ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — The African Union (AU) has officially opened a new funding round under its Peace Fund, inviting eligible organizations and institutions to apply for financial support aimed at advancing peace and security initiatives across the continent.
According to the AU, the application period runs from August 1 through August 31, 2026. During this initial phase, submitted applications will undergo an eligibility review to determine whether applicants meet the fund’s requirements. Organizations that successfully pass the screening process will then be invited to submit full project proposals for a comprehensive technical evaluation.
The AU Peace Fund serves as one of the African Union’s principal financing mechanisms for peace and security activities. The fund supports initiatives designed to prevent violent conflict, strengthen mediation efforts, enhance peace support operations, and build institutional capacity to respond to emerging security challenges across Africa.
The latest funding opportunity reflects the African Union’s continued commitment to expanding African-led solutions to peace and security challenges. By providing financial support to qualified organizations, the Peace Fund seeks to strengthen the continent’s ability to respond to crises through locally driven initiatives and partnerships.
The announcement comes as many African countries continue to confront a range of security concerns, including political instability, armed conflict, terrorism, violent extremism, and humanitarian crises. The African Union has consistently emphasized the importance of sustainable financing to ensure that peacebuilding and conflict prevention efforts remain effective and responsive.
Successful applicants selected through the competitive process are expected to contribute to initiatives that align with the African Union’s broader objectives of promoting stability, strengthening governance, supporting mediation efforts, and fostering long-term peace across its member states.
Interested organizations have until August 31, 2026, to submit their initial applications through the African Union’s prescribed application process. Following the eligibility review, shortlisted applicants will be notified and invited to prepare detailed proposals for technical assessment before final funding decisions are made.