the AfCFTA will create

60 AU ECHO 2018

CONTINENTAL FREE TRADE AREA: Key Features • Elimination of duties and quantitative restrictions on imports Agreement • Imports shall be treated no less favourably than domestic products • Elimination of non-tariff barriers establishing Protocol on Trade • Cooperation of customs authorities the African in Goods • Trade facilitation and transit Continental Free • Trade remedies, protections for infant industries and general exceptions Trade Area • Cooperation over product standards and regulations • Technical assistance, capacity-building and cooperation • Transparency of service regulations • Mutual recognition of standards, licensing and certification of services suppliers Protocol on Trade • Progressive liberalization of services sectors in Services • Service suppliers shall be treated no less favorably than domestic suppliers in liberalized sectors • Provision for general and security exceptions Protocol • Rules and Procedures for Settlement of Disputes within the African on Dispute Continental Free Trade Area Settlement Phase 2 • Intellectual property rights Investment Competition policies negotiations additional opportunities for adding value accompanying measure for the solutions to their trading barriers. to natural resources and for diversifying AfCFTA. It outlines the areas in which Similarly, the AfCFTA also includes into new business areas. investments are required, such as provisions for the recognition of trade information and access to technical and sanitary standards, transit The cost of being land-locked finance, to ensure that all African facilitation and customs cooperation. By includes higher costs of freight and countries can benefit from the AfCFTA. doing so, the aim is to significantly ease unpredictable transit times. The AfCFTA doing business across borders in Africa. provides particular benefits to these What are the key components of the countries: in addition to reducing tariffs, AfCFTA? How will the AfCFTA Agreement be the AfCFTA is set to include provisions The AfCFTA goes beyond traditional enforced? on trade facilitation, transit and customs trade agreements that merely reduce The AfCFTA agreement shall enter into cooperation. tariffs. It also liberalizes services trade. force after ratification by 15 member This is crucial as services constitute states of the AU. The AfCFTA will It will nevertheless be vital that roughly 60% of Africa’s GDP and in establish and administer a suitable the AfCFTA is supported with 2014, for example, services accounted dispute settlement mechanism to accompanying measures and policies. for 30% of world trade. Services are decide technical issues and ensure also inputs to production processes protection of sovereignty and good Less-industrialized countries can that in turn enable trade in goods. In neighbourliness of member states. benefit from the implementation of the AfCFTA, African countries have the programme for the Accelerated committed to progressive services What is the progress to date? Industrial Development of Africa as well liberalization in which domestic 49 of the 55 member states of the as domestic investments in education services markets are to be opened for African Union (AU) have signed the and training can ensure the necessary service suppliers from other African agreement establishing the AfCFTA skills. countries. 6 countries have ratified the AfCFTA Beyond tariffs, non-tariff barriers, such namely: Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda, Niger, Implementation of the Africa Mining as burdensome customs procedures Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) and Chad Vision can complement the AfCFTA, by and excessive paperwork, are often 5 services priority sectors have been helping resource based economies to a greater impediment to businesses adopted under the AfCFTA - Transport, strategically diversify their exports into than tariffs. The AfCFTA is to include Communication, Finance, Tourism and other African markets. a “non-tariff barrier mechanism” for Business services. reporting and resolving such barriers The Boosting Intra-African Trade on trade between African countries, (BIAT) Action Plan is the principal helping businesses to demand

61 AU ECHO 2018

The African Continental Free Trade Area: Moving African integration further forward

by Dr. Ibrahim Assane Mayaki

62 AU ECHO 2018

Twenty years ago, I hoped for an RECs engendered political and for those willing to invest time to Africa that would draw closer and economic integration. The Economic study our local economies and identify forge forward boldly, despite a bag of Community of West African States opportunities presented by a booming mixed fortunes. Rwanda had just been (ECOWAS) and the East African middle class with an endless appetite blighted by genocide; the ubiquitous Community (EAC) signed agreements for consumables. coup d’état still reared its ugly head in for the free movement of goods, West Africa; although a tentative calm services and people. There are now 8 Although the Africa Report 2017 shows prevailed in Central Africa, political AU-recognised RECs and a number of that virtually all countries plan large tensions simmered below the surface; sub-regional bodies that are actively infrastructure projects and understand Zaïre was in the throes of the ‘first pursuing Africa’s integration agenda. the need to industrialise, Africa cannot Congo war’; the civil war in Somalia afford to be an ‘investment risk’ for grew in magnitude and intensity; In 1991 the Abuja Treaty established infrastructure projects that advance Ethiopia began an experiment in the African Economic Community sustainable inclusive development. state-led macroeconomic planning; (AEC), building on RECs for integration. a democratic South Africa rose from At the 2001 OAU Summit, African To this end, the AU-NEPAD Continental the ashes of Apartheid, a veritable Heads of States and Government Business Network (CBN) continues to validation of the OAU’s ultimate goal of adopted the New Partnership for de-risk infrastructure projects in order political liberation for Africa. Africa’s Development (NEPAD) to attract financing, especially through as a further vector to accelerate Pension and Sovereign Wealth Funds. An interim period of positive change African economic co-operation and In September 2017, NEPAD and the ensued, a growth fuelled by new integration. The Summit recognised CBN initiated an Africa-led and Africa- media including the Internet, greater the importance of OAU input into owned campaign to increase African multiculturalism and a stronger REC programme planning and asset owners’ contributions to African attachment to democratic principles. implementation. In 2002, the infrastructure from approximately 1.5% Constitutive Act of the AU was of their assets under management In March 2018, 44 of the 55 African adopted in Lomé, Togo, formally (AUM) to 5% of AUM. By using Union Heads of State and Government replacing the OAU. financial resources available on the enacted the African Continental Free continent and strengthening public- Trade Area agreement (AfCFTA) in These milestones show that African private partnerships, infrastructure Kigali, Rwanda at its 10th Extraordinary economic integration is best pursued investments should increase. The Session, under the able leadership of on a regional basis. CBN has called for a more strategic H.E. President Mahamadou Issoufou of engagement with domestic institutional Niger, with H.E. President Paul Kagame Rethinking Africa’s priorities is urgently investors in support of this campaign. of Rwanda as current AU Chairperson called for. In this regard Agenda 2063, and H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, a consolidated strategy for sustained The AfCTA, is a monumental step for Chairperson of the AU Commission. political and economic integration and Africa; another significant milestone in Once in force AfCFTA will be the prosperity, was launched by African Africa’s integration process. I have to largest trade zone in the world, increase Heads of State and Government however aptly point out that the AfCFTA intra-African trade by 52% by the year at the 50th Anniversary of African was signed in Kigali the capital that 2022, remove tariffs on 90% of goods, Unity in 2013. Agenda 2063’s first experienced complete turmoil some 24 liberalise services and tackle other Ten-Year Implementation Plan (2013- years ago but is now poised to become barriers to intra-African trade, such as 2023) draws heavily on NEPAD’s the futuristic “Wakanda.” long delays at border posts. experiences. Beyond these broad strokes in development priorities and The end of colonialism in the early programmes, African development Dr Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, a former 1960s created 55 African countries must be translated into concrete Prime Minister of Niger, is the current which cut arbitrarily across ethnic, action. CEO of the African Union’s NEPAD cultural and traditional boundaries. They Agency. established the Organisation of African While business and consumer Unity (OAU) to promote unity and confidence have improved, solidarity on one hand yet emphasised investment, trade and productivity territorial sovereignty on the other. This have not. This has a direct impact on hamstrung the OAU insofar as national both foreign and domestic investments affairs were concerned, and helped in Africa, particularly in infrastructure. create regional economic blocks or As the world’s second-fastest growing communities (RECs) in the mid-1970s. region, Africa holds much promise

