What: Advancing the operationalisation of the African Monetary Institute through advocacy and awareness

Who: African Union Permanent Mission to the United States and AfriCatalyst

When: Wednesday, 15 April 2026

Time: 16:00-17:30 Washington Time

Where: African Union Mission 1640 Wisconsin Avenue NW Washington, DC 20007, USA

Why: The African Union is advancing efforts to strengthen macroeconomic coordination and build the institutional foundations for Africa’s financial integration, in line with Agenda 2063. The establishment of the African Monetary Institute (AMI), recently adopted by AU Heads of State and Government, marks a key milestone toward creating the African Central Bank and a future single currency. At a critical moment for continental integration, the AMI will support monetary cooperation, policy harmonization, and macroeconomic convergence, while reinforcing initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area. It also aims to enhance financial resilience, reduce transaction costs, and promote cross-border trade and investment, while building awareness of the benefits of a more integrated African financial system.

Objectives

The overall objective of the side event is to raise awareness and advocate for the establishment and operationalization of the African Monetary Institute as a key milestone toward the African Central Bank and continental single currency. Other objectives include:

1. Highlight the recent progress achieved and reaffirm continental commitment and awareness among African citizens, the diaspora, and other relevant stakeholders about Africa’s continental monetary integration agenda.
2.  Engage central banks, ministries of finance, and African multilateral financial institutions to explore opportunities for technical cooperation and support; and
3. Highlight the role of the AMI in advancing macroeconomic convergence and strengthening monetary cooperation across Africa.

Expected Outcome

1. Present the recent progress and the work forward towards the AMI.
2. Increased awareness among African citizens, the diaspora, and other relevant stakeholders on the mandate and role of the AMI.
3. Enhanced and renewed commitment between the African Union, African central banks, and African multilateral financial institutions towards the continent’s financial integration and autonomy; and
4. Enhanced advocacy and awareness in support of the operationalization of the AMI.

Confirmed speakers include:

• H.E. Mrs. Francisca Tatchouop Belobe, Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Minerals (ETTIM), AUC
• H.E. Neal  Herman Rijkenberg, Minister of Finance for the Kingdom of Eswatini and Chairperson of the Specialised Technical Committee (STC) on Finance, Monetary Affairs, Economic Planning and Integration
• Honorable Yvon Sana Bangui, Governor of the Bank of Central African States, and Chairperson of the Association of African Central Banks

For Media Interviews and further information, contact:

Department for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals African Union Commission P.O. Box 3243 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Email: OlomoP@africanunion.org