African Union: 55 member states, launched at Durban to succeed the Organisation of African Unity

Background

The African Union was officially launched in July 2002 in Durban, South Africa. It succeeded the Organisation of African Unity, which operated from 1963 to 1999. The OAU was founded in May 1963 when 32 independent African states met in Addis Ababa. The AU has 55 member states, covering all countries of the African continent, and its headquarters is in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Its long-term framework is Agenda 2063, with 15 flagship projects.