African Union

The flag of the African Union represents the unity and shared aspirations of the African continent. Its green background evokes the continent's natural environment and hopes for a prosperous future. At the centre, a golden map of Africa highlights the continent itself, surrounded by a ring of stars representing the African Union's member states. The design reflects solidarity, cooperation and a common commitment to peace, development and African integration. The present flag was adopted in 2010, replacing an earlier African Union design.

The African Union (AU) was officially launched in Durban, South Africa, in July 2002, succeeding the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which had been established in 1963. The transition reflected a broader ambition to move beyond the struggle against colonialism and apartheid towards closer political and economic cooperation. The AU's founding framework, the Constitutive Act, was adopted in 2000 and entered into force in 2001. Since its launch, the organization has developed institutions and initiatives addressing peace and security, economic integration, governance, public health and long-term development across Africa. Its Agenda 2063 sets out a shared vision for the continent's future.

• Official Name: African Union (AU)
• Official Launch: July 2002, Durban, South Africa
• Predecessor: Organization of African Unity (OAU), founded in 1963
• Headquarters: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
• Member States: 55
• Flag: Current design adopted in 2010
• Main Goals: African unity, peace, integration and sustainable development

Key Facts:
• The African Union brings together countries from across the African continent.
• The African Union Commission serves as a central administrative and executive institution.
• The Peace and Security Council addresses conflict prevention and crisis response.
• Agenda 2063 is the AU's long-term development framework.
• The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a major initiative supporting trade and economic integration.

The African Union is a continental organization of 55 African member states, headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It provides a forum for cooperation on shared political, economic and social challenges. Its work includes promoting peace and security, supporting democratic governance and human rights, encouraging regional trade and infrastructure development, and coordinating responses to cross-border issues. The AU works through bodies including the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, the Executive Council and the African Union Commission. Through initiatives such as Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area, it seeks to strengthen cooperation, opportunity and sustainable development throughout Africa.