Africa: The Executive Council of the African Union meets in Addis Ababa to formulate the 2026 continental strategy
ADDIS ABABA – The 48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union officially kicked off today in Addis Ababa, bringing together foreign ministers from across the continent at a pivotal moment in the Union’s annual decision-making calendar.
The high-level ministerial meeting serves as a preparatory platform for the thirty-ninth regular session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, scheduled to be held this weekend.
As one of the principal policy organs of the African Union, the Executive Council plays a central role in shaping the strategic direction of the Organization by coordinating and reviewing key policy areas of common interest to Member States.
Setting the stage for the association
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In line with its mandate, the Council is mandated to harmonize policy frameworks, review reports received from AU organs and specialized committees, and consolidate recommendations that will guide deliberations at the highest political level.
The results of this session will be directly useful for the decisions and declarations that will be adopted by heads of state and government.
By meeting before the Assembly, foreign ministers work to ensure that continental priorities are aligned and that proposals presented to leaders reflect broad consensus among member states.
This process underscores the orderly and multi-level governance system of the African Union, where technical and ministerial consultations lay the foundation for strategic decisions aimed at promoting the agenda of integration, development, peace and stability in Africa.
Strategic priorities for 2026
At the heart of the discussions are institutional reforms, Africa’s strategic position within the G20, and preparations for the AU’s theme for 2026: “Ensuring sustainable water and safe sanitation to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063.”
This theme signals a strategic shift towards addressing water security and sanitation as essential pillars of economic growth, public health, environmental sustainability and resilience to climate change. Ministers are expected to identify actionable pathways to accelerate progress in these areas across Member States.
The Council also works to improve Africa’s unified voice on global economic governance, especially regarding meaningful participation in the G20. With Africa now officially represented, discussions focus on ensuring that continental priorities are reflected in the international financial architecture and global policy decisions.
Peace, security and reparative justice
Peace and security remain essential elements of the Council’s agenda. The Ministers are reviewing reports received under the African Union’s flagship “Silencing the Guns” initiative, with particular attention to the ongoing conflicts in Sudan and the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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In parallel, the session includes deliberations on a historical report related to reparations for Africans and people of African descent. This initiative, which represents the cornerstone of the 2025 Agenda, seeks to address historical injustices and colonial legacies through international legal and diplomatic mechanisms.
Towards the top
As heads of state prepare to arrive in Addis Ababa for Sunday’s summit, the Executive Council is finalizing draft policy resolutions and recommendations for adoption by the General Assembly. These deliberations are expected to provide the mandate and strategic direction for Africa’s collective journey towards a more integrated, resilient and prosperous 2026.
The session highlights the African Union’s commitment to coordinated continental action and its determination to strengthen Africa’s voice at the regional and global levels.
