African Union Peace Fund Call for Applications 2028: AU Opens Funding for Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Initiatives Across Africa

<p class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-start="141" data-end="566">The <strong data-start="145" data-end="178">African Union (AU) Peace Fund</strong> has officially launched its <strong data-start="207" data-end="259">Call for Applications for the 2028 Funding Cycle</strong>, inviting eligible African Union Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), Regional Mechanisms (RMs), and the AU Commission&#8217;s Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) Department to apply for funding that supports peace, security, conflict prevention, and mediation initiatives across Africa.</p> <h2 class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-section-id="1nbvuam" data-start="0" data-end="14">Key Summary</h2> <ul data-start="16" data-end="1248" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node=""> <li data-section-id="1n07ix3" data-start="16" data-end="62"><strong data-start="18" data-end="43">Application Deadline:</strong> <strong data-start="44" data-end="62" data-is-only-node="">31 August 2026</strong></li> <li data-section-id="z6di7c" data-start="63" data-end="139"><strong data-start="65" data-end="89">Funding Opportunity:</strong> African Union Peace Fund – <strong data-start="117" data-end="139" data-is-only-node="">2028 Funding Cycle</strong></li> <li data-section-id="1p0rxz5" data-start="140" data-end="373"><strong data-start="142" data-end="160">Who Can Apply:</strong> African Union Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), Regional Mechanisms (RMs), and the AU Commission&#8217;s Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) Department.</li> <li data-section-id="1ha6wjy" data-start="374" data-end="522"><strong data-start="376" data-end="394">Funding Areas:</strong> Mediation and Preventive Diplomacy, Institutional Capacity, and Peace Support Operations.</li> <li data-section-id="1mkr6ue" data-start="523" data-end="784"><strong data-start="525" data-end="558">Indicative Funding Available:</strong> <strong data-start="559" data-end="576" data-is-only-node="">USD 5 million</strong> for the 2028 funding cycle. Individual projects may receive up to <strong data-start="643" data-end="675">10% of the annual allocation</strong>, with a maximum of <strong data-start="695" data-end="725">two projects per applicant</strong> in a funding period.</li> <li data-section-id="wwmg0f" data-start="785" data-end="925"><strong data-start="787" data-end="808">Project Duration:</strong> One-year projects are preferred, but projects may run for up to <strong data-start="873" data-end="886" data-is-only-node="">36 months</strong>.</li> <li data-section-id="10zo279" data-start="926" data-end="1248" data-is-last-node=""><strong data-start="928" data-end="945">How to Apply:</strong> Submit the completed application form and supporting documents via email to <strong data-start="1022" data-end="1046" data-is-only-node=""><a class="decorated-link cursor-pointer" rel="noopener" data-start="1024" data-end="1044">pfs@africanunion.org</a></strong> with the subject: <strong data-start="1065" data-end="1161">&#8220;Application for Funding under the AU Peace Fund Programmatic Windows – Funding Cycle 2028.&#8221;</strong> Applications are open from <strong data-start="1189" data-end="1209">1–31 August 2026</strong>.</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="s7o8xl" data-start="808" data-end="845">About the African Union Peace Fund</h2> <p data-start="847" data-end="1255">Established in <strong data-start="862" data-end="870">1993</strong> and revitalized in <strong data-start="890" data-end="898">2016</strong>, the African Union Peace Fund serves as the AU&#8217;s dedicated financing mechanism for advancing peace, security, conflict prevention, and conflict resolution across the continent. The Fund contributes directly to <strong data-start="1109" data-end="1145">Agenda 2063 – The Africa We Want</strong>, particularly its goal of resolving conflicts peacefully across Africa.</p> <h2 data-section-id="13a30tu" data-start="1257" data-end="1274">Who Can Apply?</h2> <p data-start="1276" data-end="1301">Applications are open to:</p> <ul data-start="1303" data-end="1489"> <li data-section-id="2s4xq7" data-start="1303" data-end="1332">African Union Member States</li> <li data-section-id="1bcs0kh" data-start="1333" data-end="1371">Regional Economic Communities (RECs)</li> <li data-section-id="hpl848" data-start="1372" data-end="1399">Regional Mechanisms (RMs)</li> <li data-section-id="1rdbtvn" data-start="1400" data-end="1489">Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) Department of the African Union Commission</li> </ul> <p data-start="1491" data-end="1612">Applicants must satisfy all eligibility requirements outlined by the AU Peace Fund.