African Union (AU), Countries, Headquarters, President & More

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African Union Countries

The African Union has 55 member countries, making it one of the largest continental unions in the world. All 55 countries in Africa are part of the AU, including island nations like Madagascar, Seychelles, and Comoros. Here’s a table of African Union countries by region:

African Union President  

There are two distinct leadership roles within the African Union:

1. Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Assembly

• Role: This position serves as the ceremonial leader of the African Union, acting as the unified voice of all member nations during their one-year term.

• Term Length: One year, with the position rotating among the five regions of the continent.

• Current Holder: President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço of Angola.

• Main Duties: Presides over the AU's biannual summits, represents Africa at global events, and serves as a senior figure during times of continental or international crisis.

2. Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC)

• Role: As the top executive officer of the African Union, this leader oversees the organization's daily operations and ensures the implementation of decisions made by the Assembly.

• Term Length: Generally appointed for a four-year term.

• Current Holder: Mahmoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti.

• Main Duties: Heads the AU Commission, manages its secretariat, and coordinates the execution of policies and strategic initiatives.

These leaders play a crucial role in policy implementation, peacekeeping, and representing the AU on international platforms.

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Structure of African Union

The AU structure is designed to support unity, democracy, and development. It includes the following organs:

Each organ has its own responsibility and works together to achieve the AU’s goals.

African Union Headquarters

The headquarters of the African Union (AU) is the African Union Conference Center and Office Complex (AUCC), located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It is also known as the political capital of Africa due to its central role in African diplomacy. The AU headquarters building is a modern, 20-storey tower gifted by China and inaugurated in 2012.

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African Union Flag

The current flag of the African Union was officially adopted in 2010 and was designed by Yadesa Bojia, an Ethiopian-born American artist. The African Union flag symbolises unity, hope, and progress. Key features of the flag include:

• Green background: Represents the hope of Africa.

• Golden stars: 55 stars forming a circle, one for each member country.

• Map of Africa in white: Symbolises a united continent.

This flag is a powerful representation of African solidarity and shared goals.

India and African Union

India and the African Union enjoy strong and historic ties based on mutual respect, non-colonial links, and shared development goals. Key elements of India-Africa Union ties:

• Historical and Cultural Ties: India and Africa share deep bonds rooted in colonial struggles and mutual support during independence movements, guided by India’s ethos of global family (“Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”).

• Economic and Trade Relations: India is Africa’s 4th-largest trade partner, aiming to double trade to $200 billion by 2030, while supporting AfCFTA and cooperation in key sectors like energy and healthcare.

• Development Cooperation: India funds 200+ infrastructure projects across Africa and has offered over $700 million in aid, including training 37,000 Africans under the ITEC program.

• Strategic and Diplomatic Engagement: With 46 missions in Africa, India champions Africa’s role in global forums like the G20 and expands security ties, including a naval base in Mauritius.

• People-to-People and Educational Ties: India strengthens connections through educational initiatives like IIT Zanzibar and engages via platforms like the India-Africa Forum Summit and AAGC.

• Recent Developments: India and the African Union held a 2025 counter-terrorism dialogue and reaffirmed joint efforts on global issues like food, health, energy security, and maritime freedom.

India’s engagement with the AU strengthens South-South cooperation and global partnerships for a better future.

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