63 What benefits do you perceive from the AfCFTA at the national, regional KENYA WAS ONE OF THE and continental levels The AfCFTA is a significant milestone FIRST COUNTRIES TO SIGN for Africa as it heralds the dawn of a new era for Africa with immense AND RATIFY THE AFRICAN opportunities for all people. It will provide an impetus towards achieving the African Union flagship projects as CONTINENTAL FREE projected in Agenda 2063, while at the same time providing the solutions TRADE AREA to remove bottlenecks that have traditionally hampered intra-Africa The Kenyan Ambassador Catherine Mwangi/ trade. This will in turn support the AU Permanent Representative to the African Union agenda of integration, increased intra Africa trade, peace, security and overall explains the importance of the AfCFTA stability for economic growth to thrive.

economic bloc that will boost our trade, The establishment of a single help create an African value chain, liberalized market is expected to accelerate the growth of our small and double intra-regional trade from the medium enterprises and power our current 12% to 22% by the year industrialization. We have engraved our 2022. This will spur manufacturing commitment on the Agreement and led industrialization, infrastructural Protocols relating to the Continental development, economic diversification Free Trade Area. The promise of the and trade across the continent that is AfCFTA is in its full and expeditious home to some 1.2 billion people. The implementation.” emerging middle class in Africa that

is worth over 3 trillion US dollars has It is in response to the President’s made the continent the new frontier commitment to a full and expeditious for investors. The move towards closer implementation of the AfCFTA, that integration will also allow for free the relevant arms of government were movement of people and goods and galvanized into expediting the process facilitate business transactions across of ratification at the national level. As a the continent. result, Kenya was the first AU Member Amb. Catherine Mwangi State to ratify the AfCFTA and on 10th The AfCFTA is expected to address the May 2018, Kenya made history by challenges of overlapping membership Excellency, your country was one of becoming the first country to deposit to various regional economic blocs the first to ratify the AfCFTA, can you the instruments of ratification to the AU which has been a major hindrance explain why the quick action? Commission, alongside with Ghana. to member states commitment to Kenya’s firm commitment to the implementation to agreed rules. implementation of the AfCFTA was The expeditious action by Kenya is an explicitly stated by H.E. Uhuru Kenya, affirmation of Kenya’s commitment to At the national level, the full President of the Republic of Kenya continental integration and a desire implementation of AfCFTA will address during the 10th Extra-Ordinary Summit to advance a pan African agenda that the challenges of youth employment of the African Union held on 21st demonstrates our shared destiny of a and economic empowerment March 2018 in Kigali, Rwanda. In his strong and united Africa. This is a vision to vulnerable communities and statement to the Assembly during the that the President of the Republic of marginalised sectors of the economy historic launch of the AfCFTA, H.E. the Kenya has personally been championing across Africa. In the long run, improving President said thus, and I quote: and as a country, we are proud to play the economic welfare of our people will a leadership role for this initiative to bring peace and stability. “The CFTA is an important mechanism succeed. for the achievement of Africa’s dream What are some of the foreseen for a single market for goods and challenges to ensure implementation services. The CFTA offers us as Africa, of the AfCFTA effectively? a competitive edge. It creates a united The road to a single liberalised free

64 Kenya and Ghana were the first to ratify the AFCFTA. market is complex, requiring absolute the financial and institutional reforms. The seven pillars of Agenda 2063 commitment and support at all levels. Financial reforms are geared towards speak to critical building blocks for The progress made so far is quite enhanced ownership of the African peace and prosperity i.e. Peace and remarkable and all member states agenda by AU member states, through security; Prosperity based on inclusive have a responsibility to ensure that shouldering a significant portion of growth and sustainable development; the momentum is not lost. A number the AU budget, including 100% of the Integration based on the ideals of Pan of technical issues remain, such as operational budget. Africanism and the vision of Africa’s modalities and treatment of sensitive Institutional reforms are geared to Renaissance; Good Governance that and exclusion products, which are ensure: a proper division of labour espouses democracy, respect for outstanding and, given the complex between the AU Commission, human rights, justice and the rule of nature of negotiations, this is likely to Regional Economic Communities/ law; A strong cultural identity; A people- delay the implementation. Regional Mechanisms; AU organs, centred approach to development that and other continental organizations; accords opportunity to all our people, The process of ratification is diverse better oversight by member states; including women and youth; Strength, across Africa and one of the key tasks and, enhanced accountability and resilience and influence within global for our respective governments is to transparency in the conduct of the affairs. ensure that information is widely shared affairs of the Union. The reforms will among all the stakeholders. This will lead to enhanced synergies, value for The effective implementation of Agenda make it easier to navigate the complex money and an effective implementation 2063 will lead to a major transformation legal process that can delay the of the African agenda. of African economies, governance member countries’ ability to expedite practices and generally all spheres of the ratification process. How can the continental vision life of the African people. Agenda 2063 Agenda 2063 bring prosperity and is an ambitious agenda that requires On the other hand, the short-term peace in Africa, and how can this the full commitment of all Au Member concerns of possible revenue losses lead us to ‘The Africa we want’? States for its full realization. and overall impact of trade liberalisation Agenda 2063 is African Union’s vision will be minimised if all of us can move and strategic framework for the together in this process. socio-economic transformation of the continent over the next 50 years. How will the AU reform help The Agenda seeks to consolidate in enhancing the delivery and and accelerate the implementation achievements of the AUC? of existing continental initiatives for The objective of the AU reforms is growth and sustainable development. ensure the Union, its Commission, The overarching objective of Agenda organs and agencies are fit for purpose, 2063 is the realization of “An integrated, and well equipped to deliver on the prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven ambitious aspirations of the African by its own citizens and representing people as spelt out in Agenda 2063. The a dynamic force in the international main thrust of the reform is targeting arena.”

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THE AFRICAN PASSPORT AND FREE MOVEMENT OF PERSONS IN AFRICA “The free movement of persons, capital, goods and services will promote integration, Pan-Africanism, enhance science, technology, education, research and foster tourism, facilitate intra-Africa trade and investment, increase remittances within Africa, promote mobility of labour, create employment, improve the standards of living of the people of Africa and facilitate the mobilization and utilization of the human and material resources of Africa in order to achieve self-reliance and development.”

The vision of an integrated Africa calls for not just economic integration, but the integration of Africa’s people by breaking down the invisible and physical barriers which have limited the movement of people and by result the weakened the spirit of pan-Africanism. In addition, these barriers have prevented the growth of a knowledge and skills sharing economy which is vital for the advancement of any Agenda 2063 society. The reasons for these barriers are wide and varied and include security concerns, socio-economic disparities and fear of health epidemics. which is the blueprint and However, Africa’s fast growing educated middle class along with a growing youth population is a reminder of the potential of the continent if these demographic master plan for changes are harnessed and opportunities created to enable nation states to tap into transforming the human capital through the socio-economic integration required to harness the continent’s vast resources for the benefit of its people. Africa into the global The African Union’s Agenda 2063 identifies free movement of persons as a key ingredient for achieving other development aspirations. Free movement of persons powerhouse of in Africa is expected to deliver several key benefits including: the future. is • Boosting intra-Africa trade, commerce and tourism; • Facilitating labour mobility, intra-Africa knowledge and skills transfer founded on the • Promoting pan-African identity, social integration and tourism; African Union • Improving trans-border infrastructure and shared development. • Fostering a comprehensive approach to border management; (AU) Vision of • Promoting rule of law, human rights, and public health “An Integrated,

In addition, the infrastructure needed to support the mobility of Africans will also prosperous, and serve other economic, technological, security and health-related purposes within peaceful Africa, the overall integration and development plans for Africa. Increased movement of people, goods and services across borders will inevitably incentivise better driven by its infrastructural linkages and connections among African countries. own citizens and

To address the issue of the integration of Africa’s citizens, Agenda 2063 identified as representing a one of its flagship initiatives, the African Passport and Free movement of People dynamic force in which aims to remove the restrictions on Africans ability to travel, work and live within their own continent. the International arena.” The initiative aims at transforming Africa’s laws, which remain generally restrictive on movement of people despite political commitments to bring down borders with a view to promoting the issuance of visas by Member States to enhance free movement of all African citizens in all African countries.

