Facilitating market development across the ASF

The African Standby Force (ASF) is critical to the African Union's efforts to enhance peace and security. Established in 2003, as a multidimensional force composed of military, police, and civilian contingents, the ASF is designed to respond swiftly to conflicts and crises, promoting stability and security, and is a key component of the African Union's Peace and Security Architecture. Its importance is underscored by its role in facilitating rapid deployment and effective intervention in regions facing violence and instability, thereby preventing the escalation of conflicts. The ASF’s structure is divided into five regional standby forces, each aligned with specific geopolitical zones: the North African Regional Capability (NARC), the East African Standby Force (EASF), the Economic Community of West African States Standby Force (ECOWAS SF), the Economic Community of Central African States Standby Force (ECCAS SF), and the Southern African Development Community Standby Force (SADC SF), and is regionalised to ensure that responses are tailored to each area's unique political, social, and cultural contexts. In critical minerals, geopolitics, and supply chains, the ASF plays a pivotal role in maintaining stability, for the safe and efficient extraction and transportation of these resources, supporting the security of supply chains and the geopolitical stability necessary for economic development and the energy transition across Africa.