African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson this afternoon received H.E. Mr. František Ružička, Deputy Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

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The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf this afternoon received H.E. Mr. František Ružička, Deputy Secretary-General of the @OECD to explore ways of establishing a stronger, more inclusive & mutually beneficial AUC–OECD partnership.

Their deliberations focused on finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with clear priorities, governance arrangements & timelines, aligned with the AU’s integration agenda.

The Chairperson underscored the importance of reshaping global investor perceptions of Africa, strengthening macroeconomic stability & mobilizing the continent’s vast domestic resources, including pension funds, equity & private capital, to finance Africa’s development priorities.

He emphasised that Africa must move beyond exporting raw commodities to capture greater value through local processing, industrialisation & stronger intra-African trade. He also called for addressing unilateral regulatory measures & standards that risk constraining African exports, particularly value-added products, & for strengthening Africa’s voice in global economic governance, including the G20 & the reform of the international financial architecture.

They both highlighted opportunities for cooperation in trade facilitation, digital transformation, investment, data-driven policymaking & the sharing of international best practices. They also stressed that infrastructure investments must be accompanied by policies that promote connectivity, mobility & effective utilisation to generate sustainable economic returns.

The Mr. Ružička assured of the Organisation’s commitment to evidence-based policymaking, stronger engagement with African institutions & structured cooperation to help improve investment conditions, facilitate market access & mobilise private capital. He welcomed the launch of the Africa Credit Agency.

The Chairperson emphasised the importance of a forward-looking partnership grounded in mutual trust, African priorities & practical outcomes, supporting regional integration, economic resilience & sustainable development across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).