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The African Union Protocol on Free Movement of Persons The Protocol to the treaty establishing the African Economic Community relating to free movement of persons envisages three specific rights: Right of Entry; Right of Establishment and Right of Residence.

A BRIEF OUTLINE OF THESE RIGHTS IS PRESENTED BELOW

Right of Entry: Nationals of AU Member States shall have the right to enter, stay, move freely and exit the territory of another Member State in accordance with the laws, regulations and procedures of the host Member State. African nationals will be granted entry without the requirement of a visa. Nationals will be permitted to move freely or stay for a maximum period of ninety (90) days from the date of entry or such further period determined by Member States or through bilateral or regional arrangements. A national of a Member State who wishes to stay beyond the period provided shall seek an extension of stay in accordance with the procedures established by the host Member State.

Right of Residence: Nationals of a Member State shall have the right of residence in the territory of any Member State in accordance with the laws of the host Member State.

Right of Establishment: Nationals of a Member State shall have the right of establishment within the territory of another Member State in accordance with the laws and policies of the host Member State. The right of establishment shall include the right to set up in the territory of the host Member State: (i) a business, trade, profession, vocation; or (ii) an economic activity as a self-employed person.

During the Extraordinary Summit on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) held in Kigali Rwanda in March 2018, 30 of the 55 member states of the African Union signed the Free Movement Protocol.

The African Passport During the July 2016 AU Summit in Kigali, the Assembly officially launched the common, electronic, biometric African passport, that would facilitate free movement of persons across Africa. In July 2018, Chiefs of Immigration from African Union Member States met in Nairobi, Kenya to review the draft guidelines for the design, production and issuance of the African Passport.

Free Movement of Persons In Free movement of Persons Africa in Africa

Find out more at www.au.africa/agenda2063 AU ECHO 2018

AFRICA’S COMMODITIES STRATEGY VALUE ADDITION FOR GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS

Africa has about 12% of the world’s oil reserves, 42% of its gold, 80%–90% of chromium Workers sorting out raw and platinum group metals, and 60% of arable land in addition to vast timber resources. diamonds as they are Africa experienced a commodity boom during the early 2000s translating into the continent’s displayed on long tables unprecedented growth that was only disturbed by the onset of the global financial crisis of at the Diamond Trading 2008. Company (DTC), the world’s largest and most advanced Whilst the Continent was able to recover from this global shock by 2010, and rebounded with a diamond-sorting and strong growth rate of 4.6% on average, this boom did not translate in to consummate economic valuing facility in Gaborone, diversification that would have led to faster social-economic development for Africans. In Botswana. addition most African economies still rely heavily on commodity production and exports, with minimal value addition and even fewer forward and backward linkages to other sectors of the economy.

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The challenges arising from continually To achieve these objectives, in Positioning Africa as a Global Player fluctuating commodities prices and its formulation, the Commodities in Trade Africa’s limited value addition to its Strategy will address several key A clearly articulated African Commodities natural resources renders Africa issues including: Strategy will ensure the continent takes vulnerable to the external shocks derived • Reviewing the state of play for a stand and becomes a significant from export dependency and therefore high-priority commodities sectors player in global trade by addressing necessitates a holistic rethinking and a in Africa, namely agriculture, some of the activities of transnational new approach to the question of how mining, and energy; including the corporations which have been Africa’s commodities wealth can drive examination of current trends and fragmenting their production processes, the continent’s development. outlooks, to identify sector-specific so as to efficiently exploit different opportunities and how to address countries’ comparative advantages The recognition of the challenges and any existing challenges. along (regional, subsequently global) opportunities from Africa’s commodity • Addressing Commodity Price value chains, forming a global division wealth has been reflected in different Volatility which continues to be of labour. This has led to an increase in decisions of the African Union (AU) a critical feature of international international trade in intermediate goods, including the Arusha Declaration on commodity markets and which now accounts for about half of African Commodities as well as other thus creates challenges for global trade and of which Africa accounts frameworks such as the Comprehensive macroeconomic management and for 2-3%. Despite its small size, intra- Africa Agriculture Development Program exposes developing countries to African trade in intermediates is far more (CAADP), the Africa Mining Vision (AMV) greater macroeconomic uncertainty. diversified than the corresponding trade and the Strategy for the Accelerated • Driving Commodity based with the rest of the world. This therefore Industrial Development of Africa (AIDA). Industrialisation which can offers an opportunity for the continent With the adoption of Agenda 2063 serve as a launching pad for to position itself strategically in line with as the strategic framework to guide long term diversification in new its resource endowments to actively Africa’s inclusive economic growth, the non commodity sectors, if well participate in the global value chains as AU undertook to consolidate and guide supported by robust industrial compared to what is obtaining currently the development of an Africa wide policies. thereby effectively putting itself in a sure commodities strategy that will ensure a path towards industrialisation more coherent and collaborative process These goals are achievable given that of African states developing, managing Africa boasts significant human and For Africa to take full advantage of and and benefiting from their natural natural resources that can be used to participate effectively in global value resources and collectively positioning the promote industrialisation and structural chains, it will need to effectively address continent to live up to its potential as an economic transformation through value- its regional value chains and address economic powerhouse. addition strategies in all sectors. With other barriers that have led to low Africa’s growing, predominantly young, levels of intra-regional trade such as its What does the continental skilled and urbanising population, as well inefficient trade related infrastructure Commodities Strategy Propose? as the continent’s endowments in many and logistics, among others. The continental Commodities Strategy natural resources, including plentiful is a flagship project of the AU’s Agenda land and fertile soils, oil and minerals, Some ongoing initiatives by the African 2063 and envisions a commodity-led commodities can play a crucial role in the Union to address Africa’s commodities industrialisation: developing Africa’s drive to industrialisation. include Agro-processing and Value chain commodities as a driver for achieving Development within the framework the structural, social and economic However, a key challenge for African of the CAADP, harnessing the Blue transformation of the continent. countries is to ensure the design and Ocean economy and benefiting from implementation of effective policies that Africa’s marine resources through the The strategy aims to identify, formulate promote industrialisation and economic development of the Africa Integrated and drive the implementation of policies and structural transformation. Maritime Strategy and using mineral and programmes that will enable African resources to catalyse broad-based countries to add value, extract higher The Commodities Strategy is therefore growth and development through rents from their commodities, integrate of paramount importance in assisting the African Mining Vision. In addition into global value chains and promote Africa realise the full benefits from its the implementation of the African vertical and horizontal diversification natural resources for the betterment of Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) anchored in value addition and local its people and the launch of the Single African Air content development. Transport Market (SAATM) will support the development of intra-African trade which is key to boosting trade and development of Africa’s commodities

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NEPAD AGENCY’S FOOTPRINT IN AFRICA IN THE FIRST HALF OF 2018

Since mid-2017 the NEPAD Agency has been engaged in There are also ongoing efforts to strengthen the North African developing a new Strategic Plan (Medium-term Plan) for transmission line and support the creation of a regional energy the period 2018-2023 as successor to the expiring NEPAD market platform. The Cybersecurity Assessment framework Agency Strategic Plan 2014-2017. The process has provided was finalised and a cybersecurity portal for sharing knowledge, an opportunity to reflect, respond to and embrace the many lessons and best practices among African States will be online emerging issues and trends. in the last half of 2019.

