March 2025

The African Union (AU), founded in 2002 as the successor to the Organization of African Unity (OAU), was created to foster unity, peace, and development across Africa. As the global landscape evolves into a multipolar world, with power centres like the United States, China, European Union, India, Russia, and Brazil, etc. emerging, the AU faces both challenges and exciting opportunities. To remain a key player on the global stage, the AU must adapt and reposition itself to align with these changes.In this dynamic environment, strengthening institutional capacity is crucial for the AU. By building robust frameworks and enhancing collaboration and unity among member states, the AU can effectively address continental issues and promote sustainable development. Additionally, increasing its role in global governance will allow the AU to better advocate for Africa’s interests on the international stage.Harnessing its collective voice, the AU has the potential to shape policies that benefit the continent and contribute to global peace and prosperity. By embracing innovation and fostering partnerships, the AU can unlock new opportunities for growth and development. With determination and a shared vision, the African Union can lead Africa towards a brighter future in this new world order.To achieve the above-mentioned points, the following 5 points have to be taken seriously: 1. Understanding the Multipolar World Order The first issue to be considered is the full understanding of the intricacies of the principle of multipolarity as a world order. This is inevitable because without understanding the implicit and the explicit principles and laws, it’s practically impossible to succeed in any game.A multipolar world is defined by the diffusion of power among several states or regions, as opposed to a unipolar system dominated by a single superpower or a bipolar system with two dominant powers. This shift has been driven by the rise of emerging economies, the relative decline of Western dominance, and the increasing influence of non-state actors. For Africa, this multipolarity offers opportunities to diversify partnerships, attract investment, and negotiate better terms in international engagements. However, it poses risks, such as being caught in geopolitical rivalries or becoming overly dependent on external powers.The first issue that demands our attention is the comprehensive grasp of multipolarity as a principle shaping the world order. This understanding is crucial, as navigating the complexities of both its explicit and implicit laws is essential for success in any global arena.In a multipolar world, power is distributed among several states or regions. This contrasts sharply with a unipolar system dominated by one superpower or a bipolar system controlled by two major powers. The shift towards multipolarity has been fuelled by the rise of emerging economies and the BRICS (the group whose founding members were Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), and BRICS Plus (Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia (pending confirmation), and also BRICS Partner countries(Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Nigeria), the waning dominance of Western powers, and the growing influence of non-state actors.For Africa, this new world order opens up exciting possibilities because it presents opportunities to diversify partnerships, attract foreign investments, and negotiate more favourable terms in international dealings. Yet, it also introduces challenges that shouldn’t be ignored because there is a risk of getting entangled in geopolitical rivalries or becoming overly reliant on external forces.What does this mean for the future? How can Africa navigate these waters to harness the benefits while mitigating the risks? The answer to these questions depends on a deep understanding of the evolving landscape. Curious minds must explore these questions to chart a path forward. 2. Challenges Facing the African Union in a Multipolar World The African Union (AU) constantly struggles to present a united front, largely due to deep-seated internal divisions based on the English and the French-speaking dichotomy. These fractures are not just minor disagreements but also significant rifts that challenge the very notion of unity. Member states often prioritize their national interests over collective goals, leading to fragmented strategies and inconsistent policies. Differing national agendas create a cacophony rather than a harmonious symphony of cooperation. While some countries are more committed to the AU’s objectives, others merely pay lip service, undermining regional initiatives and slowing progress. This uneven dedication hinders effective action on continental issues like economic development and conflict resolution. Sometimes, some even directly or indirectly defend the interest of their former colonial masters instead of that of their country or continent. Furthermore, these disparities allow external powers to exploit weaknesses, further complicating the AU’s ability to act decisively. The lack of a cohesive strategy diminishes the AU’s influence on the global stage, reducing its ability to advocate for Africa’s interests. If the AU is to overcome these challenges, it must address the root causes of its divisions and foster genuine commitment among all member states. The African Union (AU) depends significantly on external funding–a situation that poses a serious challenge to its sovereignty. This reliance on outside financial support severely undermines the organization’s autonomy; consequently; thereby, raises questions about her ability to maintain an independent stance on critical issues affecting the continent. When external donors hold strings, they inevitably influence the AU’s priorities and decision-making processes. This financial dependency risks turning the AU into a puppet of international interests, rather than a champion of African initiatives. The AU’s capacity to pursue its agenda is often compromised, as it must cater to the expectations of its financiers. This situation stifles innovation and limits the AU’s potential to address Africa’s unique serious challenges. It also creates a power imbalance, where the voices of African nations are drowned out by foreign stakeholders. To truly serve the interests of its member states, the AU must eliminate this financial dependency and assert its complete independence. Without securing sustainable and autonomous funding sources, the AU will continue to struggle in its mission to unite and empower Africa. Nobody or an entity outside the continent should dictate the future of the continent. It’s time for the AU to break free from these financial