The African Union: Fostering Integration and Development

The African Union (AU) fosters political and economic integration between its member states with the overarching goal of eradicating poverty, boosting development, and integrating Africa into the global economy. In 2002, the African Union was born out of the Organization of African Unity, which was originally formed in the 1960’s during the decolonization of the continent.

Map of African Union Member States

Key Initiatives and Frameworks

The Africa Governance Report 2025 (AGR25) is the fourth report produced by the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) on behalf of the African Governance Architecture (AGA).

The African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AUCEVAWG) is a comprehensive legal instrument for the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls on the Continent. The Convention was adopted during the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in February 2025.

Morocco's Readmission and its Implications

Morocco's king hails 'return home' to African Union

On Monday, January 30th, Morocco was readmitted as a member state of the African Union (AU) following a summit at the AU’s headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Morocco had previously withdrew from the AU’s predecessor, the Organization for African Unity, in 1984 in protest of the organization's decision to allow the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) membership.

Morocco and the SADR, which is not officially recognized by the UN, have been in conflict over the Western Sahara region since 1975 when Spain withdrew its colonial power. Morocco’s readmittance will likely have significant geopolitical ramifications in the coming years.

Read also: Experience Fad's Fine African Cuisine

Map of Western Sahara

Economic Impact of Morocco's Return

Rejoining the AU has the potential to provide a major boost to Morocco’s $110 billion economy, which is already the 5th largest in Africa. The Moroccan economy, in the past, has been more aligned with the European economies to their North than to their continental neighbors in Africa.

However, over the past few years as the European markets have been relatively stagnant, Moroccan firms have been reducing their dependence on Europe and investing in fast growing African economies. Overall, the re-entry of Morocco into the African union could provide a significant boost the Moroccan economy, while also benefitting the other 54 member’s economies.

Read also: The Story Behind Cachapas

Read also: Techniques of African Jewellery

Popular articles:

tags: #African #Africa