In October 2025, Mexico proudly commemorates 20 years of its status as a Permanent Observer to the African Union (AU). This milestone reflects not only a diplomatic relationship built on respect and dialogue, but also a shared commitment to multilateralism, sustainable development, and the advancement of the Global South. Over the past two decades, Mexico has witnessed and supported the AU’s evolution into a key actor on the world stage, one whose vision and initiatives align closely with Mexico’s foreign policy’s principles, global aspirations and committment to multilateralism.
Since its creation in 2002 as the successor to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), the AU has consolidated its role as a leading regional organization promoting peace, unity, and cooperation. Mexico recognizes that one of the AU’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to articulate common African positions, foster consensus and advance the African policies and aims in international forums, enhancing the voice of its member states in global decision-making. Initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) exemplify this cooperative spirit, strengthening Africa’s economic integration and its capacity to negotiate collectively, an area in which Mexico has distinguished itself for its experience, its commitment to socially conscious trade liberalization, and its ability to address the challenges posed by free trade.
Mexico strongly identifies with this comprehensive approach, as it too has long championed a rules-based international order and regional cooperation as foundations for equitable global governance. The AU’s strategic framework, Agenda 2063, is a powerful demonstration of how a shared continental vision can drive sustainable development. Its emphasis on economic transformation, infrastructure connectivity, digital innovation, woman and youth development and environmental resilience resonates with Mexico’s own development priorities. As an observer, Mexico subscribes to these objectives and frequently establishes cooperation strategies to project them towards concrete results, recognizing that South-South cooperation (grounded in solidarity and mutual benefit) is essential for creating fairer and more inclusive development models. Mexico has sought to accompany African-led initiatives through technical cooperation, knowledge exchange, diaspora management, agriculture, and multilateral diplomacy, reaffirming the principle that sustainable progress requires shared responsibility.
Peace and Security remain at the heart of the AU’s achievements, particularly through the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA). By deploying peace missions, facilitating dialogue, and promoting democratic governance, the AU has demonstrated the importance of regional solutions to regional challenges. Mexico, with its deep commitment to preventive diplomacy and peaceful conflict resolution, shares these values and supports strengthening cooperative mechanisms that build trust, protect communities, and foster stability. As an active personnel-contributing country since 2014, Mexico has been part of the peacekeeping efforts in Western Sahara (MINURSO), the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), and Mali (MINUSMA), and considering, since the beginning, the importance of including female personnel as key for the sustainability of operations.
The AU has also become a leading voice for the Global South, driving initiatives that push for fairer international financial systems, climate justice, and greater representation in global governance. Its permanent membership in the Group of Twenty (G20), something that Mexico championed vigorously since the idea emerged, marks a historic recognition of Africa’s growing leadership in shaping global economic debates. Mexico, itself a member of the G20, views this as an opportunity to deepen coordination with the AU and its member states to promote shared priorities – from sustainable financing to the reform of multilateral institutions.
As Mexico reflects on two decades of close engagement with the AU, it celebrates not only the organization’s accomplishments but also the shared principles that unite them: solidarity, cooperation, sovereignty, and collective progress. Mexico’s observer status has allowed it to strengthen political dialogue, expand economic and technical collaboration, and contribute to the broader project of elevating the Global South’s voice in global affairs.
These 20 years are more than a diplomatic anniversary; it is a reaffirmation of Mexico’s commitment to a common agenda with the African Union. Both actors believe in a world where multilateralism is a tool for justice and development, where regional cooperation drives global progress, and where the Global South plays a central role in shaping its own future. Mexico looks forward to deepening this partnership in the years to come, working alongside the AU to build a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable international order.
(Alejandro Estivill is the Ambassador of México, and Permanent Observer to the African Union.)
Contributed by Alejandro Estivill (Amb.)
