AU WATCH

Policy Analysis Seminars

Research and analysis underpin all that we do. Research strengthens our work, helps us to evaluate our impact and reach and contributes to the exchange of policy ideas. The founders of AU Watch perceived a growing need for independent research to generate practical, creative solutions to the challenges facing the AU. Our analysis and evaluation of critical African, regional and country-specific challenges and opportunities related to the AU, its institutions and programs are available in formats accessible to a broad audience. Our broader goal is to achieve award-winning (news and broadcast) analysis and reports, papers, books and other research outputs that will be vital resources for leaders and policy-makers in government, the private sector and civil society.

Research and Consultancy
The dissemination of reliable news and information should always be underpinned by robust research and investigative work. Research is therefore at the forefront of developing a richer understanding of what we do. At AU Watch we are committed to research across the board, making us distinct as an organization that also gives practical assistance to people and organizations. Each program has a dedicated research unit, coordinated by the Education Unit within the ‘Human Rights, Outreach and Education Directorate’ with the capacity to do basic research that strengthens the field and shapes its operations.

Our policy and analysis are based on lessons learned from years of working with the AU and in Africa. A major strand of our work is our events. We stage hundreds of events every year. Every day, something is going on somewhere around Africa or even around the world, for or on behalf of AU Watch. We have learnt that for our leaders to engage with us, we have to continually remind them that we are around and not intend going anywhere in a hurry – that we are determined to keep their feet close to the fire, as an aide memoire that they have promises to keep on behalf of the African peoples. We have therefore set up a series of platforms to engage with our leaders.

  • To engage with our leaders, AU Watch has set up the ‘NGO Forum on the (African) Summit of Heads of State and Government.’ At the margins of every Summit and for three days before the policy organs meet, AU Watch will organize an NGO forum, bringing together various NGOs to strengthen cooperation on democratic values, defend common interests, and debate the major issues facing the continent, and which are of importance to the African people. The NGO Forum shall place priority on generating timely, informed, and provocative analysis that tackles the drivers of development, human rights, governance and rule of law, corruption, political tension, instability, and potential violence in a highly volatile region that faces diverse and dramatic political, economic, demographic, and environmental shifts in the short and medium term. Our analysis and policy recommendations to the policy organs shall be distributed widely and available to the public via our TV and Online radio programs, publications, blogs, videos, and podcasts.
  • At the margins of all the Ordinary Sessions of the African Commission, the African Court, the Expert Committee of the Rights of the Child, the PSC, AU Watch will convene a one-day ‘Human Security Ideas Workshop’ event to discuss important developments and challenges in human security and human rights theory and practice with experts, practitioners and academics. The events, which comprise of keynote speakers and open discussion, help to frame topics, generate ideas and support programming.

Agenda 2063 Forum

Africa is expected to drive profound transformations on the political and economic levels prompted largely by societal discomfort and protests against poverty, inequality, and corruption. On the political front, ideological divides, corruption and unsatisfying government policies and services have weakened societal trust in and support for institutions.In light of these challenges, it is an absolute priority for us to come together to define a new human-centred, holistic approach to tackling them.
AU Watch’s Agenda 2063 Forum is the bi-annual gathering of Africa’s key leaders from government, the private sector, academia and civil society to accelerate the adoption of the Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies and boost the dynamism of Africa to attain its growth potential.The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. The meeting explores how the Fourth Industrial Revolution can support the region’s transition to prosperity, and its entry into 2063.
We hope to bring together more than 500 members to address topical regional issues, as well as emerging or cross-cutting topics related to the realisation of Agenda 2063. The outcomes of this meeting will directly inform what individual Member States are doing in preparation of 2063, as well as the Forum’s ongoing regional initiatives designed to create a more purposeful, inclusive and sustainable Africa.


On the agenda:
The meeting will address issues of national and regional significance under three thematic pillars:
1. Governance and Human Rights: How can African leaders set a new path for the region and regain societal trust?
2. Trade and Economic Imperatives: How can leaders boost productivity and attract investments to accelerate inclusive growth?
3. Societal and Ecological Imperatives: How can leaders invest in human capital and environmental assets to secure tomorrow’s prosperity?
4. Africa’s Digital Economy:The Fourth Industrial Revolution is rapidly driving transformational disruption across every sector. By 2030, over 40% of Africa’s GDP will be digitized. An estimated 50% of new value created in the African economy over the next decade will be based on digitally enabled platforms. How can we prepare the next generation of Africans to be digitally ready?

Participation in the meeting is by invitation-only and open to the following Forum communities:
1. Institutional Members and Partners – The most influential African and international corporations
2. Forum Members – Innovative businesses harnessing technology to drive future growth
3. Public Figures – Ministers, public-sector leaders and policy-makers committed to improving the state of Africa.
4. Technology Pioneers – Companies developing life-changing technologies with the potential for long-term impact on business and society
5. Young Global Leaders – Leaders under the age of 40 providing insight into the priorities and expectations of future generations
6. Civil Society – Leaders driving social progress from non-governmental, labour and faith-based organizations
7. Global Shapers – Individuals under the age of 30 selected for their leadership potential
8. Social Innovators – Leaders driving social change with innovative business solutions and partnership models
9. Faculty and Global Future Council Members – Top experts generating insight through thought leadership and interdisciplinary collaboration
10. Media Leaders – Publishers and editors-in-chief, top economic columnists and editors of leading science publications

​Policy Advocacy​

For information on the media, policy, advocacy general work of AU Watch – fact sheets, briefings reports, positions papers, articles, news reports, communiqués, press statements and releases, legislative briefs, current laws, soft laws and hard laws, cases and much more and what you can do to help advocate for policy, please email [email protected].