The main objectives of African Union is to

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks about the main objectives of the African Union (AU). We need to pick the option that best matches the AU's real aims.

Step 2: Key concept The African Union was launched in 2002 in Durban, South Africa, replacing the Organisation of African Unity (OAU, founded 1963). Its Constitutive Act (2000) sets out these main objectives:

• Achieve greater unity and solidarity among African countries and peoples
• Promote peace, security and stability on the continent
• Promote sustainable economic, social and cultural development
• Accelerate the political and socio-economic integration of the continent
• Promote democratic principles, good governance and human rights

Step 3: Evaluate each option

• A. Regulate business transactions within the international community: Wrong. This is closer to the role of bodies like the World Trade Organization (WTO), not the AU. The AU is a continental body, not a global regulator.
• B. Promote co-operation and economic development among members: Correct. This matches the AU's goals of unity, cooperation and sustainable economic development.
• C. Oversee the free flow of political engagement in Africa and developed nations: Wrong. The AU does not oversee engagement with developed nations. Its focus is on African member states.
• D. Settle disputes among South East Asia countries: Wrong. South East Asia is the area of ASEAN, not the AU.

Step 4: Answer

Exam tip: In questions about regional organisations, match the region in the option to the organisation. AU means Africa, ASEAN means South East Asia, EU means Europe, and ECOWAS means West Africa. Options naming the wrong region (like D) can be eliminated immediately. Also, the AU's key words are unity, cooperation, development and peace.