Increased collaboration between the African Union (AU) and the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) is accelerating the implementation of integration projects and promoting peace on the continent. In 2024, the AU Peace Fund reached $392 million, close to its target of $400 million. This cooperation has contributed to a 30% reduction in conflicts in West and Central Africa since 2022. African leaders recognize the importance of this synergy in achieving Agenda 2063 and promoting sustainable development.
Enhanced collaboration between the African Union (AU) and the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) can significantly accelerate the implementation of integration projects by sharing resources while promoting peace on the African continent. Indeed, in 2024, the African Union Peace Fund reached an endowment of over 392 million dollars, bringing it closer to its target of 400 million dollars for the smooth running of its activities.
« The declaration we have just adopted perfectly illustrates our unwavering commitment to continental integration through the consolidation of integration between the regional economic communities and the strengthening of coordination between the African Union, the regional economic communities and regional mechanisms. »
Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, Current Chairman of the African Union – Mauritania
Toutefois, toujours dans cette approche, la Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine (ZLECAf) joue un rôle crucial en collaborant étroitement avec les Communautés économiques régionales (CER). En se penchant sur les activités des CER, la ZLECAf peut renforcer l’intégration économique et favoriser un développement harmonieux à travers le continent selon le président de la Commission de l’Union africaine.
However, still in this approach, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) plays a crucial role by working closely with the Regional Economic Communities (RECs). By building on the activities of the RECs, the AfCFTA can strengthen economic integration and promote harmonious development across the continent, according to the Chairman of the African Union Commission.
» It is essential that ZLECAf should take an interest in the other activities of the RECs, as stipulated in the treaty that established it. In this way, we will add value to the actions and activities, and also overcome the difficulties associated with relations between the RECs and the Member States, the Commission and the FDA. «
Moussa Faki Mahamat , Chairman of the African Union Commission – Chad
Furthermore, African leaders, who play a fundamental role in strengthening collaboration between the African Union and the Regional Economic Communities, fully recognize the importance of this synergy in achieving the objectives of integration and sustainable development on the continent.
» We have an awesome responsibility to ensure that our integration agenda, encapsulated in the agenda 2063, becomes a reality. Indeed, we have a raw label with history that we must produce the best possible legacies as leaders on the continent for the African Union to meet the aspirations of our people. «
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana – Ghana
In 2023, the AU integrated the RECs into its peacekeeping initiatives, with an allocated budget of $500 million to support regional peace missions and conflict prevention programs. By building local capacity and fostering regional dialogues, the AU and RECs have succeeded in reducing conflict in several sensitive areas, with a 30% decrease in reported violent incidents in West and Central Africa between 2022 and 2024.
