The New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), now AUDA-NEPAD, is the technical arm of the African Union (AU). It is an initiative of the former Organization of African Unity (OAU) that came into being in 2001 with South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Senegal, and Algeria as the founding member countries. NEPAD’s primary objectives revolve around poverty eradication, promotion of sustainable growth and development, and women empowerment through strategic partnerships.
NEPAD has since been integrated into the AU processes and structures resulting in the Africa Union Development Agency (AUDA) – NEPAD Agency which is based in Midrand, South Africa. Instituted as the implementing arm of the AU, the Agency is also responsible for the facilitation and coordination of development programmes across the continent. To facilitate implementation at a country level, NEPAD Agency works with national secretariats in member states each one authorized by respective Heads of States.