African leaders convene in Addis Ababa this weekend for the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government. At this high-stakes summit, the continent’s most pressing issues will take centre stage.
Scheduled for February 14–15 at the AU headquarters in Ethiopia’s capital, the summit comes on the heels of the 48th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council, a two-day ministerial meeting that set the groundwork for discussions at the top level.
The AU summit offers a platform for leaders to chart collective strategies on peace and security, institutional reforms, economic integration, climate action, and Africa’s role on the global stage.
Conflict and instability continue to challenge Africa’s growth, and the summit reflects the urgency of addressing these crises. Leaders are expected to review ongoing conflicts in Sudan, South Sudan, and the broader Sahel region, and to appoint 10 new members to the AU Peace and Security Council, the body responsible for preventing, managing, and resolving conflicts across the continent.
In addition to regional security, leaders will discuss Africa’s representation in global decision-making platforms such as the G20. South Africa’s recent G20 presidency and lessons from its engagement will inform these discussions, shaping Africa’s strategy to gain greater influence in multilateral forums.
Institutional reform is another central theme. Leaders will review and adopt reports on AU reforms designed to improve transparency and operational focus, with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) at the forefront. Launched under the AU’s Agenda 2063, the AfCFTA aims to create a single continental market, boost intra-African trade, and expand cross-border business opportunities, a critical step toward Africa’s economic self-reliance.
The summit will see updates on Africa’s climate priorities, including efforts to ensure climate justice and secure a stronger voice in global climate negotiations. African leaders will also review progress on the reform of the United Nations Security Council, advocating for permanent African representation, a long-standing demand for equitable global governance.
The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) will present findings on governance trends, accountability, and adherence to democratic norms, providing an overview of progress among member states and highlighting areas for improvement.
Rwanda’s focus on health, efficiency, and accountability within the organization will also be a key priority, with the goal of strengthening the AU’s capacity to deliver results for its member states.
Rwanda will host a high-level Presidential Breakfast during the summit to focus on the operationalization of the African Medicines Agency (AMA), the continent’s specialized regulatory body for pharmaceuticals. Established in 2024 and based in Kigali, the AMA seeks to harmonize medical regulations, enhance access to safe and effective medicines, and strengthen public health systems across Africa.
The AMA’s launch marks a milestone in Africa’s journey toward improved healthcare governance and access to quality medical products, reinforcing the AU’s vision for a healthier and more resilient continent.
Beyond declarations and discussions, the summit represents a tangible opportunity for African leaders to take decisive action. From bolstering peace and security to fostering economic growth, institutional reforms, climate resilience, and health governance, the outcomes of the 39th AU Assembly will shape the continent’s trajectory for years to come.
As the leaders gather, the eyes of Africa, and indeed the world, will be on Addis Ababa, watching how collective ambition translates into concrete solutions for the continent’s challenges.