As the AU’s implementation support Agency, the specific Regional and Continental Integration NEPAD Agency value addition services aim to strengthen In support of regional and continental integration with and align national-regional capacity (human and institutions) particular focus on movement of people and goods, NEPAD to implement strategic policy and investment interventions has developed and operationalised the Traffic Light System at and deliver results on set economic growth and development four pilot One Stop Border Posts. The border posts are Beit targets. Bridge, Chirundu, Kasumbalesa and Kazungula, connecting five countries - South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Democratic Some of the highlights of the NEPAD Agency’s results in Republic of Congo and Botswana. Furthermore, a job creation the first half of 2018 are: toolkit training was held. A job maximisation case study of Batoka Gorge Hydro was also produced. Science Technology and Innovation In the area of Science Technology and Innovation, the Africa Improved Human Wellbeing Innovation Outlook was completed. It provides insightful In the area of improved human wellbeing, some of the results analysis of selected key Science and Technology Innovations for this first half of the year are: (STI) performance indicators in general and Science • Following the endorsement of the AU Model Law on Technology Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA) 2024 in Medical Products regulations in 2016, the Model Law has particular. The Agency has enabled the integration of STI, now been adopted in 12 African Countries (Burkina Faso, Education and Health indicators into the African Union policy Burundi Côte d’Ivoire, the Gambia Lesotho, Mozambique and decision making processes. Namibia, Rwanda Seychelles, ESwatini, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. The African Union High Level Panel on Emerging Technologies • Two operational research studies are also underway presented its recommendations on how the AU and its covering Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia. member states should harness three emerging technologies for sustainable transformation. The three technologies are: Skills and Employment for Youth Gene Drives for control and elimination of Malaria; Drones for With regards skills and employment for youth, four countries increasing Agricultural Transformation: and Micro-Grids for were supported to develop National Action Plans on youth community empowerment. employment and skills development, with a special focus on rural economic value chains. The countries supported Infrastructure were Benin, Cameroon, Malawi and Niger. The Cameroon Following a consultative session between the NEPAD Agency National Action on Youth is under a validation process, while and the Kenyan government, with the participation of the the remaining ones are work in progress. In order to enhance Lamu Port and Lamu-Southern Sudan-Ethiopia Transport their capacity to implement their national action plans, Corridor (LAPSSET) Corridor Development Authority, specific relevant personnel were trained on project execution, contract projects on the LAPSSET Corridor were identified to be interpretation, finance, procurement and reporting. advanced by NEPAD in collaboration with its partners. The roadmap is in alignment with the Kenya National Development Plan and the AU 5% Agenda.

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Madagascar, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Malawi, Ghana, Sudan and Kenya) on implementing the Initiative on Food and Nutrition in Africa (IFNA). The survey findings will inform the development of the IFNA Country Strategy for Action.

Nutrition and Food Systems In March, NEPAD in partnership with the Pan-African Parliament, held a high level advocacy event on Nutrition and Food Systems to advocate for nutrition investments at the community level. As a result, a resolution on Nutrition and Food Systems was adopted in May, during the 6th ordinary session for the Pan African parliamentarians. Similarly, a Food and Nutrition Security advocacy tool kit was developed to support the parliamentarians.

Inception Report on Transformative Capacities Regarding transformative capacities, the final inception report for the Country Capacity Development Assessments for Effective Implementation of AU Agenda 2063 and Agenda 2030 in 10 Pilot countries was produced. The report has provided guidance on the next steps which will involve the design of data collection tools, subsequent to which visits to countries will be undertaken. The first cohort of countries includes Algeria, Cameroon, Comoros, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Nigeria, eSwatini, Togo, and Zimbabwe.

Resilience and being climate smart In the area of resilience and being climate smart, the Climate Agriculture Gender (nexus approach) is under implementation in five countries (Ethiopia, Niger, Rwanda, Malawi and Business Incubation for A farmer checking the Cameroon). The focus is to augment deployment of climate African Women Entrepreneurs maturity of his wheat yield smart technologies among women and youth small holder NEPAD Agency enabled in the fields framers, and enhance their adaptive capacity and coping accelerated implementation mechanisms of climate externalities. of the Business Incubation for African Women Entrepreneurs Nature based solutions for development in ECOWAS and COMESA Nature based solutions for development are also progressing, member states. This was with 26 countries demonstrating commitment to the through procurement and implementation of the African Forest Landscape Restoration supply of equipment and tools Initiative (AFR100), with 86% (about 86 million hectares) of for the innovation hubs for degraded land committed for land restoration. The countries entrepreneurship, social impact include Benin, Burundi, Cameroon, CAR, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, projects, and income generation DRC, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, opportunities for women and Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Niger, Republic of Congo, youth. The targeted beneficiary Rwanda, Senegal, Sudan, South Africa, eSwatini, Togo, countries with this support Tanzania and Uganda. include Burkina Faso, Kenya, Sudan, eSwatini, Burundi, and Food Security Sierra Leone. Information on the structure, products and value of the intra- regional fish trade in food security was generated and made Initiative on Food and available to stakeholders. This was made possible through Nutrition in Africa support to research on informal fisheries trade networks in NEPAD Agency also supported four selected regional trade corridors of the continent. a preparatory survey in the initial ten countries (Senegal, Burkina Faso, Mozambique,

