African Union (AU) foreign ministers and senior government representatives have concluded the 49th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening continental cooperation, improving institutional governance, and accelerating the implementation of Agenda 2063, the African Union’s long-term development framework. The two-day meeting brought together ministers responsible for foreign affairs and other designated officials from AU member states to review key policy, financial, governance, and development priorities designed to advance regional integration and enhance the effectiveness of the Union’s institutions.
During the session, delegates examined reports covering the Union’s financial management, administrative reforms, institutional accountability, multilateral engagement, economic cooperation, and trade matters. The Council also reviewed progress in implementing the African Union’s 2026 Theme of the Year, which focuses on ensuring sustainable access to water resources and safe sanitation systems across the continent. Additional discussions assessed ongoing work by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the African Medicines Agency (AMA), highlighting continued efforts to strengthen public health systems and improve access to medical services throughout Africa.
The Executive Council also evaluated recommendations from several ministerial committees, including those responsible for financial contributions, implementation of Agenda 2063, African representation within international organizations, and the ratification of African Union legal instruments. Members approved appointments to the African Union Board of External Auditors and reviewed preparations for the Eighth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting between the African Union, Regional Economic Communities, and Regional Mechanisms, scheduled to take place in El Alamein, Egypt, later this year. The meeting concluded with the adoption of a series of decisions intended to support institutional reforms and improve coordination among member states.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, Burundi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Development Cooperation and Chairperson of the Executive Council, Ambassador Édouard Bizimana, praised member states for what he described as their constructive participation and commitment to reaching consensus throughout the deliberations. “The spirit of cooperation demonstrated during this session reflects our shared determination to advance African integration and realize the aspirations of Agenda 2063,” he said.
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf also commended the collaborative work of member states and acknowledged the contributions of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee in preparing the agenda and supporting the Council’s work. He stated, “The progress achieved during this session reinforces our commitment to building stronger institutions, enhancing financial sustainability, and promoting Africa’s collective voice on regional and global matters.”
The African Union leadership further welcomed Burundi’s decision to implement the Union’s 0.2 percent import levy, while recognizing Angola, Ethiopia, and Kenya for joining the organization’s highest category of financial contributors. Officials said these developments represent important steps toward strengthening the African Union’s financial independence and supporting ongoing institutional reform efforts.
Throughout the meeting, ministers emphasized that stronger coordination among member states, improved governance, and sustained implementation of Agenda 2063 remain essential to addressing Africa’s long-term development priorities. The session concluded with renewed calls for collective action to promote sustainable economic growth, stronger institutions, improved public services, and a more unified African position in international affairs.
