The African Union Credit Union (AUCU), in collaboration with AUDA-NEPAD and the AU Staff Association, successfully held the Financial Literacy Week from 18-20 May 2026 under the theme “Planning Today for a Secure Tomorrow.” The three-day event, which took place at the Medium Conference Hall of the AU Commission, equipped staff across all AU organs with practical financial knowledge and tools to secure their post-employment future.

The opening ceremony was chaired by H.E. Selma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, who commended the initiative. “Financial literacy is no longer an option; it is a necessity for every individual and institution seeking long-term stability, resilience, and prosperity,” she said. “Proper financial planning today creates confidence and stability for tomorrow.”

In his keynote address, Mr. Abel Basutu, Chairperson of the AU Credit Union, delivered a powerful call to action, reminding attendees that “the sun does not shine forever.” He warned against the silent suffering faced by many retirees and stressed that financial literacy was ultimately about human dignity. “Our titles and influence will fade after retirement, but our financial decisions will endure and define our reality,” Dr. Basutu stated.

The Deputy Chairperson presented three founders of the then OAU Credit Union with tokens of appreciation for their pioneering work: 

1. Mr Emmanuel Kwablah Atinyo from Ghana, Founder and inaugural Chairperson
2. Gaetan Razafinjatovo from Madagascar, Treasurer
3. Mr Muhiddin Kemal Negash from Ethiopia,  Accountant

The event brought together a distinguished lineup of experts, including financial advisers, legal practitioners, leadership coaches, and psychologists, who led sessions on:

• Pension Fund Management
• Retirement Planning
• Debt Management
• Psychological Transition to Post-Employment Life
• Trusts, Wills, Estate Planning and Management
• Real Estate Investments
• Employee Assistance Counselling

Special guest speakers included Dr. Capt. James Kanagwa (Ecobank), Marius Kuilder (Old Mutual), Alan Jose (Attorney & Mediator), Dr. Daniel Kabani (Leadership & Mindset Coach), Mr Ishe Mudzamiri (Social Worker) and Ms. Rebecca Oloo (Head of Human Resources, AUDA-NEPAD), among others.

Attendees also had the chance to win exciting prizes—including cash, air tickets, accommodation vouchers, beauty spa experiences, and more—through raffles, quizzes, and an Amazing Race challenge.

Dr. Basutu used the platform to announce major milestones and future plans for the AU Credit Union, which now serves over 2,300 members. He revealed plans for digital transformation, including a new banking software tender, revised statutes, and the construction of a dedicated Credit Union building.

“Our hope is that this Financial Literacy emphasis will not remain an event, but a movement, an institutional culture, and a way of life within the African Union,” Mr. Basutu concluded.

The occasion marked the launch of a project to document official history of the Credit Union, tracing its journey from establishment in 1989 as the OAU Credit Union to its evolution into the AU Credit Union.

For further Inquiries: 

1. Ms. Wynne Musabayana| Head, Communication Division| Directorate of Information and Communication, African Union Commission | E-mail: Musabayanaw@africanunion.org
2. Mr. Abel Basutu | Chairperson of the AU Credit Union | African Union Commission | E-mail: BasutuAO@africanunion.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia   
3. Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communication Directorate (ICD), African Union Commission | E-mail: GamalK@africanunion.org

Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission I Email: DIC@africanunion.org | Web: www.au.int | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube