Common African positions on global issues

Negotiating common positions in the AU system is a difficult but vital step for promoting Africa’s interests.

The African Union’s (AU) use of common African positions promotes collective African interests especially on development. This report identifies lessons from the process of developing these common positions, including guiding principles, consultations and the role of AU member states, regional economic communities and other key partners. If Africa speaks with one voice to articulate common positions, the achievement of AU strategic goals becomes feasible.

About the author

Bankole Adeoye is a former Nigerian permanent representative to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and Ambassador to Ethiopia and Djibouti (2017–2020).

Image: Adapted from US Department of State