Without unity, they cannot be peace, without peace, they cannot be progress, without progress, they cannot be economic development, without economic development, they cannot be economic integration and cohesion at both national level, regional level and at the continental level at large. Economic unity is the root to prosperity.

Heads of State and Government established an African Union, with a view, to accelerating the process of economic integration in the continent to enable Africa to play its rightful role in the global economy while addressing multifaceted social, economic and political problems.

The launch of the African Union:

The African Union (AU) was officially launched in July 2002 in Durban, South Africa, following a decision in September 1999 by its predecessor, the OAU to create a new continental organisation to build on its work. The decision to re-launch Africa’s pan-African organisation was the outcome of a consensus by African leaders that in order to realize Africa’s potential, there was a need to refocus attention from the fight for decolonization and ridding the continent of apartheid, which had been the focus of the OAU, towards increased cooperation and integration of African states to drive Africa’s growth and economic development.

The Pan-African Unity Summit Group (PANAUSUG) shall be exerting much energy on the economic unity of Africa. PANAUSUG aims to accelerate the socio-economic integration of the continent and play a vital role for African Union in establishing the necessary conditions which enable the continent to play its rightful role in the global economy and in international relations.