2025 AU Summit Set for February in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

2025 AU Summit Set for February in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

The 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly will take place on February 15–16, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This high-level gathering of the continent’s heads of state and government will deliberate on crucial issues affecting African nations and set policy priorities for the coming year.

Summit Timeline and Key Meetings

Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC):

Dates: January 14–31, 2025
Composition: The PRC consists of the ambassadors (or Permanent Representatives) from AU member states, who will meet to discuss and prepare the technical aspects of the summit’s agenda.

Executive Council:

Dates: February 12–13, 2025
Composition: The Executive Council comprises the foreign ministers of AU member states and is responsible for making recommendations to the Assembly on key decisions, draft resolutions, and policies.

Assembly of Heads of State and Government:

Dates: February 15–16, 2025
Composition: The supreme organ of the African Union, composed of heads of state and government, will hold its 38th Ordinary Session to adopt new decisions, policies, and resolutions.

Together, these three meetings form the core of the AU Summit activities and symbolize the Union’s commitment to inclusive, consultative decision-making processes.

Theme: “Justice for Africa Through Reparations”

Each year, the African Union focuses on a thematic priority that informs discussions and strategies. For 2025, the theme is:

“Justice for Africa Through Reparations.”

This theme highlights the continent’s growing emphasis on redressing historical injustices—whether economic, social, or political—and underscores a collective commitment to pursue equitable frameworks that secure dignity, development, and accountability for African states and citizens.

AUC Senior Leadership Elections

A key highlight of the 2025 Summit is the election of the new African Union Commission (AUC) leadership, which will include the following positions:

Chairperson (The Eastern region is designated to submit both male and female candidates for this position.)
Deputy Chairperson (The Northern region is responsible for nominating both male and female candidates.)
Six Commissioners (covering portfolios such as Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Economic Development, and more)

The televised debate, “MjadalaAfrika,” will allow candidates to present their visions, strategies, and policy proposals for the continent, in line with the AU’s dedication to transparency and broader public engagement. The election guidelines mandate:

Gender Parity: The Commission strives for balanced representation of women and men.
Equitable Regional Representation: Each of Africa’s regions should have equitable voice and presence in the Commission’s leadership.
Merit-Based Selection: Candidates are chosen based on competence, qualifications, and experience.

Candidates for AUC Chairperson

As of January 8, 2025, four prominent figures have declared their candidacies for the position of AUC Chairperson:

Raila Amolo Odinga (Kenya)

Profile: Former Prime Minister of Kenya.
Support: Has received endorsements from Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Burundi, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Focus Areas (expected): Infrastructure development, Pan-African integration, democracy, and governance reforms.

Mahmoud Ali Youssouf (Djibouti)

Profile: Current Minister of Foreign Affairs for Djibouti.
Key Credentials: Longstanding experience in regional diplomatic affairs in the Horn of Africa and beyond.
Potential Agenda: Peace and security, managing regional tensions, and elevating Africa’s global diplomatic stance.

Richard Randriamandrato (Madagascar)

Profile: Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Madagascar.
Reputation: An economist by training, with a strong background in economic policymaking.
Likely Focus: Sustainable development, economic cooperation, and resilience against climate change.

Anil Gayan (Mauritius)

Profile: Veteran politician from Mauritius.
Experience: Has held multiple ministerial positions, offering a wealth of governance and legislative expertise.
Platform Pillars: Trade integration, tourism, and innovation to diversify African economies.

Observers note that the race is expected to be competitive, given the candidates’ distinct regional support bases and policy priorities.

Significance for the African Continent

Setting the Agenda: Decisions made during the summit will shape Africa’s overarching policy direction in terms of economic integration, continental free trade, security cooperation, and health strategies.
Reparations Theme: Under the 2025 theme of “Justice for Africa Through Reparations,” leaders and stakeholders will discuss mechanisms for acknowledgment of historical wrongs—such as slavery and colonial exploitation—and how to secure redress and compensation that could foster development and equity.
Continental Unity and Leadership: The new AUC leadership, once elected, will play a pivotal role in steering the AU’s strategic frameworks (such as Agenda 2063) and in forging a unified African voice on global platforms.

In addition to the leadership elections, Nigeria has been chosen to host the 2025 African Union Summit, underscoring the country's significant role in continental affairs.

Therefore, while the Eastern and Northern regions are set to assume the top leadership positions within the AU Commission, Nigeria will play a pivotal role as the host nation for the summit in 2025.

Looking Ahead

With the upcoming 38th AU Assembly set for mid-February, the attention of the continent—and indeed the international community—will be focused on Addis Ababa. The decisions made and leaders chosen at this summit will significantly influence Africa’s trajectory on issues like governance, development, justice, and continental unity. By the close of the Summit on February 16, the stage will be set for renewed vigor and direction in pursuing a prosperous and self-reliant Africa, as envisioned by the founding principles of the African Union.