The African Union Peace Fund has announced a new Call for Applications inviting eligible beneficiaries to seek funding for initiatives that contribute to peace, stability and security across Africa.
The funding opportunity was announced on 1 August 2026 and is intended to support peace-related initiatives through the African Union Peace Fund’s three programmatic windows. Eligible institutions are encouraged to prepare and submit applications within the designated application period.
The call forms part of the African Union’s broader efforts to strengthen African-led approaches to conflict prevention, peacebuilding and peace support while contributing to the objectives of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want.
Who Can Apply?
The funding opportunity is open to specific African Union and regional institutions identified under the approved modalities for the utilization and contribution of the African Union Peace Fund.
Eligible beneficiaries include:
- African Union Member States
- Regional Economic Communities (RECs)
- Regional Mechanisms (RMs)
- The Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) Department of the African Union Commission
The call is therefore primarily designed for eligible governmental, regional and African Union institutional actors rather than individual applicants or ordinary civil society organizations.
Applicants should carefully review the official eligibility criteria and application guidelines before preparing their submissions.
Three Peace Fund Programmatic Windows
The African Union Peace Fund supports initiatives through three thematic funding windows, each addressing a key aspect of peace and security on the continent.
Mediation and Preventive Diplomacy: This window supports efforts aimed at preventing conflicts, facilitating dialogue and strengthening mediation and diplomatic mechanisms. Eligible initiatives may contribute to early conflict prevention and peaceful resolution of disputes.
Institutional Capacity: This area focuses on strengthening institutional capabilities required to support effective peace and security interventions. Projects may seek to improve systems, structures and capacities that enable African institutions to respond more effectively to peace and security challenges.
Peace Support Operations: This window supports activities associated with peace support operations and broader African-led efforts to address security challenges and maintain peace in affected areas.
Through these programmatic windows, the Peace Fund seeks to strengthen African ownership of peace and security initiatives and improve the continent’s capacity to respond to emerging and ongoing conflicts.
Application Period and Deadline
The application period runs from 1 August to 31 August 2026. Eligible applicants must therefore ensure that their applications are submitted before the closing date.
Following the submission period, applications will undergo a structured assessment process. The initial stage will involve a preliminary review to determine whether applications meet the required eligibility and submission criteria.
Eligible applicants will then be invited to submit full project proposals for further technical evaluation and ranking.
The final selection and notification of successful applicants will be conducted in accordance with the approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of the African Union Peace Fund.
How to Apply
Applicants are required to review the official Eligibility Criteria, Application Guidelines and Application Form before submitting an application.
Completed applications should be submitted directly to the African Union Peace Fund Secretariat by email.
The required email subject line is:
“Application for Funding under the AU Peace Fund Programmatic Windows – Funding Cycle 2028”
Eligible institutions should ensure that all required information and supporting documents are included and that submissions comply with the prescribed application guidelines.
Supporting African-Led Peace Initiatives
The African Union Peace Fund is designed to strengthen the continent’s ability to finance and implement African-led responses to peace and security challenges.
The current funding call provides eligible beneficiaries with an opportunity to seek financial support for initiatives that contribute to conflict prevention, mediation, institutional strengthening and peace support operations.
Successful initiatives are expected to contribute to broader African peace and security priorities while supporting the implementation of Agenda 2063, the African Union’s long-term development framework.
Important Considerations for Applicants
Eligible applicants should begin preparations early because the assessment process is expected to be competitive and structured. Before submitting an application, institutions should confirm their eligibility, select the most appropriate programmatic window and ensure that proposed activities are clearly aligned with the objectives of the African Union Peace Fund.
Applicants should also ensure that project concepts demonstrate a clear contribution to peace, security and stability and that all requested information is accurately presented.
The African Union encourages eligible beneficiaries to take advantage of the funding opportunity and submit initiatives capable of advancing African-led peace efforts.
Key Details
- Funding opportunity: African Union Peace Fund Programmatic Windows
- Announcement date: 1 August 2026
- Application period: 1 August–31 August 2026
- Eligible applicants: AU Member States, RECs, RMs and the AU Commission’s PAPS Department
- Funding areas: Mediation and Preventive Diplomacy, Institutional Capacity, and Peace Support Operations
- Funding cycle: 2028
- Application method: Direct submission to the AU Peace Fund Secretariat
- Objective: Support African-led peace and security initiatives
