WASHINGTON, DC - As part of President Obama's commitment to partner with and strengthen African institutions, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the African Union signed their first long-term assistance agreement to advance prosperity, peace, and stability in Africa. The agreement extends through 2013 and covers programs worth approximately $5.8 million through FY 2011.

The agreement was signed by USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah and AU Commission Deputy Chairperson Erastus Mwencha at the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum in Washington, DC.

USAID has a long history of working with African institutions. This agreement will not only reinforce that commitment and increase the effectiveness of USAID's regional programs, but it also represents an investment in the AU's mission to set regional standards and promote development among its member states and African regional institutions.

USAID and the AU are working together in several sectors, including democracy and governance, as well as support for agriculture and food security through the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Program (CAADP), one of USAID's key partners in the Feed the Future Initiative. USAID is also launching work in additional sectors, that reflect both U.S. and African priorities, including promoting trade, adapting to climate change, and reducing maternal mortality.

USAID looks forward to continuing and furthering its partnership with the AU in a range of issues.