๐๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐๐ง ๐๐ง๐ข๐จ๐ง, ๐๐๐ ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐จ๐ง๐จ๐ฆ๐ข๐ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐ก๐๐ง๐ข๐ฌ๐ฆ๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ข๐ซ๐ฆ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ข๐ญ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐'๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ ๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐ ๐๐ง๐๐
Representatives of the African Union's Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Regional Mechanisms (RMs) have reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening coordination, deepening partnerships, and accelerating the implementation of Agenda 2063, the African Union's blueprint for an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful continent.
Meeting on the margins of the 8th African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in El Alamein, Arab Republic of Egypt, on 3 October 2026, the Inter-REC Coordination and Collaboration Platform highlighted the important role of RECs and RMs as the building blocks of African integration and highlighted the opportunities presented by enhanced collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) in advancing continental priorities.
Opening the meeting in his capacity as Chairperson of the Platform, the SADC Executive Secretary H.E @EliasMagosi emphasised the importance of collective action and strategic cooperation in responding to evolving regional and global challenges.
"The growing complexity of global challenges makes deeper regional cooperation more important than ever. By strengthening collaboration and leveraging our collective strengths, we can accelerate progress towards Agenda 2063 and deliver greater impact for the people of Africa," he said.
Discussions focused on measures to enhance cooperation among RECs, RMs and the AUC, while identifying solutions to challenges affecting regional integration. Participants shared experiences and best practices aimed at strengthening institutional coordination, mobilising resources, broadening stakeholder participation, and promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development across the continent.
The meeting also reviewed ongoing efforts to strengthen Africa's peace and security architecture through closer collaboration between the African Union and RECs/RMs, guided by the principles of subsidiarity, complementarity, and comparative advantage.
Participants welcomed proposals to strengthen the follow-up and implementation of decisions adopted at African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meetings through enhanced monitoring and reporting mechanisms. Such measures are expected to improve accountability, support evidence-based decision-making, and accelerate progress on key integration commitments.
Members further exchanged views on the implementation of Agenda 2063 Moonshot 2, which seeks to advance economic integration through stronger customs and monetary cooperation, improved transport connectivity, expanded energy access, and enhanced regional coordination. Discussions highlighted the potential of these initiatives to boost intra-African trade, competitiveness, and economic transformation, while advancing preparations towards an African Customs Union and an African Common Market.
The Platform also received an update on the Division of Labour Initiative between the African Union Commission, RECs, and Member States. Participants reaffirmed the importance of finalising the process and translating agreed principles into effective institutional arrangements that maximise efficiency, coherence, and impact.
The Inter-REC Coordination and Collaboration Platform continue to serve as a critical forum for dialogue, policy coordination, knowledge sharing and joint action, promoting stronger partnerships and collective solutions in support of an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa.
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Coffee hits differently when a giant bull elephant is having his morning meal fifty yards away. Morning light over the Zambezi, woodsmoke in the air, and the raw beauty of Mana Pools. Nothing tops a bush breakfast in the wild. ๐