71 AU ECHO 2018 Partnering WITH AFRICA’S YOUTH IS A PREREQUISITE TO drive inclusive and sustainable development

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For all that we possess as a continent, has been made towards the realization of it is only in the last decade that the Agenda 2063. In 2017, a total number discussions on the potential value of of 145 volunteers from 45 member AU-YVC 2017 Africa’s youth have gained momentum states served as AU youth volunteers: backed up by mounting evidence that 62% (90) female and 38% (55) male. Achievements indicates the need to actively investing This is an overall progression in terms • 145 volunteers in the potential of this demographic if of improved women’s participation, Africa’s development agenda is to be diversity in the representation of from 45 Member achieved.. In recognition of this fact, the member states, as well as age States African Union designated 2017 as the distribution, with an increased number of year for “Harnessing the Demographic ‘younger youth’ making up the majority • Improved Dividend through Investments in of the volunteers. participation of Youth”. The decision was based on the realization that in order to achieve Following a call for applications for a new women 62% (90) sustainable development and realize the set of African Union youth volunteers in female vs 38% (55) aspirations of Agenda 2063 (The Africa 31st July 2017, the AU received a total of We Want), the continent must accelerate 36,892 applications from 52 (out of 55) male. and increase strategic investments in AU member states. Following stringent • Better diversity in its young people who constitute the selection processes, 135 candidates majority of its population. were selected, representing the widest the representation possible regional, linguistic, gender, age of member states One of the initiatives by the African and skills distribution. As part of the way Union aimed at promoting youth forward for the program and capitalizing • Diverse age participation in governance, capacity on opportunities, the AUC Youth Division distribution building and empowerment through seeks to increase deployments to AU service and skills exchange is the African member states, in an effort to make Union Youth Volunteer Corps (AU-YVC) the deployment process as diverse as which recruits diverse youth from possible, including deploying AU youth have the opportunity to understand, Africa and the Diaspora, in a process volunteers in post conflict countries, and own and drive the demographic underpinned by the philosophies of pan broadening the diversity, e.g. including dividend agenda. In this regard, the AUC Africanism and youth leadership. youth with disabilities. continues to provide technical support and monitor the implementation of Since the launch of the AU-YVC, the The Youth Division also aims to increase the demographic dividend initiative as program has solidified its prominence partnership with Regional Economic called for in the decision on the theme as being the foundation for engaging Communities (RECs) and member of the year 2017. Furthermore, member youth who are passionate to serve the states, towards the full implementation states are urged to integrate the continent and has strengthened the of national and regional volunteer demographic dividend in their country AU’s drive to enlist youth as partners initiatives, and increased resource programs through the four-step approach and assets in driving inclusive and mobilization and partnership building, framework, i.e. the “Demographic sustainable development of the African to increase the visibility and impact of Dividend Country Programme.” continent. The AU-YVC program which the AU-YVC programmes. Efforts are mirrors the tenets of the African Youth also being made and strengthened to The youth as defined by the AU are Charter and the Assembly Decisions mobilize and attract existing and new those between the ages of 15 and 35. by AU Heads of State and Government partners including member states to Looking into the future, the intention is has successfully deepened the position improve the financial and partnership to broaden the strategy on two levels; of young people in Africa as key actors base of the AU-YVC programmes. through making investments in (i) youth in achieving Africa’s development between 15 and 35 years of age; and (ii) targets and goals by enhancing their Given that the demographic dividend is young people, who are children below participation in policy development as about cohesive development involving 15 years of age. Under the 2018 theme, well as designing and implementing a wide range of sectors as defined in “Winning the fight against Corruption” interventions towards achieving Agenda the four AUC pillars, the Youth Division, the AU Youth Division are running a a 2063, Africa’s strategic long-term which falls under the Department programme for “Galvanizing Youth development framework of Human Resources, Science and Technology, seeks to have a strong Actions to Eliminate Corruption”, whose goal is to continue recruiting more Reflecting on the five objectives of the coordination capacity and mechanisms to youth and making contributions towards AU-YVC program, substantial progress ensure that all concerned stakeholders sustainable development in Africa.

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THE SINGLE AFRICAN AIR TRANSPORT MARKET For many travellers, moving across the length and breadth of Africa can prove daunting. Not only are flights expensive; but more often than not there are no direct flights between African countries. In addition, major airlines that operate Striving from out of the continent involve layovers in faraway cities like Dubai, Paris or Istanbul.

Currently, only five countries have direct flights connecting to more than 20 other African countries out of the 55 - Ethiopia (30), Kenya (28), Morocco (27), South Africa (25) and Nigeria (20). There are no direct flights from Addis Ababa to Tunis for a for example, with the fastest one-stop flight between the cities taking close to 11 hours. However, stopovers over 24 hours are common.

These are some of the challenges caused by an unconnected Africa.

Africa has 118 international airports and over 500 domestic airports. The main Single regions of traffic growth are North Africa (Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Libya); Southern Africa (mainly South Africa); Eastern Africa (Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda) and Western Africa (Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal).

Availability of air transport is indispensable for a number of countries due to inaccessibility of large parts of the continent by surface modes of transport (road African and rail). The continent has 15 landlocked countries and 8 Island States, with a poor state, or lack of intra-state surface transport infrastructure. A 1600 metre runway is sufficient for a short or medium haul aircraft to interconnect most of the major cities. It is cheaper to construct and cheaper to maintain as compared to road or rail networks. Air transport therefore offers the only means of transport for these landlocked countries and Island States for their capitals to be connected to Sky other capitals across the continent. In terms of passengers, African airlines carried some 79.5 million passengers in 2015 and is expected to grow to 303 million by 2035 according to the International 25 out of 55 African member states have Air Transport Association (IATA), higher if air transport is fully liberalised. declared their solemn commitment to the Anticipated growth is due to population increase and rapid urbanisation, expansion implementation of the decision towards of the middle class, expansion of aviation infrastructure through hub development, the establishment of a Single African Air and adoption of an open skies policy. The Programme for Infrastructure Transport Market Development in Africa (PIDA) predicts, air traffic levels will rise to 602.2 million by 2040.

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Routes with liberal air services agreements have seen an investment and innovation; improving business operations increase in traffic; e.g. liberalisation of air services between and efficiency. South Africa and Kenya in the early 2000s led to a 69% The granting of fifth freedom traffic rights is important for rise in passenger traffic. Ethiopia’s pursuit of more liberal the growth of intra-African market. Fifth freedom rights bilateral agreements (on a reciprocal basis) has contributed with respect to scheduled air services, permit an eligible to Ethiopian Airlines becoming one of the most profitable African carrier to fly between two other African countries airlines in Africa. On intra-African routes with more liberal on a flight originating or ending in its own country. For bilateral agreements, passengers using the Ethiopian Airlines example with Egypt, Kenya and South Africa being part of network benefited from a 10-21% decrease in fares and 35- the single market, this will allow South African Airways to 38% higher frequencies compared to restricted intra-Africa fly Johannesburg-Nairobi-Cairo or for Egypt Air to fly Cairo- routes. Nairobi-Johannesburg with rights to lift and drop passengers What is the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) at intermediate stops. It is also important that visa SAATM is a flagship project of the African Union’s Agenda requirements are relaxed for Africans within the intra-African 2063, and aims to create a single unified air transport air transport market. market in Africa, as an impetus to the continent’s economic integration and growth agenda. So far, 25 out of 55 African member states have declared their commitment to the implementation of the SAATM; SAATM provides for the full liberalisation of intra-African namely: Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, air transport services in terms of market access, the free Republic of Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, exercise of first, second, third, fourth and fifth freedom Ghana, Guinea Conakry, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mozambique, traffic rights for scheduled and freight air services by eligible Namibia, Nigeria, Niger, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, airlines. It removes restrictions on ownership and provides Swaziland, Togo and Zimbabwe. for the full liberalisation of frequencies, tariffs and capacity. It also provides eligibility criteria for African community The Single African Air Transport Market will be launched carriers, safety and security standards, mechanisms for fair during the January 2018 AU Summit and signals the AU’s competition and dispute settlement as well as consumer determination to lobby liberalisation of the aviation market protection. and continuing the “open skies” discourse that allows African carriers to fly anywhere within Africa. The implementation of SAATM aims to ensure intra-regional connectivity between SAATM is closely aligned to other flagship projects of Agenda the capital cities Africa. The impact of air transport 2063 such as the African Passport and enabling the Free liberalisation accrues to the entire continent by improving air Movement of People, the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA). services connectivity and air carrier efficiencies. The rationale for establishing SAATM is based on The future of Africa is being forged. SAATM will greatly documented experiences from other regions – the European contribute to Africa becoming a significant and influential Single Air Transport Market and the liberalised air transport global player in the aviation and related sectors. markets in Latin America (Chile, Costa Rica and Brazil). Air The abandoned stop-overs, the endless hours spent at transport can open and connect markets, facilitating trade and airports waiting for connecting flights and the knowledge that enabling African firms to link into global supply chains. It plays a great continent is coming together should be the driving a pivotal role in just-in-time global manufacturing production mission of African governments and the central story of the and in fresh agricultural produce transportation. Enhancing Single African Air Transport Market. air connectivity can help raise productivity, by encouraging SAATM

