U.S. Africa Command and AU Agenda 2063: Aligning Security Cooperation with Human Security and Development

Purpose: This study examines the relationship between United States Africa Command (U.S. AFRICOM) and the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063, focusing on how security cooperation can contribute to sustainable human development through social policy alignment. The study explores how AFRICOM’s security activities may support African development priorities while preserving African ownership.

Research Methodology: The study employs a qualitative documentary research design. Data were obtained from AU Agenda 2063 documents, the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan (2024–2033), AFRICOM policy materials, international development reports, and relevant security literature. The collected documents were analysed thematically based on four themes: security cooperation, social policy, human security, and African institutional ownership.

Results: The findings indicate that AFRICOM’s primary mandate remains security cooperation and should not replace civilian development institutions. However, its activities in institutional capacity-building, professional military education, humanitarian assistance, crisis response, and partner-capacity development can indirectly support Agenda 2063 when aligned with African priorities. Effective alignment requires accountable security institutions, social investment, community resilience, and strong African coordination.

Conclusions: The strategic value of AFRICOM should be assessed by its contribution to human security, institutional accountability, and sustainable development rather than military assistance alone.

Limitations: The study relies on documentary sources and does not include empirical perspectives from African stakeholders.

Contributions: This study proposes an Africa-led Security–Social Policy Alignment Framework integrating security cooperation, human security, and development objectives while strengthening African ownership and strategic autonomy.