By Taurai Mhaka
In a groundbreaking move to harness the power of sport for social impact, the African Union Peace Fund and Football for Peace (FFP) have announced a strategic alliance aimed at promoting peace, inclusion, and sustainable development across Africa. This innovative partnership leverages football diplomacy to engage youth, build community resilience, and advance peacebuilding initiatives, reflecting the African Union’s commitment to innovative and inclusive solutions for the continent’s development challenges.
The partnership will see both organisations co-designing and implementing initiatives that integrate football into peacebuilding efforts, mobilising a network of sports ambassadors and public figures to champion peace and inclusive development. By forging alliances with local, regional, and international stakeholders, the partnership aims to strengthen sports diplomacy as a tool for societal transformation.
A key highlight of the partnership is the creation of an “African Union – Football for Peace” team, a unique squad of international football superstars, athletes, influencers, and diplomats who will champion the AU–FFP alliance on a global stage. This team of Peacemakers will raise awareness of the initiatives and inspire solidarity through exhibitions and multimedia campaigns.
The partnership aligns with the AU Peace Fund’s mandate to support conflict prevention, mediation, and sustainable peace efforts. By harnessing the universal language of football, the partnership will empower communities, foster intercultural dialogue, and galvanize young people across Africa and beyond to become agents of peace and sustainable development.
As Mrs. Dagmawit Moges Bekele, Director of the African Union Peace Fund, noted, “The African Union Peace Fund is proud to partner with Football for Peace in this unprecedented venture. By harnessing the universal language of football, this partnership will empower communities, foster intercultural dialogue, and galvanize young people across Africa and beyond to become agents of peace and sustainable development.”
Mr. Kash Siddiqi, Co-Founder of Football for Peace, added, “This partnership marks a new chapter in how we see sport—not just as entertainment, but as a powerful platform for social impact. Together with the African Union Peace Fund, we are committed to building inclusive programmes that engage young people, break down barriers, and create opportunities for peace and progress.”
The high-level signing ceremony in London brought together an extraordinary gathering of international dignitaries, royalty, athletes, and changemakers, marking a historic moment in the pursuit of peace and development in Africa. This partnership underscores Africa’s proactive role in global peace innovation, demonstrating how African-led solutions, powered by sport, can pave the way for conflict prevention, social transformation, and resilient communities.
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