Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe [email protected]
ZIMBABWE has called on African Union (AU) member states to honour their assessed contributions in full and on time, saying sustainable self-financing is critical to preserving the continent’s sovereignty, operational independence and decision-making autonomy.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira made the call on Monday while participating virtually in the African Union Joint Sitting of the Ministerial Committee on the Scale of Assessment and Contributions and the Committee of Fifteen Ministers of Finance (F15).
Addressing fellow ministers, Prof Murwira underscored the importance of African ownership in financing the African Union, stressing that the continent’s programmes and priorities should be funded primarily by member states rather than external partners.
He said although a substantial amount had been mobilised towards the AU’s 2026 Regular Budget, a significant funding gap remained, making it imperative for all member states to meet their financial obligations.
“He urged all AU Member States to honour their assessed contributions in full and on time, noting that while a substantial figure has been secured towards the AU’s 2026 Regular Budget, a significant funding gap remains.
“He emphasised that financial sustainability is essential to safeguarding Africa’s sovereignty, operational independence, and ability to make decisions free from external influence,” the ministry said in an update.
Showing Zimbabwe’s commitment to the continental body, Prof Murwira said the country was among the 22 AU member states that had fully settled their 2026 assessed contributions, having paid its obligations on February 12, 2026.
“Highlighting Zimbabwe’s commitment to the African Union, Prof. Murwira announced that Zimbabwe is among the 22 Member States that have fully paid their 2026 assessed contributions, having settled its obligations on 12 February 2026.”
On the proposed 2027-2029 African Union Scale of Assessment, Zimbabwe reaffirmed its support for the harmonised option, which has also received unanimous backing from the Southern African region.
According to Prof Murwira, the proposal offers a fair, predictable and equitable framework that balances member states’ financial responsibilities while shielding countries from excessive financial shocks.
He urged the Joint Sitting to adopt the harmonised option, saying Africa’s unity, sovereignty and long-term development depended on the continent’s collective resolve to finance its own institutions.
“We must fund our Union. Ideally, we must fund it fully by ourselves so that we can make sovereign decisions,” said Prof Murwira.