As we grow 25 Countries are now members. Find out more at www.au.africa/agenda2063

www.au.int AU ECHO 2018

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THE DOTAFRICA JOURNEY: From launch to ascending the highest peak on the continent, Mt. Kilimanjaro

DotAfrica (.africa) is the Geographic On 27 June 2017, dotAfrica honoured Top Level Domain (gTLD) for the people the stalwards who played an important and continent of Africa. This gTLD role in the development of ICT on the represents the online hopes and dreams continent as well as those that helped to of an entire continent and was launched shape the dotAfrica dream at the Avante to the general public on 04 July 2017. Garde Awards held in South Africa. This domain name affords individuals, governments, companies and others the Following the official launch of dotAfrica opportunity to associate their products, at the AU Headquarters, the dotAfrica services and information with the Roadshow was launched at the 29th continent and people of Africa. African Union (AU) Summit held at The Botswana Communications It was made possible after the Internet the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) & dotAfrica Corporation for Assigned Names & Ethiopia on Monday, 03 July 2017 during team at the Botswana border Numbers (ICANN) delegated the rights the Assembly of the Heads of State and to administer the gTLD to the ZA Central Governments of the AU. Registry (ZACR), now adminstered by its subsidiary Registry Africa on 11 February At this meeting of the African Heads 2017. of States, the then Chairperson of the AU, H.E. Alpha Condè handed over the Today, with over 17 000 registrations, the .africa flag to the Chairperson of dotAfrica continues to enjoy the support the African Union Commission (AUC), of the African Union Commission (AUC) H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, who in and a comfortable majority of African turn handed the .africa flag to the .africa governments. It furthermore enjoys team, represented by Mr Lucky Masilela, DotAfrica Mountaineers at the foot of widespread support from such leading CEO of Registry Africa, in the Nelson Mount Kilimanjaro African organisations as AfriNIC, AfTLD, Mandela Plenary Hall, thereby endorsing ITU, UNECA and Nepad. the continent-wide .africa awareness The mission to create Africa’s very own campaign. online identity began as far back as the OR Tambo and Abuja Declarations of the The dotAfrica “follow the flag” campaign 1990s where it was resolved to use ICT signalled to the world that Africa has to ensure the development of Africa. finally prevailed. This unprecedented The dotAfrica (gTLD) was officially journey across the continent celebrated launched at the African Union dotAfrica as an example of Africans Commission (AUC) Headquarters in working together to achieve a common Ethiopia on 10 March 2017. goal of “one domain name for the entire continent”. Lending their most valued support by being present at this landmark The most prominent feature of the event were the then outgoing AUC follow the flag campaign was the Chairperson, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana hoisting of the dotAfrica flag atop Africa’s Dlamini Zuma, the then incoming AUC tallest mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro. After Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, and completing its landmark journey across AUC Commissioner for Infrastructure the continent to epitomise the unity and Energy, Dr. E. Ibrahim. of all African States, the dotAfrica flag was then returned to its home, the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa on 30 January 2018.

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What is the importance of creating a How has the Pan African University Pan African University (PAU) and what (PAU) been relevant to the The Pan led to the establishment of the PAU? implementation of the continental The PAU was inspired and driven by vision of Agenda 2063? African major policy frameworks of the AU, The establishment of the PAU was a including the Vision of the African Union, recognition of the fact that for Africa to the Second Decade of Education and achieve the Aspirations of Agenda 2063, University: the Consolidated Plan of Action for there was a need to strengthen higher Science and Technology. PAU is a major education and research and catalyze Producing instrument for the implementation of education through a skills revolution that Agenda 2063, the Science, Technology actively promotes science, technology, High Quality Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA research and innovation, with the 2024), the Plan of Action for the Second ultimate aim of building knowledge, Decade of Education for Africa which human resources, capabilities and skills Intellectual will give way to the African Continental for Africa’s future. Education Strategy; as well as the Capital For African Common Position on post 2015 The PAU aims to produce a critical Sustainable Development Goals. mass of high quality intellectual capital for Africa, and make African higher Africa PAU is the first university established by education and research attractive, globally competitive, and locally relevant, as well as serve as a model for quality education.

PAU contributes to Aspiration 6 of Agenda 2063 to build capacity that will be deployed to unleash the productive potential of the continent and accelerate its industrialization by empowering youth and women through higher education. PAU awards scholarships at postgraduate levels (MSc & PhD) in basic sciences, technology, engineering, governance, social sciences and humanities fields and has taken steps to increase participation of women in higher education by increasing the number of female students to 30%.

What courses offered by the PAU? The University focuses on five thematic areas:- Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation; Life and Earth Sciences (including Health and Agriculture), the African Union and was established to Governance, Humanities and Social act as a standard for all other universities Sciences; Water Energy and Sciences within Africa. It aims to be a globally (including Climate Change); and Space competitive university, focusing on Sciences. The thematic areas are programs that have strategic importance assigned to institutes hosted by existing to Africa’s development and plays an universities of excellence across Africa’s integral role in increasing capacity in five geographic regions as follows: research and strengthening higher Interview done with education through multiple programs North Africa: PAU Institute for Water Prof. kassa Belay, The in life, basic and social sciences as well and Energy Sciences (including as humanities, governance and regional Climate Change) (PAUWES) at the Deputy Director of the integration in four regional hubs in Africa AbouBekrBelkaid University of Tlemcen, Pan African University Algeria.

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MSC/ teach in the five PAU institutes? INSTITUTE PROGRAMS PHD MA Academic staff roles are advertised in the AU website as well as the PAU PAUSTI Molecular Biology & Biotechnology   website and Host Universities also   Mathematics (Financial option) provide lecturers as part of MOUs signed Mathematics (Computational option)   between them and the AUC. Mathematics (Statistics option)   Civil Engineering (Structural option)   Over the past five years academic staff have been recruited on –part-time basis Civil Engineering (Arid and Semi-Arid Land option)   for a limited period of time that allows  Mechanical Engineering them teach their courses. However, a Mechatronic Engineering  process is underway to recruit long term Electrical Engineering (Telecommunications option)   academic staff for the PAU Institutes. Electrical Engineering (Power Systems option)   PAU maintains its quality by working with PAULESI Veterinary Medicine (avian medicine option)  highly qualified experts and academics Veterinary Medicine (vaccine production &  from all over the world and including Management option) professors from the African diaspora Photochemistry and Medicinal Plant Research  who are invited to teach courses in the Sports Management and Policy Development  PAU Institutes and supervise student Health Sciences (Reproductive Health option)   theses and research work. Health Sciences (Reproductive Biology option)   How does the PAU contribute to the Geosciences (Petroleum Geosciences option)   integration of the continent? Geosciences (Mineral Exploration option)   PAU creates a platform that brings Plant Breeding   together African nationals to study and Environmental Management   reflect on issues of strategic importance PAUGHSS Governance and Regional Integration   to the continent and promotes African integration through the training of highly Conference Interpreting  qualified experts, enhancing the mobility Trans Border languages (Kiswahili option)  of students and academic staff among Translation   African universities and undertaking PAUWES Water (Engineering option)  collaborative research linked to the Water (Policy option)  challenges faced by African countries. In addition to its thematic courses, and Energy (Engineering option)  in its quest to produce pan Africanist  Energy (Policy option) graduates, General History of Africa, Gender and Human Rights are offered to West Africa: PAU Institute for Life and PAU has developed and implemented all PAU students as common courses. Earth Sciences (including Health and several curricula at its four institutes and Agriculture) (PAULESI) at the University currently offers 44 training programs (28 Since it started operationalization, PAU of Ibadan, Nigeria. MSc./MA &16 PhD) as indicated in the has enrolled 1386 students from 46 Central Africa: PAU Institute for table below. member states and for the academic Governance, Humanities and Social year 2018/2019, it received 13,048 Sciences (PAUGHSS) at the University of The courses in each program are applications from 53 member states Yaoundé II and the University of Buea, developed by subject experts from Cameroon. The Governance and Regional Africa, diaspora and the international Plans are underway in the coming Integration fields of study are taught in community. The programs are months to launch the Pan African Virtual the campus of the University of Yaounde continuously being reviewed in and E-University (a flagship project of II-Soa, Translation and Interpretation collaboration with RECs, member Agenda 2063) to ensure wider reach. programs are taught in the University of states, AUC departments, industry Buea. stakeholders and development partners What are the criteria for selection of East Africa: PAU Institute for Basic to ensure their continued relevance the students who have benefitted Sciences, Technology and Innovation and applicability in contributing towards from the PAU grants? (PAUSTI) at the Jomo Kenyatta University resolving African capacity challenges. Student recruitment is done on a of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, competitive basis whereby calls for Kenya. How are the lecturers selected to