</p> <h2 data-section-id="54kmpv" data-start="1614" data-end="1632">Funding Windows</h2> <p data-start="1634" data-end="1710">Projects must align with one of the Peace Fund&#8217;s three programmatic windows:</p> <h3 data-section-id="1n8r4om" data-start="1712" data-end="1753">1. Mediation and Preventive Diplomacy</h3> <p data-start="1754" data-end="1785">Supports activities focused on:</p> <ul data-start="1787" data-end="1895"> <li data-section-id="13h9i47" data-start="1787" data-end="1810">Early warning systems</li> <li data-section-id="lm7sew" data-start="1811" data-end="1832">Conflict prevention</li> <li data-section-id="1rrw9ys" data-start="1833" data-end="1855">Preventive diplomacy</li> <li data-section-id="1romqch" data-start="1856" data-end="1895">Mediation and peacemaking initiatives</li> </ul> <h3 data-section-id="nwqejb" data-start="1897" data-end="1926">2. Institutional Capacity</h3> <p data-start="1927" data-end="2060">Supports initiatives that strengthen institutional systems required to deliver effective peace and security interventions, including:</p> <ul data-start="2062" data-end="2156"> <li data-section-id="1s6mxlq" data-start="2062" data-end="2096">Strengthening AU Liaison Offices</li> <li data-section-id="1qughof" data-start="2097" data-end="2156">Building financial and reporting systems for RECs and RMs</li> </ul> <h3 data-section-id="149pi2o" data-start="2158" data-end="2189">3. Peace Support Operations</h3> <p data-start="2190" data-end="2199">Supports:</p> <ul data-start="2201" data-end="2375"> <li data-section-id="kdrg8v" data-start="2201" data-end="2220">Observer missions</li> <li data-section-id="6epf39" data-start="2221" data-end="2244">Preventive deployment</li> <li data-section-id="u9l3b5" data-start="2245" data-end="2273">Peace enforcement missions</li> <li data-section-id="1o464ag" data-start="2274" data-end="2298">Stabilization missions</li> <li data-section-id="1ucet2z" data-start="2299" data-end="2375">Security initiatives addressing complex national and transnational threats</li> </ul> <p data-start="2377" data-end="2492">Only activities directly related to these functions are eligible for funding.</p> <h2 data-section-id="5cjvfq" data-start="2494" data-end="2514">Eligible Projects</h2> <p data-start="2516" data-end="2565">The African Union Peace Fund seeks projects that:</p> <ul data-start="2567" data-end="2795"> <li data-section-id="fk4qn8" data-start="2567" data-end="2617">Align with one of the three programmatic windows</li> <li data-section-id="s5tl47" data-start="2618" data-end="2678">Advance peace, security, or conflict prevention objectives</li> <li data-section-id="1nv9fpq" data-start="2679" data-end="2712">Demonstrate measurable outcomes</li> <li data-section-id="tuzwfh" data-start="2713" data-end="2738">Deliver value for money</li> <li data-section-id="1ojerba" data-start="2739" data-end="2795">Are feasible within the proposed implementation period</li> </ul> <p data-start="2797" data-end="2916">While <strong data-start="2803" data-end="2838">one-year projects are preferred</strong>, projects may last up to <strong data-start="2864" data-end="2877">36 months</strong>.</p> <h2 data-section-id="mun29c" data-start="2918" data-end="2935">Funding Amount</h2> <p data-start="2937" data-end="3065">For the <strong data-start="2945" data-end="2967">2028 funding cycle</strong>, the Peace Fund has an <strong data-start="2991" data-end="3033">indicative allocation of USD 5 million</strong> under the programmatic windows.</p> <p data-start="3067" data-end="3098">Key funding conditions include:</p> <ul data-start="3100" data-end="3428"> <li data-section-id="2a4yz6" data-start="3100" data-end="3184">No individual project may receive more than <strong data-start="3146" data-end="3184">10% of the total annual allocation</strong></li> <li data-section-id="qj8f2i" data-start="3185" data-end="3295">Each eligible applicant may receive funding for a maximum of <strong data-start="3248" data-end="3264">two projects</strong> within a single funding period</li> <li data-section-id="1npohpn" data-start="3296" data-end="3428">Funding remains subject to the availability of Peace Fund resources and approval procedures.</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="18pv5kk" data-start="3430" data-end="3452">Application Process</h2> <p data-start="3454" data-end="3513">Applications will undergo a three-stage assessment process:</p> <ol data-start="3515" data-end="3587"> <li data-section-id="1bqk97f" data-start="3515" data-end="3543"><strong data-start="3518" data-end="3543">Eligibility Screening</strong></li> <li data-section-id="1nugnq4" data-start="3544" data-end="3571"><strong data-start="3547" data-end="3571">Technical Assessment</strong></li> <li data-section-id="1jnaz6n" data-start="3572" data-end="3587"><strong data-start="3575" data-end="3587">Approval</strong></li> </ol> <p data-start="3589" data-end="3625">Technical evaluations will consider:</p> <ul data-start="3627" data-end="3822"> <li data-section-id="1gkj2yp" data-start="3627" data-end="3648">Strategic relevance</li> <li data-section-id="1gwpbe" data-start="3649" data-end="3687">Alignment with Peace Fund priorities</li> <li data-section-id="19no7ou" data-start="3688" data-end="3713">Implementation capacity</li> <li data-section-id="y88qnh" data-start="3714" data-end="3730">Sustainability</li> <li data-section-id="1f1f1eg" data-start="3731" data-end="3748">Risk management</li> <li data-section-id="1e5ojgo" data-start="3749" data-end="3766">Value for money</li> <li data-section-id="tolf2h" data-start="3767" data-end="3822">Expected impact</li> </ul> <p data-start="3824" data-end="3936">Eligible applicants will later be invited to submit full project proposals for technical evaluation and ranking.