African Union Mission to the USA

The strategy identifies 5 priority areas of collaboration aligned with the @_AfricanUnion's #Agenda2063. The meeting focused on the urgent need to implement the strategy & exchange views on Strengthening cooperation across #trade, #development, #security, & #diaspora engagement.

Amb. Constancia Gaspar took part in the 1st anniversary of the "Canada’s Africa Strategy: A #Partnership for Shared #Prosperity and #Security" alongside the African Diplomatic Corps in Ottawa 🇨🇦 , H.E. @AnitaAnandMP, MoFA 🇨🇦, the African #Diaspora, & Canadian Officials.

In March last year, on behalf of the Government of Canada, I launched Canada's first ever Africa Strategy: a Partnership for Shared Prosperity and Security. It reflects a genuine commitment to building a stronger, more collaborative future with our African partners. This week, I had the honour of celebrating the Strategy's first anniversary with the African countries' heads of mission in Ottawa. We will continue to deepen our engagement to contribute to prosperity, stability, and shared economic growth across the African continent.

The African Diplomatic Corps convened its monthly meeting at the @AfricanUnion_US. Key updates covered US–Africa relations, Retreat preparations, alongside a briefing on ASIA’s upcoming HL dialogue during the IMF/WB Spring, & the HL Forum commemorating the 2026 #AfricaDay in May.

A productive engagement between Amb. Constancia Gaspar & Ms. @LiserFlorie, CEO of the Corporate Council on #Africa, on expanding US–Africa private sector partnerships. Together, we aim to unlock new opportunities in #trade, #infrastructure & #innovation. #USAfrica #Partnerships

Amb. Constancia A. Gaspar paid a courtesy visit to the H.E. Henri Étoundi Essomba, Ambassador of #Cameroon 🇨🇲 to US. They discussed issues of African interest and how the @AfricanUnion_US can assist to advance the priorities of the #African Diplomatic Corps in #Washington.

Africa’s development is being driven by its greatest asset, its people. Across the continent, innovation, resilience, and collaboration are advancing the aspirations of #Agenda2063 and shaping a more integrated, prosperous, and self-reliant Africa. Telling this story matters because perception shapes policy, and narrative shapes progress.

#HappeningNow at #UNHQ #Ghana 🇬🇭 and the @AfricanUnion are jointly convening the High-Level Special Event on Reparatory #Justice for the Trafficking of Enslaved Africans and the Racialized Chattel #Enslavement of Africans. The event is taking place a day before the annual commemoration ofthe International Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, to discuss reparatory #Justice for the trafficking of enslaved Africans and racialized chattel enslavement of Africans 🎥live: webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1w/k…

During #CSW70, Amb. Constância Gaspar took part in the Ministerial Round Table on: Ensuring & strengthening access to #justice for all women & girls. The discussion highlighted the need for inclusive & equitable legal systems, the elimination of discriminatory laws and practices.

On #IWD2026, Amb. Constancia Gaspar joined @CorporateCouncil on Africa to celebrate #WomenLeaders advancing trade & investment b/n #Africa & the #US. She highlighted the vital role of women’s leadership in strengthening economic diplomacy & expanding private sector partnerships.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, joined staff this morning to celebrate the invaluable contributions of women across the Commission. “Women are at the heart of the African Union’s work and progress. Their leadership, dedication, and resilience continue to drive our mission forward,” he said. The Chairperson reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment across the continent, stressing the importance of implementing key continental frameworks that protect women’s rights and eliminate violence against women and girls. He @ymahmoudali also highlighted the link between gender equality and the AU’s 2026 theme on water and sanitation, noting that women and girls often bear the greatest burden of water collection and face heightened risks where sanitation systems are inadequate. “Let the African Union continue to lead by example—building a workplace rooted in dignity, respect, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all.” Read Statement in French @ au.int/en/speeches/20…

MESSAGE OF H.E. MAHMOUD ALI YOUSSOUF CHAIRPERSON OF THE AU COMMISSION ON THE OCCASION OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2026 8 MARCH 2026 Excellencies, Dear Esteemed Colleagues Today, 8 March 2026, we at the African Union join the global community in commemorating International Women’s Day — an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women and girls across our continent and to reaffirm our commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment. This year’s commemoration holds special significance for us at the African Union Commission. Under the theme “Honouring Women of the African Union: Voices, Work and Community,” we recognise the extraordinary women whose dedication, leadership and daily contributions sustain and strengthen our institution. Across the Commission — from Commissioners and Directors to programme officers, administrators, translators, security personnel and support staff — women play a vital role in advancing the work of our Union. Some contributions are highly visible, others less so. Yet every role matters and every woman deserves dignity, respect and recognition. As we honour women within our institution, we also reaffirm the African Union’s strong continental commitments to gender equality. Through instruments such as the Maputo Protocol, the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa, and the AU Strategy for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, Africa has established one of the most progressive normative frameworks for women’s rights in the world. The entry into force of the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls marks an important milestone in strengthening protection for women and girls across the continent. I call upon all Member States that have not yet done so to sign, ratify and domesticate this landmark Convention. Dear Colleagues, Violence against women and girls remains one of the most pervasive human rights challenges in our societies. Addressing it is not only a moral responsibility but also essential for peace, security, public health and sustainable development. This year’s International Women’s Day also intersects with the African Union’s Theme of the Year on Water and Sanitation. Across Africa, women and girls often bear the greatest burden of water collection and face significant health and safety risks due to inadequate sanitation. Investing in water infrastructure and ensuring safe and dignified sanitation facilities is therefore central to advancing gender equality. When women participate in water governance and natural resource management, outcomes are more inclusive, equitable and sustainable. Within the African Union Commission, we must continue to embody the values we promote across the continent. A people-centred Union requires a workplace culture grounded in respect, inclusion and equal opportunity. We must continue promoting women’s leadership and supporting the next generation of African women professionals. To the women of the African Union Commission: your dedication, professionalism and resilience strengthen our institution and advance our shared continental vision. To the women and girls of Africa: your aspirations lie at the heart of Agenda 2063 — The Africa We Want. Your leadership is essential to building a peaceful, prosperous and inclusive continent. Dear friends, On this momentous occasion, let us continue to honour women’s voices, recognise their contributions and renew our commitment to building an Africa where every woman and every girl lives in dignity, equality and freedom. I @ymahmoudali wish all African women and girls a meaningful and empowering International Women’s Day 2026. Read @ au.int/en/pressreleas…

