A delegation from the African Union Commission (AUC) has met with the Pan-African AU Agenda 2063 Diplomatic Mission in Abuja to strengthen cooperation on peacebuilding, digital innovation and development across Africa.

The meeting focused on how to turn the goals of Agenda 2063 into practical projects that can improve security, boost trade and support economic growth across the continent.

According to a statement signed by the Executive Assistant to the President of the Mission, Goodness Anenih, the discussions brought together AUC officials from Addis Ababa and leaders of the Abuja-based mission.

A key highlight of the engagement was the Community Peace Monitoring (CPM) Application, a digital tool designed to improve early warning systems, support conflict prevention and strengthen community-based intelligence for peacebuilding across Africa.

The initiative aligns with the African Union’s “Silencing the Guns in Africa” programme, which seeks to reduce violent conflict and promote long-term stability across member states.

Both sides stressed that peace remains the foundation for development under Agenda 2063, noting that without security, efforts at economic transformation and integration would remain difficult.

The Global President of the Pan-African AU Agenda 2063 Diplomatic Mission, Stephen Gbatigbi Ben-Joel, presented several ongoing projects aimed at supporting Africa’s development agenda.

He highlighted the Pan-African Continental Super Marketplace (PAC-SM), a digital trade platform designed to ease cross-border commerce and strengthen the  African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He also outlined plans for a Pan-African Tourism Application to promote Africa’s cultural heritage, tourism sites and investment opportunities.

Another initiative discussed was the Limestone Block Technology project, which focuses on affordable and eco-friendly housing materials to help address Africa’s housing deficit and create jobs.

Speaking during the engagement, Ben-Joel said Africa must take charge of its own development through innovation and cooperation.

“We believe Africa’s future must be built by Africans, using African solutions that respond directly to our challenges,” he said.

The Mission also briefed the delegation on its housing development programme and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) projects, including community water schemes aimed at improving access to clean water in underserved communities.

The AUC delegation, led by Mrs Orit Ibrahim, Head of the African Union Commission’s Early Warning Continental Situation Room, commended the Mission for its practical approach to development.

She said the partnership reflected a growing shift toward innovation-driven solutions in addressing Africa’s peace and development challenges.

“We are encouraged by the creativity and commitment demonstrated here. These kinds of partnerships are essential for achieving the goals of Agenda 2063,” she noted.

Both institutions agreed to deepen cooperation in key areas including peace and security, digital transformation, infrastructure development, youth empowerment, environmental sustainability and economic integration.

They reaffirmed their shared commitment to a peaceful, united and prosperous Africa driven by homegrown solutions.