</p> <h2 data-section-id="10mxe5f" data-start="3938" data-end="3974">Application Template Requirements</h2> <p data-start="3976" data-end="4042">Applicants are expected to provide detailed information including:</p> <ul data-start="4044" data-end="4217"> <li data-section-id="1xnu6fs" data-start="4044" data-end="4082">Project background and justification</li> <li data-section-id="w8xh7w" data-start="4083" data-end="4102">Conflict analysis</li> <li data-section-id="tmumzb" data-start="4103" data-end="4117">Partnerships</li> <li data-section-id="jycdqr" data-start="4118" data-end="4142">Expected beneficiaries</li> <li data-section-id="11qw30j" data-start="4143" data-end="4164">Proposed activities</li> <li data-section-id="1pm3cry" data-start="4165" data-end="4184">Results framework</li> <li data-section-id="1w23cbx" data-start="4185" data-end="4193">Budget</li> <li data-section-id="t9usp7" data-start="4194" data-end="4217">Cost-benefit analysis</li> </ul> <p data-start="4219" data-end="4432">Supporting annexes include a government endorsement letter (where applicable) and a detailed gender- and age-sensitive conflict analysis.</p> <h2 data-section-id="4qnxhx" data-start="4434" data-end="4457">Application Deadline</h2> <p data-start="4459" data-end="4490"><strong data-start="4459" data-end="4476">Opening Date:</strong> 1 August 2026</p> <p data-start="4492" data-end="4528"><strong data-start="4492" data-end="4509">Closing Date:</strong> <strong data-start="4510" data-end="4528">31 August 2026</strong></p> <p data-start="4530" data-end="4623">Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.</p> <h2 data-section-id="13dq7ve" data-start="4625" data-end="4640">How to Apply</h2> <p data-start="4642" data-end="4751">Eligible applicants should complete the official application form here: <a href="https://acesse.one/dhkz24o" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://acesse.one/dhkz24o</a> and submit their applications via email to:</p> <p data-start="4753" data-end="4784"><strong data-start="4753" data-end="4763">Email:</strong> <a class="decorated-link cursor-pointer" rel="noopener" data-start="4764" data-end="4784">pfs@africanunion.org</a></p> <p data-start="4786" data-end="4803"><strong data-start="4786" data-end="4803">Subject Line:</strong></p> <p data-start="4805" data-end="4898"><strong data-start="4805" data-end="4898">Application for Funding under the AU Peace Fund Programmatic Windows – Funding Cycle 2028</strong></p> <p data-start="4900" data-end="5024">Applicants should ensure all supporting documentation is included before submission.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1n4tpp0" data-start="5026" data-end="5057">Why This Opportunity Matters</h2> <p data-start="5059" data-end="5467">The African Union Peace Fund represents one of the continent&#8217;s flagship financing mechanisms for African-led peacebuilding. By supporting mediation, institutional strengthening, and peace support operations, the Fund helps governments and regional organizations prevent conflict, strengthen peace and security institutions, and advance the aspirations of <strong data-start="5414" data-end="5429">Agenda 2063</strong> for a peaceful and prosperous Africa.</p> <p data-start="5469" data-end="5686" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">Organizations and institutions eligible under the AU framework are encouraged to submit high-quality proposals that contribute to sustainable peace, regional stability, and long-term conflict prevention across Africa.</p> <p style="text-align: center;" data-start="5469" data-end="5686" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">Applicants can access the<strong> Eligibility Criteria, Application Guidelines,</strong> and <strong>Application Form</strong> here: <a href="https://acesse.one/dhkz24o" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://acesse.one/dhkz24o</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;" data-start="5469" data-end="5686" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node=""><strong>Source:</strong> <a href="https://au.int/en/announcement/african-union-peace-fund-announces-call-applications-under-programmatic-windows" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://au.int/en/announcement/african-union-peace-fund-announces-call-applications-under-programmatic-windows</a></p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/08/02/african-union-peace-fund-call-for-applications-2028-au-opens-funding-for-peacebuilding-and-conflict-prevention-initiatives-across-africa/">African Union Peace Fund Call for Applications 2028: AU Opens Funding for Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Initiatives Across Africa</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.</p>