1. The Union / L'Union

1.1

The name of the association is the Africa Union of Architects (hereinafter referred to as the "Union" or "AUA").

1.2

The Union is a non-governmental, non-profit Pan-African organization uniting recognized national professional bodies of architects across Africa.

2. Definitions and Interpretations

2.1

Where words and phrases are bolded in the text of this constitution, they shall bear the meanings assigned to them in this clause.

2.2

"Member Section" means a national institute, order, or association of architects officially recognized as representing the architectural profession in an African state.

2.3

"Council" means the Governing Council of the Africa Union of Architects established under Article 11 of this Constitution.

2.4

"By-laws" means the active operational regulations of the Union as enacted and amended by the General Assembly or Council.

3. Nature Of The Union

3.1

The AUA is an autonomous professional federation, independent of political, ideological, or religious affiliations.

3.2

The Union operates with full legal personality, perpetual succession, and the capacity to own, lease, or hold property in accordance with applicable laws.

4. Objectives

4.1

To unite national architectural organizations across all African nations into a cohesive professional union.

4.2

To harmonize educational frameworks, accreditation standards, and professional practice benchmarks continent-wide.

4.3

To champion climate resilience, sustainable urban development, and the protection of indigenous African architectural heritage.

5. Functions

5.1

Organize quadrennial congresses, regional seminars, and professional workshops for knowledge transfer.

5.2

Advise government institutions, regional economic communities, and the African Union Commission on policies concerning the built environment.

6. Membership Categories

6.1

Member Sections: Primary voting national architectural bodies representing recognized sovereign states.

6.2

Associate Members: Non-voting architectural bodies or related institutions within or outside Africa.

6.3

Practice Members: Corporate architectural firms registered with valid Member Sections.

6.4

Honorary Members: Eminent personages elected by the General Assembly in recognition of exceptional contribution.

7. Finance & Subscriptions

7.1

Finances shall consist of annual member subscription fees, grants, donations, and revenues from official events or publications.

7.2

Member subscription rates shall be scaled according to membership size as outlined in the Bylaws.

8. Management Of Funds

8.1

All funds shall be deposited in approved bank accounts under the name of the Africa Union of Architects.

8.2

Disbursements require dual authorization by designated executive officers, with mandatory annual financial audits.

9. Directing Bodies

9.1

The governing organs of the AUA are:

• The General Assembly
• The Governing Council
• The Board of Trustees
• The Executive Secretariat

10. Quadrennial General Assembly

10.1

The General Assembly shall convene every four (4) years in ordinary session to deliberate on strategic direction, review budgets, and conduct elections.

11. Governing Council

11.1

The Council is the executive organ responsible for implementing General Assembly directives and managing affairs during interim periods.

12. Executive Committee

12.1

Composed of the President, Secretary General, Treasurer, and Regional Vice-Presidents representing the 5 continental regions.

13. Secretariat

13.1

Headquarters and permanent administrative office managed by the CEO/Executive Director.

14. Regions

14.1

The AUA shall be organized into 5 administrative regions: North, West, Central, East, and Southern Africa.

15. Permanent Commissions

15.1

The permanent commissions shall be: Education, Ethics & Practice, Research & Technology, Sustainable Habitat, and Cultural Heritage.

16. Official Languages

16.1

The working languages of the Union shall be English, French, Portuguese, and Arabic.

17. Constitutional Amendments

17.1

Amendments require a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of full Member Sections represented at the General Assembly.