African Union (AU)

Founded 2002 (succeeding the Organisation of African Unity, founded 1963) · Headquarters: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Regional

Purpose

Promote unity, political and economic integration, peace and security, and development among African states.

Members:: 55 member states
Headquarters:: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

History

The African Union was launched in 2002 as the successor to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU, founded 1963), with a broader mandate including economic integration and conflict resolution, modelled partly on the European Union.

Structure

Assembly of Heads of State and Government
Executive Council
Commission, headed by the Chairperson
Pan-African Parliament

Key facts

All 55 recognized African states are members
Operates the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), launched in 2021, one of the world's largest free trade areas by membership
Joined the G20 as a permanent member in 2023

Pakistan's relationship

Not a member (membership restricted to African states); maintains diplomatic and development cooperation ties with the AU and African states.