A structured reference of African Union decisions, resolutions, and commitments — organised by pillar and instrument type — for civil society, researchers, and parliamentary actors.
The index covers instruments that are directly referenced in African Renaissance Trust's programme work — frameworks with domestication obligations or accountability mechanisms that civil society and parliaments can invoke. It is not an exhaustive catalogue of AU decisions.
| Instrument | Type | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Maputo Protocol Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa — binding obligations on rights, reproductive health, and gender-based violence. |
Protocal | 2003 | Ratified — 44 states |
|
Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa Commits heads of state to gender mainstreaming, annual reporting, and parliamentary parity targets. |
Declaration | 2004 | ADOPTED |
|
Gender Equality and Youth Social Inclusion (GEYSI) Framework Operationalises gender equality and youth inclusion across AU programmes and member state reporting cycles. |
Framework | 20016 | Active |
| Instrument | Type | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Abuja Declaration on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Other Infectious Diseases Commits member states to allocate 15% of national budgets to health — the most cited, least fulfilled continental health commitment. |
Declaration | 2001 | Adopted |
|
Addis Ababa Immunisation Agenda Commits member states to allocate 15% of national budgets to health — the most cited, least fulfilled continental health commitment. |
Agenda | 2017 | Adopted |
|
Africa Health Strategy 2016–2030 The AU's overarching health strategy — covers universal health coverage, health financing, human resources for health, and health information systems. |
Strategy | 2016 | Active |
| Instrument | Type | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
|
African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement Establishes a continent-wide free trade zone — eliminating tariffs, harmonising trade regulations, and enabling intra-African trade. |
Treaty | 2021 | In Force |
|
African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights The foundational human rights instrument — includes socio-economic rights and the right to development. Basis for litigation at the African Commission. |
Charter | 1986 | Ratified -54 states |
|
Action Plan for Boosting Intra-Africa Trade Operational framework for implementing intra-African trade goals — covering trade facilitation, productive capacity, trade-related infrastructure, and trade finance. |
Action Plan | 2012 | Active |
| Instrument | Type | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Agenda 2063 — The Africa We Want The AU's 50-year strategic framework — seven aspirations, fourteen targets, and ten-year implementation plans covering all thematic areas. |
Agenda | 2013 | Active |
Read the full narrative on the key AU instruments and how African Renaissance Trust works with each one.
