The African Union Commission, through its Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), held the Meeting of the Strategy Group of the African Union Network of Think Tanks for Peace (AU NeTT4Peace) from 11 to 13 November 2025 in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco.

Hosted by the Policy Center for the New South (PCNS), the meeting convened African research institutions, think tanks, and representatives of the AU Commission to exchange on strategic directions and reinforce the Network’s contribution to evidence-based policymaking in the areas of peace, security, and governance.

Setting the stage for their strategic collaboration, the meeting commenced with warm welcomes from the host, Dr. Karim El Aynaoui, the Executive President of the PCNS, Mr Karim Ismael, representing Ambassador Seif Kandeel of the CCCPA and Co-chair of the Network and Dr. Isabela Warioba of the PAPS - representing H.E. Amb. Bankole Adeoye, the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security.

Over three days, participants assessed progress made since the previous Strategy Group meeting, reviewed ongoing and pending initiatives, and charted the roadmap for 2026. Discussions focused on strengthening coordination mechanisms, improving communication and collaboration across the Network, and ensuring that AU NeTT4Peace’s analytical outputs continue to inform continental governance, peace and security priorities.

Key agenda highlights included: Welcoming new members and reflecting on the achievements of the past year; Exploring opportunities for deeper engagement between AU NeTT4Peace and PAPS divisions; Reviewing and refining Terms of Reference (ToRs) and draft knowledge products; Defining deliverables and responsibilities for the 2026 work plan and considering new membership requests.

This pivotal meeting underscored the commitment to fostering African-led research and collaboration as a cornerstone for sustainable peace and effective policymaking on the continent.

Background: The African Union Network of Think Tanks for Peace (NeTT4Peace) was officially launched in 2023, expected to bridge knowledge communities and the AU for evidence-based policymaking on governance, peace & security. From climate security to the future of peace operations, the NeTT4Peace is now tackling Africa's most pressing challenges. The Network's agenda includes themes like conflict prevention, SilencingTheGuns, democracy, human rights and constitutionalism, counterterrorism, YPS, WPS, and the peace-development nexus. The Strategy Group of the Network is active, refining research priorities and knowledge product guidelines. Key focus: ensuring actionable, policy-oriented outputs that directly inform the AU's governance, peace & security agenda.

 

For more information:

Dr. Isabela Moses Warioba, Partnerships and Child Protection Adviser, Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department, African Union Commission. Email: wariobai@AfricanUnion.org

For media inquiries:

Ms. Limi Mohammed Shash, Communications focal point, Governance and Conflict Prevention Directorate, Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department, African Union Commission. Email: shashlm@africanunion.org

 

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