The mandate  is  to represent the AU in the Southern Africa Region as well as develop and maintain constructive and productive relationship between the AU and Member States in the Region, as well as SADC and COMESA. The core functions are;

  • To increase awareness about the AU, its mission and its work in the region;
  • To establish working relationship with the Southern Africa Region;
  • To monitor political developments of concern to African countries in the Southern Africa region;
  • To ensure that Southern Africa activities on Refugees, Health, Immigration and Natural Disasters receive quick attention from the African Union;
  • To support the Exchange of Information between Southern African countries and other countries of the Africa Union;
  • To counter, when necessary, media distortions about developments and events in Southern Africa;
  • To follow-up on issues relating to early warning systems in Southern Africa;
  • To ensure regular consultations with the RECs in the region;
  • To deal with issues which foster and promote cohesion, solidarity and unity;
  • To liaise and harmonize specific policies in geo-political and socio-economic activities of the African Union in the Southern Region;
  • To spearhead, initiate and review the African Union activities and policies taking into account the constant changing world trends;
  • To promote unity, solidarity and enhance Pan-African spirit in the Southern African Region; and
  • To participate in other consultations of interest to the AU.