The African continent has taken a bold step towards redefining its cultural identity and promoting socio-economic development through culture with the creation of the African Union for Culture (UAC), a continental, apolitical and non-profit organisation.
Founded in accordance with law n° 40-480 of July 1, 1901, the UAC was officially launched in Lomé, Togo, with its headquarters located in the Tokoin Casablanca district, Gulf 5. The organisation seeks to position African culture as the epicentre of development, peacebuilding and social cohesion across the continent and in the diaspora.
Purpose of the Union
According to its statutes, the main goal of the African Union for Culture is to make African culture a powerful lever for socio-economic development. The Union will serve as a platform to unite artists, craftsmen, cultural organisations, and promoters across Africa and beyond.
The UAC also aims to:
Build a strong network of African and diaspora cultural stakeholders.
Promote the cultural heritage of Africa.
Defend the rights and interests of members.
Contribute to peace, civility, and environmental protection through culture.
Support human rights promotion via art and culture.
Encourage the socio-cultural influence of African communities.
Areas of Intervention
The Union will focus on culture, arts, crafts, peace promotion, and environmental protection. To achieve its objectives, the UAC plans to organise cultural events, capacity-building workshops, writing residencies, and artistic competitions.
One of its flagship projects is the “Trophée Ma-Africa”, an international competition to honour the best African artists across all categories. The Union will also award honorary prizes to outstanding African artists and craftsmen.
Other initiatives include establishing documentation centres, promoting African copyright protection, advocating for conservatories and schools of fine arts in every African country, and encouraging the creation of modern performance halls and studios on the continent.
Membership
The UAC is open to both natural and legal persons involved in culture, arts, crafts, tourism, peace promotion and environmental protection. Membership is classified into four categories:
Founding Members
Active Members
Sympathisers
Honorary Members
Interested persons or organisations can apply by submitting a membership request to the UAC Executive Office.
Governance Structure
The African Union for Culture will operate through the following organs:
Pan-African Congress of Arts and Culture (C.P.A.C)
High African Council for Culture (H.C.A.C)
Continental Bureau (B.C.)
Regional Sections and National Offices
National Coordinations
Accounts Police Station (C.C.)
A Call for Cultural Renaissance
The creation of the UAC comes at a time when many African countries continue to struggle with development models disconnected from their cultural realities. The Union emphasises the urgent need for Africa to draw from its rich cultural heritage to build sustainable development models that reflect its identity, values, and aspirations.
By placing culture at the heart of socio-economic transformation, the UAC hopes to drive peace, stability, and economic growth across the continent while showcasing Africa’s cultural wealth to the world.