Amb. Constancia A. Gaspar, PR of @AfricanUnion_US and her team received Ms. Seblewongel Goshu, Human Resource Business Partner within the #HRMD at @_AfricanUnion, for a working session on the Mission’s HR priorities, including HR related working systems & operational modalities.

Washington DC: With H.E. Ambassador Constância Adelina Gaspar of the African Union Mission to the United States We successfully launched the fifth edition of #YALJOD, joined the Model African Union conference, and donated copies of the journal #TheAfricaWeWant #AU #YALF

Today, Amb. Constancia Gaspar met with Walter Parrs, Chargé d’Affaires of the @US_AU. They discussed ways to accelerate cooperation in key areas, including #PIDA infrastructure projects, #AGOA, & collaboration w/ the Corporate Council on Africa, and relevant US gov. departments.

Amb. @ConstanciaGasp, PR of @AfricanUnion_US, participated in the #AUsummit39. She also undertook a series of productive engagements, advancing dialogue and partnerships in support of Africa’s strategic priorities. #Agenda2063 #TheAfricaWeWant #WaterAndSanitation 💧

Just held: The 26th Consultative Meeting of the UN–AU Joint Taskforce (#JTF) on Peace & Security in Africa convened at #AUHQ, reaffirming the strategic partnership between the #UnitedNations and the #AfricanUnion. Discussions focused on peace & security developments in #Somalia, #Sudan, #SouthSudan, and the #DRC as well as #UCG. The JTF reaffirmed commitment to supporting transitional authorities through #AFSIT, highlighting cooperation with regional blocks and underscoring the importance of sustainable and predictable financing for multilateral peace and security efforts.

#Happening: Meeting of the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission with the AU High Representatives, Special Representatives of the Chairperson of the Commission, & Head of AU Liaison Offices

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, this afternoon received a high-level United States delegation led by the Deputy Secretary of State, H.E. Christopher Landau. The delegation also included the Commander of U.S. AFRICOM, General Dagvin Anderson. The Chairperson noted that Deputy Secretary Landau’s visit comes at a moment of profound regional and global complexity, underscoring the importance of close coordination between the African Union & the United States. He reaffirmed the African Union’s strong commitment to its strategic partnership with the United States, grounded in mutual respect, shared interests, and a common commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity. H.E. Mr Youssouf & H.E. Mr Landau welcomed strengthened cooperation on strategic infrastructure & investment, including progress achieved through AU–U.S. technical working groups & sustained U.S. engagement with key departments of the African Union Commission. In this context, they announced the launch of the U.S.–AUC Strategic Infrastructure and Investment Working Group, a concrete step to mobilize high-quality, trade-enabling infrastructure, unlock private sector investment, & advance continental priorities under Agenda 2063, the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA), & the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The Chairperson & the Deputy Secretary of State also exchanged views on cooperation in areas of health, peace & security in the region reaffirming African-led efforts in the Great Lakes region & eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, & expressing appreciation for the United States’ complementary engagement. On Sudan, they expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflict and stressed the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, & the protection of civilians. Read @ au.int/en/pressreleas… @ymahmoudali @DeputySecState @StateDept

This evening, the Chairperson of the AU Commission, H.E. @ymahmoudali delivered a statement at the virtual meeting of the Africa Adaptation & Development Emergency Leaders’ Meeting, chaired by H.E. President @WilliamsRuto & attended by Heads of State and Government from Africa, partner countries, leaders of international financial institutions, & strategic partners. Chairperson Youssouf underscored that “Africa is on the frontlines of a #climate crisis it did not create.” He noted that droughts, floods, & rising temperatures are eroding lives, economies, & ecosystems, while shrinking climate finance threatens decades of hard-won development gains. “This is not only a climate emergency,” he emphasised. “It is a development, justice, & security emergency.” Looking beyond #COP30, one truth is clear: the world cannot meet its climate goals without Africa, & Africa cannot unlock its full potential without predictable & equitable adaptation finance at scale, he added. H.E. Mr. Youssouf further noted that Africa brings solutions: youth-led innovation, climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, resilient infrastructure, & nature-based solutions. With the right finance and technology, Africa can lead global green growth, he said. He concluded by making a call that the launch of #AAAP2.0 (2026–2030) must unlock large-scale adaptation finance, private investment, integrate resilience into development planning, & center people—especially women and youth. “Adaptation is development,” the Chairperson stressed. “Every road, school, hospital, - farm must be climate-resilient.” Read @ au.int/en/pressreleas…