The African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Renaissance Trust (ART) have formally signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a significant milestone in their shared commitment to driving inclusive development across the continent. This renewed framework, established under the African Union Partnership Platform, underscores a deepened cooperation aimed at accelerating the implementation of the AU’s Agenda 2063.

The agreement builds upon a successful foundational period of cooperation initiated in March 2023; Since its inception, the partnership has delivered tangible results through technical expertise, strategic secondments, and the robust implementation of programs within the Women, Gender, and Youth Directorate (WGYD).

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ms. Prudence Nonkululeko Ngwenya, Director of WGYD at the African Union Commission, lauded the milestone as a testament to the power of strategic alliances.

“This renewed partnership reinforces our shared commitment to delivering tangible results for Africa’s women and young people. It strengthens our institutional capacity and ensures that partnerships translate into measurable impact across Member States,” Director Ngwenya stated.

Representing the African Renaissance Trust, Ms. Caroline Kwamboka Nyakundi, Trustee and Director, reaffirmed the Trust’s commitment to the AU’s continental priorities, stating, “Our collaboration with the African Union is grounded in shared values and mutual accountability. This MoU allows us to deepen our technical support and resource mobilization efforts in ways that directly advance youth and gender equality outcomes.”

The Memorandum of Understanding establishes a three-year cooperation period, with a focus on performance-based renewal and demonstrated value addition to the AU’s strategic objectives.

Through this renewed partnership, both institutions have committed to:

• Strengthening strategic engagement across AU organs and Member States,
• Supporting implementation of AU declarations and policy frameworks,
• Enhancing visibility, accountability, and knowledge dissemination,
• And mobilising expertise and resources to accelerate youth and gender initiatives.

Further details regarding joint programming and implementation modalities will be shared as the partnership’s thematic activities roll out across the continent.

For media inquiries, please contact:

1. Mr. Lefa Lekeka | Communications and Engagement Associate | Women, Gender and Youth Directorate | African Union Commission | E-mail: LekekaL@AfricanUnion.org
2. Mr. Pempho Chabvuta | Partnerships and Member States Engagement Officer | Women, Gender and Youth Directorate | African Union Commission | E-mail: ChabvutaP@africanunion.org