Wallace Ruzvidzo
Herald Reporter
ZIMBABWE has proposed increasing its annual contribution to the African Union (AU) from US$2,6 million to US$4 million initially, with a progressive rise to US$7 million, in a bold demonstration of its commitment to strengthening the continental body’s financial independence and sustainability.
The proposal, tabled by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira at the 27th Extraordinary Session of the AU Executive Council last week, forms part of Zimbabwe’s backing for sweeping reforms aimed at building a financially autonomous, effective and institutionally stronger African Union.
Prof Murwira said Africa’s persistent challenges, including poverty and underdevelopment, were partly rooted in the continent’s lack of financial independence, arguing that member States must take greater responsibility for sustaining their continental organisation.
“Our current problems, our struggles and our poverty might be emanating from the lack of financial independence. The AU was formed as a collective to eradicate poverty and to enhance our sovereignty.
“To this end, we sincerely appreciate Dr Donald Kaberuka and the Reform Implementation Team for their insightful, strategic and comprehensive assessment of the financial and institutional challenges confronting our Union,” he said.
Prof Murwira said Zimbabwe supported Option C of the proposed AU reforms, describing it as the most appropriate strategic framework for addressing the institution’s financial and structural challenges.
The option is anchored on four reinforcing pillars: financial autonomy, institutional rationalisation, programmatic value creation and a unified budget architecture.
Prof Murwira said further discussions on the reforms should not delay implementation or derail agreed timelines.
“Zimbabwe considers Option C as the most appropriate strategic basis, as it provides a comprehensive reform pathway built around four reinforcing pillars, namely financial autonomy, institutional rationalisation, programmatic value creation and a unified budget architecture.
“Further discussions can always be undertaken, but they should not halt progress or affect the implementation timeline.
“While acknowledging the importance of enhancing member States’ contributions towards the financial autonomy of the Union, Zimbabwe, as a Pan-African country, proposes an initial increase in its contribution from the current assessed US$2,6 million to US$4 million, with a view to progressively increasing this amount to US$7 million in line with Zimbabwe’s financial capacity, as a demonstration of our commitment to strengthening the financial independence and sustainability of the African Union,” he said.
The proposed increase underscores Zimbabwe’s position that the AU must be adequately financed by its own member States if it is to exercise meaningful independence and effectively advance Africa’s development agenda.
Prof Murwira said the continent could no longer afford to treat the financial and institutional transformation of the AU as optional, describing it as essential to Africa’s economic and political survival.
“This is not an option. It is a must. It is about our survival as the people of Africa.”
“I want to conclude by affirming our commitment to building a strong, effective and financially autonomous African Union, equipped with the institutional capabilities to respond to the continent’s evolving needs, advance our collective interests and strategically navigate an increasingly complex and uncertain global order. It is only us who can make our future certain through fortitude.
“The African Union cannot be treated as an option.”
“It is a must for the economic and political survival of Africa. It is our survival. We refer to the African Union Anthem for any further reference to what the African Union means,” said Prof Murwira.
Zimbabwe’s position comes as the continental body pursues reforms to strengthen its institutional effectiveness, reduce reliance on external financing and ensure that its programmes are driven by African priorities.
The proposed changes seek to reinforce the principle that political sovereignty must be matched by financial capacity, enabling Africa to determine its own development trajectory and respond decisively to an increasingly complex global order.