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scholarship applications are issued and widely disseminated by the Rectorate, How many students have graduated and students apply online. The selection from the PAU and how do you support process takes place at the level of the their search for employment? institutes by an international jury of Of the 1386 Students who have enrolled, experts. The Institute Boards submit 512 students have graduated in various the final list of selected students to the disciplines. Rectorate. The Senate makes the final decision on the admission of students. \To address challenges in securing Students are admitted from all African employment, internship programs are countries. Countries hosting the Pan facilitated and entrepreneurship trainings African University Institutes will be carried. An ALUMNI association has also entitled to a maximum of 20% overall been established to keep track of their quota on new admissions (20% of the progress. overall selected students) and all other countries are entitled to a maximum of How will the PAU contribute to the 10%. As PAU has been commissioned AU Reforms goal of “Transforming the to mainstream gender and play a leading African Union”? role in ensuring gender parity, at least PAU will contribute to transforming 30% of the selected students should the AU through the development of be females. Moreover, geographical financially sustainable programs and and country representation are given producing high calibre human capital due consideration during the selection necessary for the transformation of the process. continent. Moreover, PAU has embarked on the development of research agenda The admission requirements for MA/ for its thematic institutes, so that their MSc. and PhD programs are in line with research could be streamlined and international best practice aligned to the strategic needs of the continent. How is the PAU managed so that it can be at its best performance? How What would be your message to the is it financed? future generation particularly the PAU operates under the Human youths, some of whom lose their lives Resources Science & Technology while crossing the Atlantic in search Department of the AU Commission. It of greener pastures abroad? has the following management organs to For the youth of this continent, my ensure performance at the highest levels message is that you have a lot of a) PAU Council which is the highest potential which can be tapped for decision making organ the benefit of the continent. PAU will b) Rectorate continue to empower youth across the c) PAU Senate continent through higher education and d) Boards of Institute nurturing talent through incubation hubs e) Directorates of the Institutes that will market promising ideas. Though PAU is a young university, with the hard Each of the institutes has a board which work and active participation of the youth is responsible for the supervision of the in Africa, it can play an important role in academic, administrative, and financial the development of the continent. management of the institute.

PAU is funded by member states of the African Union, host countries and partners. An endowment fund will soon be established to tap into more funding, especially from the private sector as well as foundations. PAU aims to produce a critical mass of high quality intellectual capital for Africa.

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NBA Star David West in black and other Yali Summit particpiants

The African Union Mission to the United States of America has embarked on SUMMARY OF THE an ambitious drive to reach out to the Diaspora in the US and the Americas ACTIVITIES OF THE AU through a series of engagements. Driven by Ambassador Arikana MISSION TO THE UNITED Chihombori-Quao, the AU’s Permanent Representative, the Mission has also STATES OF AMERICA: been working to bridge the social, cultural and historical divide between Africans on the continent and those in Contributing to achieving the Diaspora. the Africa we want under In February this year, the AU engaged renowned US professional basketball Agenda 2063 player David West and Senegalese born pop star AKON, in an endeavor to mobilize the Diaspora. The mission facilitated their visit to AU headquarters in Addis Ababa where they met senior officials, addressed the Youth

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Leadership Academy and signed a memorandum of agreement to use David’s high profile sports personality to rally the Diaspora in the US to support development initiatives in Africa and for the African Diaspora.

In March, Ambassador Chihombori- Quao was part of a special ceremony at the Los Angeles National Cemetery at which hundreds of Africans who took part in the First World War and other historical wars were honoured.

In pulling together concerted efforts by the Diaspora for their resources and experience towards the continent, the AU Ambassador was part of the Child Legacy Fund raising event in April, in Houston. The event aimed to raise awareness and commitment to fight against maternal and child deaths, critical water shortages, early pregnancies and other serious health problems in southern Africa. Child Legacy International is a Christian non-profit organization working in Zimbabwe and Malawi to transform lives of thousands of people in rural communities. It was established in 1987 by US based couple Jeff and Karen Rogers.

Buoyed by the signing of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) in Kigali Rwanda in March 2018, African Trade and Industry Ministers were keen on speaking with one voice at the African Growth and Opportunity Act AGOA Forum on July 11 and 12 in Washington DC. (AGOA is a trade deal which allows eligible countries in Africa to export their products to the US duty-free. It was enacted in 2000 for fifteen years and was renewed until 20105.)

The AU Mission organised a series of meetings leading up to the Forum. On July 9, a consultative engagement of technical experts and African Ambassadors whose countries are eligible for AGOA took stock of key milestones and challenges of AGOA, and was a precursor to that of Trade and Industry Ministers, led by Deputy Amb. Chihombori’ Quao pinning Jeff Rogers, Founder of Child Legacy at the Fundrasing event in Houston

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Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Ambassador Kwesi Quartey the following day.

The 17th AGOA Forum whose theme was “Forging new strategies for US-American Trade and Investment,” focused on the implementation of AGOA, in view of the US government’s new trade and foreign policy, strategies for improving trade relations between Africa as a bloc rather than on a bilateral level, as well as what happens after the current AGOA pact expires in 2025. An important outcomes document was agreed on at the end of the forum, in high level meetings including former acting US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Donald Yamamoto and AUC Deputy Chairperson, Ambassador Kwesi Quartey. The forum was hosted by the US Department of State.

The African Diaspora Young Leaders (ADYL) on August 3, was the first of its kind. More than three hundred young men and women from various African countries met with their counterparts from the Diaspora, or people of African descent, in Washington DC. Partipants of YALI Summmit and at The summit, whose theme was Connecting Leaders across the Youth Summit Africa and the Diaspora was organized by the AU Mission, US State Department, the African Development Foundation, and the Constituency for Africa. Participants tackled issues such as the negative image of Africa in US media, business leadership, relations between Africans on the continent and those in the Diaspora, and the role that sports and technology can play in driving growth, peace and unity.

At Africa House, the office of AU in Washington, the mission has hosted several launches and meetings among Diaspora groups, all keen on forging strong partnerships with AU member states. The office has revamped their online radio platform to enable a listenership of over 10,000.

