The African Union is the successor organization to the Organization of African Unity.
Founded in July 2002, its first chairman is South African Thabo Mbeki, former president of the OAU.
Modeled after the European Union, its goals are to help promote democracy, human rights and development across Africa, especially increasing foreign investment through the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) program.
Goals for the African Union include an African parliament and a central development bank.
Member countries (listed by their official names):
