African Union Call for Proposals: Strengthening Institutional Capacity for Public Financial Management and Procurement in Regional Economic Communities

The African Union Commission (AUC) has released a Call for Proposals to strengthen institutional capacity for Public Financial Management (PFM) and procurement within Regional Economic Communities (RECs). This initiative is a critical component of Agenda 2063, aimed at fostering economic integration and good governance. The call invites RECs and AU organs to submit projects that enhance financial transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public expenditure. The deadline for submissions is October 1, 2026, providing ample time for thorough proposal development. The call emphasizes the need for sustainable solutions, gender mainstreaming, and digital transformation. Applicants must demonstrate a clear understanding of regional challenges and propose innovative approaches to improve PFM and procurement systems. GSLI’s expertise in training and capacity building is highly relevant, and integrating its courses can significantly strengthen a proposal. The overview highlights the importance of this call for advancing Africa’s development agenda and the role of RECs in driving change. Further detail on the call: The AUC seeks projects that address key gaps in budget preparation, execution, and reporting, as well as procurement planning, tendering, and contract management. The focus is on building both technical and institutional capacity, ensuring that RECs can independently manage their finances and procurement processes. The call encourages the use of technology to enhance transparency and reduce corruption. Applicants are expected to propose comprehensive training programs, system upgrades, and policy reforms. The expected outcomes include improved budget credibility, reduced procurement lead times, and increased compliance with international standards. The AUC will prioritize projects that demonstrate a clear theory of change and measurable indicators. This call represents a significant opportunity for RECs to access resources that can transform their financial governance. With GSLI’s support, applicants can design projects that are both innovative and sustainable. Third paragraph: The call is part of a broader AU strategy to strengthen regional integration through improved governance. PFM and procurement are fundamental to efficient resource allocation and service delivery. By investing in these areas, the AUC aims to build trust among member states and attract foreign investment. The call also aligns with the SDGs, particularly Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Successful projects will contribute to creating a more transparent and accountable public sector. The AUC has allocated a substantial budget for this initiative, with funding ranging from $500,000 to $2 million per project. Proposals must include a detailed budget and co-financing plan. The AUC encourages partnerships with civil society and the private sector to leverage expertise. GSLI’s courses in Financial Management and Procurement provide a ready-made capacity building component that can be integrated into any proposal. This overview underscores the strategic importance of the call and the value of GSLI’s involvement.

Strategic Overview

Who is it For?

The call is primarily directed at African Regional Economic Communities (RECs), including but not limited to ECOWAS, SADC, EAC, IGAD, COMESA, and CEMAC. Additionally, AU organs such as the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and specialized institutions like the African Development Bank (AfDB) may also be eligible. Eligible entities must be formally recognized by the AU and have a mandate to promote regional integration. They should possess a legal status, established governance structures, and financial management systems that can accommodate the proposed project. RECs are expected to have experience in implementing similar capacity-building initiatives and demonstrate a track record of collaboration with member states. The call encourages partnerships with civil society organizations, private sector entities, and academic institutions to leverage diverse expertise. However, the lead applicant must be an REC or AU organ. The ideal recipient will have a strategic plan that aligns with the AU’s PFM and procurement priorities, as well as the capacity to scale and sustain project outcomes. Given the technical nature, organizations with teams of financial analysts, procurement specialists, and trainers are preferred. The call also welcomes proposals from RECs that have previously received AU funding but can show clear progress and additional value. Geographic balance is considered, so RECs from all regions are encouraged to apply. The AUC seeks to support institutions that can influence policy at the regional level and contribute to harmonization of PFM practices across member states.

Priorities

The AUC’s primary priorities for this call include strengthening financial transparency and accountability in RECs, enhancing procurement efficiency to reduce costs and delays, and promoting harmonization of PFM frameworks to facilitate regional trade and integration. Key performance indicators (KPIs) include a measurable improvement in budget execution rates, reduction in procurement cycle times, and increased compliance with international financial reporting standards. The donor prioritizes projects that incorporate digital solutions such as integrated financial management information systems (IFMIS) and e-procurement platforms. Capacity building through training and knowledge exchange is also a high priority, with targets for the number of staff trained and certified. Sustainability is crucial; projects must have a plan for long-term institutionalization beyond the funding period. The AUC emphasizes gender-responsive budgeting and procurement, expecting at least 30% of benefits to reach women and marginalized groups. Additionally, climate-responsive budgeting is emerging as a key area, aligning with SDG 13 (Climate Action). Projects should demonstrate how they contribute to the AU’s Agenda 2063 goals, particularly Aspiration 1 (inclusive growth) and Aspiration 6 (people-driven development). The AUC also values innovation, encouraging the use of blockchain for transparency, AI for data analysis, and mobile platforms for citizen engagement. Lastly, the call prioritizes projects that foster peer learning and dissemination of best practices across RECs.

Eligibility

Eligibility requirements are stringent to ensure funds are used effectively. Applicants must be legally registered as a Regional Economic Community or AU organ, with a formal recognition by the African Union. They must have a physical office and operational presence in at least one member state. Financial audits for the past three fiscal years are required, demonstrating sound financial management and no history of fraud or mismanagement. The applicant must submit a clear governance structure, including a board or steering committee that oversees project implementation. The project proposal must have a minimum co-financing of 10% from the applicant’s own resources or other donors, showing commitment. Spatial eligibility: the project must be implemented within the geographic boundaries of the REC’s member states. Additionally, the applicant must not be under any sanctions or blacklisting from the AU or any other international body. They must demonstrate technical capacity through staff qualifications and prior project experience in PFM or procurement. A risk assessment framework must be included, addressing potential financial, operational, and political risks. The applicant must also provide a sustainability plan outlining how activities will continue post-AU funding. For partnerships, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with each partner must be submitted. The deadline for eligibility checks is six months before the proposal deadline, so early engagement with the AUC is recommended. Failure to meet any of these criteria may result in disqualification, emphasizing the need for rigorous preparation.

Path to Success

Successfully securing funding from this call requires a strategic approach that integrates GSLI’s capacity-building courses. Step 1: Conduct a thorough needs assessment by engaging with member states and stakeholders to identify specific PFM and procurement gaps. Use GSLI’s 'Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)' course to design a baseline study that captures current performance metrics. Step 2: Develop a logframe with clear indicators aligned to AUC priorities, such as 'number of procurement staff trained' or 'percentage reduction in procurement lead time.' Incorporate GSLI’s 'Project Management for Development' course to ensure the project is structured with milestones and risk management. Step 3: Strengthen the proposal’s capacity-building component by explicitly including GSLI’s 'Financial Management for NGOs' and 'Procurement & Supply Chain' courses as part of the training plan. This demonstrates a proven methodology and ensures compliance with AUC standards. Step 4: Prepare a robust budget and financial management plan, leveraging GSLI’s 'Financial Management for NGOs' course to ensure realistic costing and adherence to AU financial guidelines. Step 5: Establish a partnership with GSLI as a training provider, which adds credibility and technical expertise. The proposal should include a letter of intent from GSLI confirming the training delivery. Step 6: Submit a comprehensive proposal that includes a sustainability plan, gender mainstreaming strategy, and risk mitigation framework. GSLI’s 'Writing Winning Proposals' course can help craft a compelling narrative that highlights the project’s impact. By following this roadmap, applicants can significantly enhance their chances of success while building long-term institutional capacity.

Recommended GSLI Courses

Procurement & Supply Chain
Financial Management for NGOs
Project Management for Development
Grant Management

Deadline: 2026-10-01

Persona: General

Urgency: Normal