For a Better Africa

It is important for African countries to stay united and work together for their independent development. Owing to historical reasons, Africa has lagged behind in development in the past decades, and is on the verge of marginalization in international affairs. This situation highlights the importance of speaking in one voice so as to be heard in the international community. The African Union (AU) is undertaking that responsibility.

The AU was officially established in July 2002, replacing the Organization of African Unity (OAU) as the most representative and authoritative intergovernmental organization in the continent. Over the past 20 years, the 55-member bloc has been upholding the banner of unity, self-determination, independent development and international cooperation, and is working to explore the modernization roadmaps suited for Africa. It also actively promotes African integration and mediates in hot-spot issues, so as to maintain peace, security, stability and development in the continent. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the AU has also coordinated member countries’ efforts in fighting the virus, and worked hard to get more vaccines for them.

The transformation from the OAU to the AU shows that the continental body’s historical mission has changed from assisting members in fighting for independence from colonialism to leading the states toward economic prosperity, peace and stability.

In this context, the AU has listed regional economic integration as one of its top priorities. In 2013, it started mapping the Agenda 2063, setting its eyes on building a new peaceful and prosperous Africa within 50 years. This initiative was adopted at the 24th AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in January 2015. It is the continent’s blueprint for transforming the region into a global powerhouse of the future, with the goal of building “an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens, representing a dynamic force in the international arena.”

Besides formulating development blueprints, the AU also did concrete work to boost African development. In 2012, the organization formally approved the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which was officially launched in January 2021. This was a milestone in the process of realizing African economic integration since it can greatly facilitate trade, increase industrial collaboration and strengthen independent economic development among regional countries.

The AU aims at finding African solutions for African problems. Through its Peace and Security Council, the AU actively develops collective security mechanisms, and has made outstanding progress in the areas of conflict prevention, management and settlement, post-conflict reconstruction and peace building.

The AU is China’s important partner in building the China-africa community with a shared future in a new era, and maintaining international justice and equality.

On February 5, 2022, Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to the 35th AU Summit. He said the AU’S efforts have proven effective in maintaining peace, stability and development in Africa, and have won Africa growing influence and stature in the world.