You can listen in on https://steams.radio.co/s614501e52/ listen via the AU Mission website www.auwashingtondc.org

Partcipants at the recently held Africa Fest, put togeher by the AU and various stakeholders to showcase African food and culture.

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EA O

A Sustainable Path to Africa’s Transformation

Ensure Sustainable Peace and Development, END CORRUPTION!

Find out more at www.au.africa

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Peace and stability are key ingredients for any nation to achieve its social and developmental goals. When there is peaceful coexistence between the citizens of a nation, and between a nation and its neighbours, the opportunities for social, cultural and economic interaction and integration increase.

Promoting peace, security and stability on the continent is one of the key activities of the African Union (AU), as the linkages between peaceful environment and sustainable development are naturally evident.

The AU Agenda 2063 places importance on the aspiration for a peaceful and secure Africa and one of the Flagship Initiatives is that of Silencing the Guns by 2020 which aims to drive the African agenda to end all wars, civil conflicts, gender based violence and violent conflicts and prevent genocide.

Significant progress has been made towards Silencing the Guns in Africa in spite of the common narrative of Africa being a continent always at war with itself, with sever humanitarian consequences. In 2002 when the AU was formed as the successor to the Organisation of African Unity SILENCING (OAU), there were around 28 conflicts/crises situations. By 2009, these conflicts/ crises had fallen down to around seven, thanks to the efforts of the AU Peace and Security Council. However, from 2010 to date (2017), the number rose again to over 15 conflicts/crises. Adding to this is the newly emerged terrorism and violent extremism affecting parts of northern Africa, the Sahel, Western and central Africa.

THE GUNS The achievements in the reduction in conflict/crisis is as a result of the efforts deployed by the Member States of the AU in promoting peace, security, stability and development to all African citizens by facilitating dialogue-centered conflict prevention and mediation, as well as peacebuilding efforts in Member States emerging from violent conflicts, particularly in further strengthening national infrastructures for peace. In addition to dialogue-centred conflict prevention, as well as IN AFRICA the management and resolution of existing conflicts, the AU deploys troops for the protection of citizens, maintain peace and bring stability in the continent.

The African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) The African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), is the African Union’s blue print for the promotion of peace, security and stability in Africa. The central pillar of the APSA is the PSC, which is supported, in the discharge of its mandate, by various structures, namely: the Commission, the Panel of the Wise, the Continental Early Warning System (CEWS), the African Standby Force (ASF) and the Peace Fund. The PSC is the AU’s standing decision making organ for the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts as well as, on Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development. The Council has developed the AU Master Roadmap (AUMR) on Practical Steps to Silence the Guns in Africa by the Year 2020.

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The Master Roadmap is premised on the principle that Africa organizations, private sector- to take all necessary measures should assertively assume total responsibility for its destiny to fully implement the AU Master Roadmap by fostering lasting peace and stability, which contributes to building prosperity and the well-being of African Citizens The AU Peace Fund The Roadmap is geared towards effective interventions on The AU and its Member States are already taking the lead in conflict prevention, management, resolution and post-conflict confronting challenges which other institutions are not able reconstruction and development, which would contribute to to address. With an AU Peace Fund which promotes African the goal of silencing the Guns by 2020. ownership of its peace and security agenda, the continent, Within the framework of APSA, the AU continues to work will establish a foundation for creating a more responsive with strategic partners such as The European Union (EU), international peace and security architecture. United Nations (UN) and other bilateral partners in its efforts towards attaining peace on the continent. Some of the ongoing actions being taken by the AU to deliver on Silencing the Guns include During the Peace and Security Council meeting held in Chairperson of the AUC, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, June 2017, the following recommendations were made appointed of H.E. Ramtane Lamamra, of Algeria as his High African Member States who have not done so, to sign, ratify Representative for Silencing the Guns in Africa and implement all relevant AU and international instruments Establishment of the Noukachott and Djibouti Processes for related to silencing the guns in Africa, in particular the Arms the enhancement of security cooperation and intelligence Trade Treaty, which will play a great role in this initiative; sharing in the Sahel and Eastern Africa regions, respectively, Encouraged political actors, especially political parties and to respond to existing and emerging security challenges such parliaments, to foster conducive conditions that contribute as extremism, terrorism and transnational threats. to the preservation of peace, security, stability, and cohesion AUC is working closely with the Regional Economic and encouraged them to use Agenda 2063, as a guide for Communities/Regional Mechanisms (RECs/RMs) to find elaboration of their manifestos and programmes; sustainable solution to conflict/crises situations in the Highlighted the need to capacitate law enforcement agencies continent. to enable them effectively contribute to stopping inflow of Resource mobilisation through close partnership with illicit weapons into Africa, and at the same time curb the relevant stakeholders, in financing the African Union Mission circulation of illicit weapons within the continent, and also in Somalia (AMISOM). The AU is working on a roadmap to enhance capacity to identify, seize and destroy illicit weapons; secure financing of its peace support operations. Declared September an Amnesty month, a month for surrender and collection of illegally owned weapons/arms to designated national law enforcement agencies; and, Find out more about the African Union’s Peace and Security Multi-stakeholder collaborative effort - AUC, Regional initiatives by visiting www.au.int Economic Communities (RECs), policy makers, civil society

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LARGE CONFERENCE HALL AMPHI THEATRE VIP MEETING ROOMS

The African Union Commission Conference Center and office complex boasts an elegant atmosphere coupled with modern architecture and modern technology rendering it an apt location for organizing meetings, conferences and other events.

The Conference Center is situated in the heart of Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia known for hosting the African Union Summit which brings together over 3000 representatives from government (African and international), private sector, international institutions, regional and international media and members of the public. The AU Conference center is centrally MEDIUM CONFERENCE HALL located with easy to access to the city’s landmarks, diplomatic missions, hotels and many other key locales, making an ideal venue to organize your events.

The African Union conference facilities offers 1 large conference plenary hall with a seating capacity of 2500 people, 2 medium conference halls which seats 400 to 700 people each and 5 small conference rooms with 113 capacity halls which accommodate varying capacities. It also houses 30 Caucus Rooms, seating 21 to 34 people each and 2 committee rooms with the capacity of 31 to 46 people ideal for smaller meetings. The various Briefing Rooms hosting between 40 to 54 people. A Multipurpose Room with a capacity to seat SMALL CONFERENCE HALLS 600 people is also available for receptions and is surrounded by lobbies ideal for exhibitions. Our VIP Lounges and Rooms will welcome your prestigious guests! In addition the outdoor Amphitheater with a seating capacity of 1000 is an ideal outdoor setting for concerts and other live shows.

Our facilities are fully Air Conditioned and equipped with flat screens and projection screens, multi-language interpretations facilities, computers and ample parking space fully monitored by AU security for your comfort.

For information or custom quote, please contact: Tel: +251 (0) 11 551 77 00 Ext: 4533 / 4290 | E-mail: [email protected] www.au.int/aucc

www.au.int

African Union Headquarters P.O. Box 3243, Roosvelt Street W21K19, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Tel: +251 (0) 11 551 77 00 Fax: +251 (0) 11 551 78 44 An integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.

African Union Headquarters www.twitter.com/_AfricanUnion P.O. Box 3243, Roosvelt Street W21K19, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Tel: +251 (0) 11 551 77 00 Fax: +251 (0) 11 551 78 44 www.facebook.com/AfricanUnionCommission www.au.int www.youtube.com/AUCommission