The African Union (AU) and France Volontaires (FV) have formalized their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in promoting volunteerism and strengthening the capacity of AU Member States to develop a robust volunteer ecosystem. Rooted in shared values, this partnership aligns with the Women, Gender, and Youth Directorate (WGYD)’s mandate to foster youth meaningful engagement in achieving AU’s Agenda 2063 and advances the implementation of the 1 Million Next Level Initiative. 

Ms. Prudence Ngwenya, WGYD’s Director, lauded the collaboration for promoting youth meaningful participation in Africa’s development. "This strengthened collaboration with France Volontaires will allow us to further engage African youth through volunteerism across the continent. We recognize the crucial role volunteering plays in equipping young people with both hard and soft skills, enabling them to become agents of change for inclusive and peaceful societies," she stated.

Similarly, Mr. Yann Delaunay, General Manager of France Volontaires, commended the continued partnership between the AU and France Volontaires and highlighted the steadfast commitment to strengthening volunteerism on the continent. "I am delighted to reach this new level of collaboration with such a key regional body as the African Union Commission. We already work together in several countries through the DENVA program, which supports the development of volunteer ecosystems in 12 West African nations. This agreement allows us to deepen our efforts by fostering volunteer policies across Africa and engaging both governmental and non-governmental actors to create high-quality opportunities for youth at national, regional, continental, and international levels. Volunteerism is a powerful lever for advancing both the UN Agenda 2030 and AU Agenda 2063,” he emphasized.

Through this partnership, the two institutions will focus on, among others:

• Providing technical support to AU Member States to strengthen volunteerism policies, infrastructure, and ecosystems.
• Establishing continental and international standards for volunteerism and promoting common principles across AU Member States.
• Enhancing data collection on the impact of volunteerism in Africa’s socio-economic development and its contribution to global commitments such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Together, AU and France Volontaires are committed to unleashing the potential of young people by promoting volunteerism as a powerful instrument to drive Africa’s sustainable development.

For further information, please contact: 

Mr. Daniel Adugna | Youth Programme Officer, Women, Gender and Youth Directorate | African Union Commission | E-mail: adugnad@africanunion.org

For media inquiries, please contact: 
Ms. Arlette Akingeneye | Women, Gender and Youth Directorate | African Union Commission | E-mail: AkingeneyeA@africa-union.org

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org
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