President John Dramani Mahama has called for the African Union (AU) to fast-track its financial independence, emphasizing the need to reduce reliance on external funding.
He made this appeal during the opening session of a special meeting of AU Heads of State and Governments in Nairobi, Kenya.
The two-day summit, chaired by Kenyan President William Ruto in his role as Chair of AU Institutional Reforms, is focused on driving transformative changes within the Union.
President Mahama highlighted the urgency of implementing the Kigali Decision on Financing the Union, a resolution adopted in 2016 to impose a levy on imported goods to fund the AU.
He noted that financial autonomy is critical for the AU to maintain its independence and set its own developmental priorities.
“Over-reliance on external partners for funding compromises the AU’s ability to define its agenda and act independently. We must expedite reforms to secure our financial autonomy,” President Mahama stated.
He also stressed the importance of accountability, transparency, and value for money in how the AU operates, advocating for mechanisms that ensure resources are maximized for the benefit of Africans.
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Beyond financial independence, President Mahama highlighted the untapped potential of Africa’s youth and women, urging member states to institutionalize policies that promote inclusivity in leadership.
“Africa’s future lies in its youth, yet their voices remain absent in policymaking. With over 60% of our population under the age of 25, we must empower young people and women to lead at all levels of governance,” he said.
The Nairobi meeting is expected to develop a roadmap for accelerating AU reforms, including strengthening governance structures and ensuring that the Union’s policies create tangible benefits for Africans.
President Mahama’s remarks come at a time when the AU is under increasing pressure to implement reforms that address the continent’s growing challenges while positioning it as a stronger, more autonomous global player.
