New York—The Rockefeller Foundation and the African Union Commission have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote increased cooperation between them in their efforts towards Africa’s progress.
The MoU was signed on September 24, 2014 between the African Union Commission Chairperson H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and The Rockefeller Foundation President Dr. Judith Rodin.
The signing took place in the margins of the 69th United Nations General Assembly, in support of the Africa Agenda 2063 at its final stage of development.
Popularly themed ‘The Africa We Want’, the Africa Agenda 2063 encapsulates the voice of Africa’s people and their aspirations for the next 50 years. It emphasizes inclusive prosperity, integration, community participation, good governance and peace among many other ideals.
“The African Union Commission is an important partner of The Rockefeller Foundation. We have both worked alongside individuals and organizations across Africa for many decades now to support progress in many sectors. This agreement amplifies our shared vision for a strong, vibrant Africa,” said Dr. Judith Rodin, President of The Rockefeller Foundation.
Among the areas of greater collaboration for the two entities are Africa’s health, livelihoods, youth employment, food security, urbanisation and resilience.
Last year, the AUC celebrated 50 years since the inception of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the AUC’s parent body, as the Rockefeller Foundation marked 100 years in philanthropy, with both organizations celebrating milestones in improving the lives of Africa’s people.
The agreement also comes as AUC announced 2014 the year of Agriculture and Food Security, an opportune time to strengthen ties with the Foundation, which currently has two Africa-wide initiatives focusing on reduction of food waste and spoilage, and securing farmers’ livelihoods.
“Africa is rising, and we want it to rise with its people, including the youth and women. Our collaboration with partners such as The Rockefeller Foundation will strongly support the realization of an integrated and prosperous continent at peace with it will self. It will boost the skills revolution in which we are currently embarking, strengthen our health systems as well as foster climate-smart agriculture needed for our transformation.” Said H.E Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma
Together, the Foundation and the AUC already have a number of initiatives in Africa that are aimed at improving the lives of poor and vulnerable people; one is the African Risk Capacity (ARC), a pan-African weather insurance scheme designed to help AUC member states withstand and recover from natural disasters. ARC currently has a 24 country membership, giving them access to a financial risk pool that uses advanced satellite weather surveillance and software which estimates and disburses immediate funds to these countries when hit by hazards like severe drought.
About The Rockefeller Foundation
For more than 100 years, The Rockefeller Foundation’s mission has been to promote the well-being of humanity throughout the world. Today, The Rockefeller Foundation pursues this mission through dual goals: advancing inclusive economies that expand opportunities for more broadly shared prosperity, and building resilience by helping people, communities and institutions prepare for, withstand, and emerge stronger from acute shocks and chronic stresses. To achieve these goals, The Rockefeller Foundation works at the intersection of four focus areas—advance health, revalue ecosystems, secure livelihoods, and transform cities—to address the root causes of emerging challenges and create systemic change. Together with partners and grantees, The Rockefeller Foundation strives to catalyze and scale transformative innovations, create unlikely partnerships that span sectors, and take risks others cannot—or will not. For more information, please visit rockefellerfoundation.org.
About the African Union Commission
The African Union Commission is the Secretariat of the African Union, a 54- Member State regional organisation. Its vision is that of “An integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in global arena” and its mission is to be “An efficient and value-adding institution driving the African integration and development process in close collaboration with African Union Member States, the Regional Economic Communities and African citizens.” The AU Commission is headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
For more information please contact:
Habiba Mejri-cheikh, director, information and communication directorate, African Union Commission, Tel: (251) 11 551 77 00, Fax: (251) 11 518 2578, E-mail: HabibaM@africa-union.org
Achieng’ Otieno, communications officer, The Rockefeller Foundation Africa Regional Office, aotieno@rockfound.org, +254 704848792.