The programme budget of the Union covers the execution of programmes approved by the Assembly and can be broadly grouped as follows:
- Programmes of cross continental importance. These include the AU role in projects such as the Continental Free Trade Area other flagship projects
- Implementation of directives and decisions from summits as a mandatory prerogative and which quiet often requires financial resources
- Maintaining continental response readiness for emergencies either political (for instance the Mali, Burundi and CAR situation), or social aspects such as the outbreak of Ebola and other unforeseen emergencies.
- Coordinating common positions on the international arena on matters sensitive to the development and social stability of the continent, such as Climate change, migration and intercontinental partnerships.
