The African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) have signed a €20 million EU-AU Partnership Performance Acceleration Program (AUPPAP).
The financing agreement is designed to promote integrated development and capacity building across Africa, the AU said Wednesday in a statement.
The AU said the financing agreement complements the existing support provided by the EU and its member states under the AU-EU partnership that celebrates 25 years this year.
The partnership aligns with Agenda 2063, the AU’s strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation of the continent, as well as the AU –EU joint vision for 2030, which aims to foster a prosperous, sustainable, and mutually beneficial future for both Africa and Europe, the statement said.
The AUPPAP focuses on accelerating the implementation of key development projects and strengthening institutional capacities to address shared challenges such as economic growth, digital, connectivity and energy.
The €20 million program will be implemented over a period of two years, focusing on mutually agreed results in the framework of the AU Agenda 2063, its flagship programmes and the joint AU-EU Partnership.
The initiative underscores the commitment of both the AU and EU to deepen their partnership and work collaboratively toward achieving sustainable development, inclusive growth, and resilience in Africa, while also strengthening ties between the two regions.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Fathallah Sijilmassi, Director General of the AUC remarked: “this partnership cements our cooperation and will contribute to the deepening of African integration and sustainable development, as envisioned in the mission and vision of the African Union.” The cooperation will directly benefit the AUC, other AU organs and agencies, AU member states, and African citizens.
MG/as/APA