THE African Union’s new leadership has launched a sweeping vision aimed at anchoring the continent’s future on peace, economic integration, and home-grown development financing.
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the new Chairperson of the AU Commission, on Monday outlined the top priorities for his four-year term during his first official press briefing. At the core of the strategy is an accelerated rollout of the second 10-year phase of Agenda 2063, the AU’s long-term blueprint for continental transformation.
‘Our focus is on turning Africa’s aspirations into reality,’ said Youssouf, highlighting key efforts to stabilise conflict zones, deepen trade ties, and reform the AU’s financial model.
Confronting Africa’s security crises
Security and peacebuilding top the agenda, with Youssouf citing complex crises in Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, and the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo as urgent concerns.
The AU, he said, is working to forge durable solutions through diplomatic engagement, conflict mediation, and regional coordination. ‘Peace is the bedrock of development — and our efforts will be relentless,’ he added.
Unlocking Africa’s trade potential
Another central theme is economic integration, especially through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Youssouf pointed to the bloc’s goal of raising intra-African trade, which currently accounts for only 18 percent of the continent’s total commerce.
‘We see the challenges as opportunities. The AfCFTA is key to building resilient economies and creating jobs across the continent,’ he said.
Youssouf also emphasised the AU’s growing role in global trade governance, particularly through its newly secured G20 membership. The platform, he said, presents an opportunity to advocate for more equitable global trade terms and increased African participation.
Reform and financial self-reliance
A significant portion of the AU Commission’s agenda will focus on institutional reform, including measures to boost financial independence and reduce dependence on foreign donors.
‘Self-sustained development must begin with domestic resource mobilisation,’ Youssouf stated, pledging to introduce innovative financing mechanisms that will allow the AU to fund its own peace operations, development programmes, and administrative functions.
The leadership also intends to drive inclusive progress across strategic sectors such as agriculture, energy, infrastructure, education, health, science and technology, and industry — with a particular emphasis on youth and women’s empowerment.
Forging strategic global partnerships
Youssouf closed by underlining the importance of building stronger partnerships with international organisations and bilateral partners, notably China, through the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
‘Africa must shape its future through balanced cooperation based on mutual respect and shared interests,’ he said.
With the continent facing growing geopolitical and climate-related challenges, the AU’s new leadership is pitching its renewed agenda as a blueprint for a more stable, connected, and self-directed Africa — ready to take its rightful place in the global order.
