# Agencies of the African Union

The agencies of the African Union (AU) are specialized institutions established to implement the AU's objectives of promoting unity, peace, and sustainable development across Africa. These agencies operate across diverse sectors, including peace and security, economic integration, human rights, health, and education. They are distinct from the AU's main organs, such as the African Union Commission and the Pan-African Parliament, and are tasked with specific mandates to address continental challenges.

## Overview

The agencies of the African Union are established through AU legal instruments, including decisions of the Assembly of the African Union and protocols adopted by member states. They are designed to provide technical expertise, coordinate regional initiatives, and implement programs aligned with the AU's strategic framework, Agenda 2063. These agencies often collaborate with regional economic communities (RECs), international organizations, and non-state actors to achieve their goals.

## List of AU Agencies

The agencies of the African Union are categorized based on their primary functions and areas of operation.

### Peace and Security

These agencies focus on conflict prevention, management, and resolution, as well as promoting peace and stability across the continent.
* African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC): The decision-making body for AU interventions in conflicts and crises.
* African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation (AFRIPOL): Continental police organization established to enhance cooperation among law enforcement agencies of African Union (AU) member states.
* African Standby Force (ASF): A multinational military force for rapid deployment in conflict zones.
* Continental Early Warning System (CEWS): Monitors and analyzes conflict indicators to prevent crises.
* Panel of the Wise: Provides mediation and advisory support for conflict resolution.

### Economic Development and Integration

These agencies promote economic growth, regional integration, and sustainable development.
* African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD): Drives infrastructure and development projects across Africa.
* African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat: Facilitates intra-African trade and economic integration.
* African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM): Promotes good governance and accountability among member states.

### Human Rights and Governance

These agencies focus on promoting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
* African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR): Monitors and enforces human rights standards.
* African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights: Adjudicates human rights violations.
* African Committee on the Rights and Welfare of the Child: Protects the rights of children across the continent.

### Health and Social Affairs

These agencies address public health, social development, and gender equality.
* Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC): Coordinates public health responses and disease prevention.
* African Medicines Agency (AMA): Harmonizes medical regulation and ensures access to safe medicines.
* African Union Commission for Social Affairs: Promotes social development and gender equality.

### Financial Institutions

These agencies support economic growth and development through financial mechanisms.
* African Central Bank (ACB): It will become the banker of the African Government and/or regional unions, it will be the banker to Africa's private and public banking institutions along African regional central banks.
* African Development Bank (AfDB): Funds infrastructure and development projects.
* African Monetary Fund (AMF): Proposed to foster monetary stability and integration.
* African Investment Bank (AIB): Aims to boost capital investment in key sectors.

### Other Specialized Agencies

These agencies address specific technical and sectoral needs.
* Pan-African University (PAU): Promotes higher education and research.
* African Risk Capacity (ARC): Provides climate disaster insurance and risk management.
* African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC): Regulates air transport and promotes aviation safety.
* African Space Agency (AfSA): Space organisation established by the African Union (AU) to promote cooperation between the space policies of the AU's member states.

## Challenges and Future Directions

AU agencies face challenges such as funding gaps, political fragmentation, and overlapping mandates. Strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing member state collaboration, and improving resource mobilization are critical for achieving the goals of Agenda 2063. The AU continues to work towards streamlining its agencies and ensuring their effective operation.

## See Also

* African Union
* Agenda 2063
* Regional Economic Communities (RECs)
* Pan-African Parliament