The African Union (AU) in 2025 is firmly focused on a set of strategic priorities emphasizing justice, peace, security, and continental unity. The year is marked by an overarching theme: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.” This theme reflects the AU’s commitment to addressing historic injustices such as colonialism, the trans-Atlantic slave trade, apartheid, and systemic racism that continue to hamper Africa’s socio-economic advancement and its global standing.
A core priority for the AU this year is strengthening institutional frameworks to better implement policies that address these historic wrongs. Efforts are being made to operationalize reparations through legislative advocacy, institutional reforms, recovery of cultural heritage, and educational system reforms. The Pan-African Parliament has been actively involved in crafting a coordinated approach to reparatory justice, aiming to ensure the dignity, socio-economic inclusion, and cultural recognition of Africans and people of African descent globally.
Alongside the reparations agenda, the AU is pushing for a united and coherent African stance on major continental governance and economic issues within global institutions. This includes advocating for greater African representation in international financial institutions and reforming the global financial architecture to address Africa’s disproportionately high borrowing costs and to mobilize sustainable investments. These efforts align with the long-term vision encapsulated in Agenda 2063, aiming for a prosperous, integrated, and peaceful Africa, with inclusive growth and youth empowerment being key development goals.
In the realm of peace and security, the AU’s priorities center on mediating and resolving active conflicts that threaten continental stability. A prime focus is placed on supporting peace processes in Sudan, where multi-dimensional conflicts pose a risk of regional spillover. The AU also concentrates on preventing escalation of conflicts in the Great Lakes region, bolstering security and governance in Somalia, and maintaining open diplomatic channels in the volatile Sahel and Central African regions. The AU’s role in these complex crises involves not just military or security interventions but also addressing governance deficiencies and humanitarian crises in an integrated manner.
Furthermore, the AU is committed to reinforcing institutional coordination by clarifying roles and fostering collaboration between the AU Commission, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), member states, and other continental institutions. This interconnected approach is key to effectively implementing peace, security, and development policies across Africa. The AU also emphasizes operational efficiency, sustainable financing, and enhanced global voice for Africa to ensure these initiatives are robust and impactful.
In parallel, the Africa Dialogue Series 2025, centered on “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent,” has stimulated broad discourse on social justice and reparations, raising awareness and engaging stakeholders across the continent and the diaspora. This dialogue underlines the AU’s holistic approach that blends justice with policy, governance reform, and societal healing.
Overall, the African Union’s 2025 priorities and policy dialogues demonstrate a multi-dimensional strategy to build stronger institutions, achieve restorative justice, and maintain peace and security amidst ongoing continental challenges. By aligning reparations with broader goals of economic and political integration, the AU seeks to propel Africa toward an inclusive renaissance rooted in justice, unity, and sustainable development.