President Mahama urges Financial Independence for the African Union

President John Dramani Mahama has called for the financial independence of the African Union (AU) to reduce its reliance on external funding and strengthen its autonomy.

Speaking at an AU High-Level Retreat, President Mahama emphasized the need for urgent implementation of the Kigali Decision on Financing the Union. Adopted in July 2016, this decision proposed a levy on imported goods to generate funds for the AU’s operations.

He also stressed the importance of governance principles that ensure member states’ policies and programs lead to tangible benefits for their citizens.

“We must adopt a mechanism that prioritizes accountability, transparency, and value for money, ensuring that every resource is maximized for the benefit of the African people,” he stated.

The two-day retreat, held in Nairobi, Kenya, was chaired by Kenyan President William Ruto in his capacity as Chair of the AU Institutional Reforms.

President Mahama reiterated that financial autonomy is a key pillar of AU reforms, warning that dependence on external partners compromises the Union’s ability to set and pursue its own agenda. He urged African leaders to take decisive steps toward self-sufficiency, ensuring that the AU remains a strong and independent voice in global affairs.