Interactive network of focal points concerned with AU strategic partnerships established

By Wallace Mawire An interactive network of focal points concerned with African Union (AU) strategic partnerships has been formed to build synergies that would help galvanise all stakeholders at the continental, regional and national horizons of the African continent. The AU Commission and the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) are jointly hosting a three day conference titled: 'Lets Talk' to establish interactive networks between the Partnerships Management and Coordination Division (PMCD) at African Union Commission (AUC) and the focal points concerned with AU strategic partnerships and international cooperation at different levels.The conference is being held in Harare, Zimbabwe on 18 to 20 December, 2017. The stakeholders include Regional Economic Communities (RECs), AU regional offices, AU organs and specialised agencies, the Economic Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) and other agencies. The PMCD of the AUC has a mandate that centres on managing and coordinating the activities relating to strategic partnerships between the AU and its global partners. The activities are aligned to Africa's development and integration agenda as pescribed in the AU's Agenda 2063 and are particularly aimed at addressing the needs of the African people. The meeting being convened in Harare is expected to result in the launch of the African Partnerships Coordination Platform (APCP), development of the terms of reference for the platform, format for harmonised views and coordinated plans and interaction with AU external partners established, challenges and opportunities for synergy and modalities for building interactions. According to Dr Levi Madueke, Head of AU Strategic partnerships, Bureau of the Chairperson, the AU views the engagement of the AU's partners as an activity of great strategic importance in the continent's plan to achieve integration and development.