Through it's charter article II, the organization showed concern about provided the independence struggle in black Africa, promotion of unity and solidarity among the African states, and respect of human rights putting in consideration the United Nations charter and the Universal declaration of human rights.

The organization setup a committee for liberation 1974 with it's headquarters in Tanzania to coordinate assistance to the freedom fighters in Angola, Mozambique, South Africa, and Rhodesia. Furthermore, the committee cooperated closely with the United Nations and it's agencies provided humanitarian assistance to the liberation movement as a result countries like Angola and Mozambique 1975, Southern Rhodesia 1980, Namibia 1990 and South Africa 1994 attained their independence.

The OAU has also tried to solve the refugee problem on the continent. This has been a result of mainly civil wars and natural calamities. Through it's cooperation with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). Humanitarian Assistance if form of food, medicine and clothes have been forwarded to Africa. At the 1965 Accra summits, it adopted a resolution called "The problem of refugees in Africa" through which member states were requested to assist refugees. It also set up an African fund for refugees.

The organization has been instrumental in promoting unity on the continent. On the international scene, member countries have been speaking with one voice as members of the OAU. Further local regional groupings like; the East African Community (EAC), Economic community for west African states (ECOWAS) and South African Development Cooperation (SADC) have been blessed by the OAU.

The OAU established African Development Bank in it's attempts to achieve a better standards of living for Africans. It established specialized commission for example the economic and social commission, health, sanitation and Nutrition commission. In September 1964, the Bank charter came into forces and by 1965 it had a capital worth $ 32 million with it's headquarters in Abidjan. The Bank forwards loans to African governments and entrepreneurs.

It also passed resolution of condemnation and imposed sanctions and embargoes onto colonial governments, which had refused to grant independence for example South Africa, and Rhodesia.

The OAU also put to use the international court of justice for example it dragged the apartheid government of South Africa to this court protesting her illegal occupation of the Namibia and the case was ruled in her favor.

Through using the policy of isolationism, the OAU exerted pressure on white minority governments in Zimbabwe and South Africa for example people were given travel documents to travel to all countries except South Africa.

Alexandra Song of Cameroon (R) hugs team mate Samuel Eto'o for his goal against Sudan during their African Nations Cup Group C soccer match in Tamale  Ghana, January 30,2008

In the cultural sphere, progress has been made in reviving and preserving the cultural heritage of the people of Africa and ensuring social cooperation for example cultural festivals. Such African festivals were held in Nigeria and all African games held in Congo Brazzaville in 1965, Nigeria 1973. Nairobi 1988, Cairo 1994 and South Africa 1999. The organization also holds a periodical football tournament known as the African Cup of Nations.