Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Africa’s journey toward greater unity, innovation, and sustainable development gained fresh momentum on Tuesday as the 49th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Executive Council officially opened in Addis Ababa, bringing together ministers, senior officials, and continental leaders to advance Africa’s shared priorities.
Held at the African Union Headquarters, the two-day meeting is being conducted under the theme: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve Agenda 2063.”
Opening the session, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf highlighted Africa’s growing determination to overcome challenges and unlock its vast potential through stronger cooperation, strategic investment, and home-grown solutions.
He emphasized that achieving the vision of Agenda 2063 requires continued commitment, innovation, and the mobilization of resources to accelerate Africa’s transformation and improve the lives of its people.
Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, described the gathering as an important opportunity for Africa to strengthen its voice and position itself as a key player in shaping the future of the world.
He noted that despite global challenges, including geopolitical shifts, technological changes, climate pressures, and competition over strategic resources, Africa has a unique opportunity to emerge as a powerful force for sustainable growth and development.
Highlighting the continent’s economic progress, Gedion noted that Africa is home to eight of the world’s ten fastest-growing economies in 2026, demonstrating its increasing potential to become a major engine of global economic growth.
The minister also called for stronger, more sustainable financing mechanisms for the African Union, enabling the organization to implement programmes that support continental integration, peace, and prosperity.
UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Claver Gatete, highlighted Africa’s growing potential, urging countries to strengthen domestic financing, accelerate industrialization, and deepen regional integration to drive sustainable economic growth. He said these efforts are key to advancing the aspirations of Agenda 2063.
Gatete also emphasized the importance of harnessing the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), noting that stronger cooperation, value addition, and strategic investments can unlock inclusive prosperity and create more opportunities for millions of Africans.
The 49th Executive Council Session is expected to review progress in implementing Agenda 2063, assess the advancement of AU treaties, and discuss initiatives aligned with the African Union’s 2026 theme of the year.
The meeting reflects Africa’s continued commitment to building a more united, resilient, and prosperous continent through cooperation, shared responsibility, and African-led solutions.
The session, taking place from July 28 to 29, 2026, in Addis Ababa, prioritizes Africa’s shared vision of accelerating development, strengthening unity, and advancing the goals of Agenda 2063-The Africa We Want.
