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

The African Union (AU) Peace Fund has officially launched its Call for Applications for the 2028 Funding Cycle, inviting eligible African Union Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), Regional Mechanisms (RMs), and the AU Commission’s Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) Department to apply for funding that supports peace, security, conflict prevention, and mediation initiatives across Africa.

Key Summary

• Application Deadline: 31 August 2026
• Funding Opportunity: African Union Peace Fund – 2028 Funding Cycle
• Who Can Apply: African Union Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), Regional Mechanisms (RMs), and the AU Commission’s Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) Department.
• Funding Areas: Mediation and Preventive Diplomacy, Institutional Capacity, and Peace Support Operations.
• Indicative Funding Available: USD 5 million for the 2028 funding cycle. Individual projects may receive up to 10% of the annual allocation, with a maximum of two projects per applicant in a funding period.
• Project Duration: One-year projects are preferred, but projects may run for up to 36 months.
• How to Apply: Submit the completed application form and supporting documents via email to pfs@africanunion.org with the subject: “Application for Funding under the AU Peace Fund Programmatic Windows – Funding Cycle 2028.” Applications are open from 1–31 August 2026.

About the African Union Peace Fund

Established in 1993 and revitalized in 2016, the African Union Peace Fund serves as the AU’s dedicated financing mechanism for advancing peace, security, conflict prevention, and conflict resolution across the continent. The Fund contributes directly to Agenda 2063 – The Africa We Want, particularly its goal of resolving conflicts peacefully across Africa.

Who Can Apply?

Applications are open to:

• African Union Member States
• Regional Economic Communities (RECs)
• Regional Mechanisms (RMs)
• Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) Department of the African Union Commission

Applicants must satisfy all eligibility requirements outlined by the AU Peace Fund.

Funding Windows

Projects must align with one of the Peace Fund’s three programmatic windows:

1. Mediation and Preventive Diplomacy

Supports activities focused on:

• Early warning systems
• Conflict prevention
• Preventive diplomacy
• Mediation and peacemaking initiatives

2. Institutional Capacity

Supports initiatives that strengthen institutional systems required to deliver effective peace and security interventions, including:

• Strengthening AU Liaison Offices
• Building financial and reporting systems for RECs and RMs

3. Peace Support Operations

Supports:

• Observer missions
• Preventive deployment
• Peace enforcement missions
• Stabilization missions
• Security initiatives addressing complex national and transnational threats

Only activities directly related to these functions are eligible for funding.

Eligible Projects

The African Union Peace Fund seeks projects that:

• Align with one of the three programmatic windows
• Advance peace, security, or conflict prevention objectives
• Demonstrate measurable outcomes
• Deliver value for money
• Are feasible within the proposed implementation period

While one-year projects are preferred, projects may last up to 36 months.

Funding Amount

For the 2028 funding cycle, the Peace Fund has an indicative allocation of USD 5 million under the programmatic windows.

Key funding conditions include:

• No individual project may receive more than 10% of the total annual allocation
• Each eligible applicant may receive funding for a maximum of two projects within a single funding period
• Funding remains subject to the availability of Peace Fund resources and approval procedures.

Application Process

Applications will undergo a three-stage assessment process:

1. Eligibility Screening
2. Technical Assessment
3. Approval

Technical evaluations will consider:

• Strategic relevance
• Alignment with Peace Fund priorities
• Implementation capacity
• Sustainability
• Risk management
• Value for money
• Expected impact

Eligible applicants will later be invited to submit full project proposals for technical evaluation and ranking.

Application Template Requirements

Applicants are expected to provide detailed information including:

• Project background and justification
• Conflict analysis
• Partnerships
• Expected beneficiaries
• Proposed activities
• Results framework
• Budget
• Cost-benefit analysis

Supporting annexes include a government endorsement letter (where applicable) and a detailed gender- and age-sensitive conflict analysis.

Application Deadline

Opening Date: 1 August 2026

Closing Date: 31 August 2026

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

How to Apply

Eligible applicants should complete the official application form here: https://acesse.one/dhkz24o and submit their applications via email to:

Email: pfs@africanunion.org

Subject Line:

Application for Funding under the AU Peace Fund Programmatic Windows – Funding Cycle 2028

Applicants should ensure all supporting documentation is included before submission.

Why This Opportunity Matters

The African Union Peace Fund represents one of the continent’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 Agenda 2063 for a peaceful and prosperous Africa.

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.

Applicants can access the Eligibility Criteria, Application Guidelines, and Application Form here: https://acesse.one/dhkz24o

Source: https://au.int/en/announcement/african-union-peace-fund-announces-call-applications-under-programmatic-windows