Amid existing challenges to peace and security in some parts of Africa, the African Union (AU) Peace Fund has taken a crucial step forward in its mission to contribute for peace and stability across the continent. Through the completion of its first phase of engagement with the private sector and multilateral financial institutions, the AU Peace Fund has successfully exchanged views with key stakeholders across five member states—Kenya, Egypt, South Africa, Nigeria, and Cameroon—uniting them in a shared mission to foster peace and stability.

This engagement mission, led by H.E. Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, with the delegation including Mrs. Dagmawit Moges, Director of the AU Peace Fund Secretariat, and the AU Peace Fund team, has garnered strong commitments and support from over 40 major stakeholders across public enterprises, multilateral financial institutions and the private sector.

Reflecting on these achievements, Dr. Nsanzabaganwa underscored the importance of collaboration in securing lasting peace across the continent.

"This significant milestone marks a new chapter in Africa's journey towards self-reliance in financing peace. By fostering strategic partnerships with various stakeholders, we are establishing a solid foundation for sustaining peace and stability for all Africans," she stated.

The success of this engagement was the result of the active involvement of permanent representative missions of each member state. Their contributions were instrumental in identifying key stakeholders and establishing the groundwork for future partnerships. With the momentum gained from these consultations, the AU Peace Fund anticipates contributions as partners approached across the member states finalize their commitments in the coming months.

In Kenya, the Peace Fund team held a series of successful meetings with key institutions, receiving overwhelming support and commitment from the business community. Notable companies such as Safaricom PLC, ZEP-RE (PTA Reinsurance Company), African Trade Insurance Agency-ATIDI, Shelter Afrique, Ecobank Group, Kenya Airways, Trade and Development Bank Group (TDB), NCBA Group Kenya, Equity Bank Limited, and KCB Bank Group demonstrated their readiness to contribute to peace initiatives. These organizations are not only promising to offer financial support but also exploring innovative technologies and making significant community investments to enhance the Fund’s impact.

Mrs. Moges expressed her gratitude, saying, "We deeply appreciate the commitment of our partners. Their readiness to collaborate and invest in conflict prevention initiatives underscores the power of collective action in achieving our shared vision of a peaceful and prosperous Africa."

Egypt, recognized as the continent’s champion of Post-Conflict Reconstruction, played a crucial role as a steadfast ally in supporting the AU Peace Fund. High-level discussions with major players such as Qalaa Holdings, EFG-Hermes Private Equity, Federation of Egyptian banks, Arab contractors, Orascom Construction PLC, EGYPTAIR, ELSEWEDY ELECTRIC, Egyptian Agency Of Partnership For Development (EAPD), Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding (CCCPA), and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) underscored the nation’s commitment to aligning peace-building efforts with investment opportunities, particularly in regions emerging from conflict. These conversations highlighted the urgent need for a broader funding base involving multilateral financial institutions.

South Africa also presented a wealth of opportunities, with major stakeholders like ABSA, Old Mutual South Africa, Tiger Brands, Sasol SA, Standard Bank ZA, Aspen Institute, Debeers Group, Sanlam, DBSA Bank, and MTN Group expressing strong support for the Peace Fund. These discussions focused on critical areas such as enhancing impact measurement, food security, and health initiatives, demonstrating how corporate social responsibility can be seamlessly integrated with the broader peace agenda.

In Nigeria, the Peace Fund engaged with prominent institutions in Lagos, including the Africa Finance Corporation, the African Reinsurance Corporation, Stanbic IBTC, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Heirs Holdings, and HIS Towers. These organizations conveyed their interest in supporting the Fund, recognizing the critical role of peace in fostering economic stability. The collaboration with Heirs Holdings, led by Tony O. Elumelu, also highlighted the transformative potential of economic opportunities for youth, identifying it as a crucial pathway to lasting peace.

Meanwhile, in Cameroon, productive discussions with government officials and private sector representatives reaffirmed their commitment to the AU Peace Fund's initiatives. The growing recognition of the importance of peace and security across Africa was evident in the positive responses from Cameroonian stakeholders.

As the AU Peace Fund advances, the successful completion of the first engagement phase is a promising indicator of an enhanced partnership with the private sector, multilateral financial institutions and public enterprises. Mrs. Moges noted, "The partnerships we've established in this phase go beyond financial commitments; they are investments in the future of our continent. Together, we will keep striving towards our shared vision of a peaceful Africa."

Continued collaboration will be crucial in sustaining these efforts and ensuring the vision of "The Africa We Want". The AU Peace Fund's resource mobilization efforts are set to continue, with anticipation of further contributions from stakeholders across the continent underscoring the collective will to advance peace and security in Africa.

For further information, kindly contact:

Mr. Mikaïla Issa| Communications Officer | African Union Peace Fund Secretariat l African Union Commission | Email AbramaneM@africa-union.org

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