The African Union (AU) Peace Fund High-Level Platform, held on the sidelines of the AU Summit on 15 February 2025, focused on the theme “Sustainable Peace Financing for Africa: Innovative Partnerships for the AU Peace Fund.” The gathering reaffirmed Africa’s strong commitment to ensuring sustainable and predictable funding for peace and security efforts. Bringing together Heads of State and Government, AU leadership, multilateral financial institutions, private sector leaders, and key stakeholders, the platform aimed to advance innovative financing mechanisms and strengthen partnerships to enhance stability across the continent.

A peaceful and secure Africa remains a central pillar of Agenda 2063. In his address, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, outgoing Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), commended AU Member States and partners for their leadership and commitment, which have been instrumental in reaching the AU Peace Fund’s initial $400 million target. While this milestone marks significant progress, he underscored the urgent need for increased resources to ensure Africa has the financial capacity to effectively prevent conflicts, support mediation efforts, and sustain peace operations.

The platform also recognized the growing engagement of the private sector and multilateral financial institutions, further reinforcing the AU Peace Fund’s role as a key instrument for Africa-led peace financing. Notably, Africa Reinsurance (Africa Re), United Bank for Africa (UBA), and the African Trade & Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI) announced new financial commitments, further strengthening the Fund’s resource base and demonstrating the critical role of diversified funding sources.

Discussions at the event underscored the importance of expanding innovative financing mechanisms, including increased engagement with the private sector, high-net-worth individuals and multilateral financial institutions.

Participants also emphasized the need to strengthen Member States’ voluntary contributions, ensuring a predictable and self-sustaining funding model for African-led peace and security efforts. Additionally, enhancing strategic partnerships between governments, multilateral financial institutions, and development partners remains essential in reinforcing Africa’s capacity for sustainable peace financing.

The AU Peace Fund has already demonstrated its effectiveness, with $19 million disbursed between 2023 and 2024 through the Crisis Reserve Facility, providing rapid financial support for conflict prevention, early warning, and peace operations across the continent.

As part of the event, the platform served as an opportunity to officially recognize the commitment of all contributors. H.E. João Lourenço, President of Angola and Chairperson of the AU, presented certificates of appreciation to AU Peace Fund Pioneers, in acknowledgment of their valuable contributions to financing peace.

Speaking at the platform, AU Peace Fund Director, Ms. Dagmawit Moges, highlighted the importance of reinforcing the Fund’s financial base, stating: "The progress made so far demonstrates Africa’s ability to take charge of its own peace and security agenda. Yet, the evolving nature of security threats requires us to go further. The sustainability of the AU Peace Fund depends on our collective commitment to strengthening assessed contributions, mobilizing additional resources, and securing innovative financing solutions."

The continued success of the AU Peace Fund relies on sustained commitments from AU Member States and partners. Increased financial contributions are essential to proactively addressing security challenges and building a resilient and peaceful Africa.

The African Union Commission remains committed to collaborating with Member States, regional organizations, and partners to advance innovative peace financing strategies. These efforts will further strengthen the AU Peace Fund as a cornerstone of Africa’s peace and security architecture.

For further information, kindly contact:

Mr. Mikaïla Issa| Communication Expert l African Union Peace Fund Secretariat l African Union Commission | E-mail: AbramaneM@africa-union.org

Ms. Doreen Apollos | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission | E-mail: ApollosD@africa-union.org  | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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