AU Executive Council Opens 49th Ordinary Session as AUC Chairperson Urges United Response to Global Crises and Greater Investment in Agenda 2063

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The 49th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union (AU) has opened in Addis Ababa with a strong appeal for African unity, institutional strengthening, and increased investment to advance the continent's long-term development agenda amid an increasingly volatile global environment. The two-day ministerial meeting brings together Ministers of Foreign Affairs from AU Member States ahead of the forthcoming Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government.

Opening the session, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, welcomed Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Members of the Permanent Representatives' Committee (PRC), AU Commissioners, representatives of Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and other distinguished delegates.

He also congratulated H.E. Ambassador Édouard Bizimana, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation of the Republic of Burundi, on assuming the Chairmanship of the Executive Council and assured him of the Commission's full cooperation and support throughout his tenure.

Global Uncertainty Requires Stronger African Coordination

Setting the tone for the ministerial deliberations, Chairperson Youssouf observed that Africa is confronting one of the most challenging international environments in recent years.

He noted that growing geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty continue to affect global markets, trade, energy security and investment flows, with significant implications for African economies that remain vulnerable to external shocks.

Referring specifically to the evolving conflict in the Middle East, including developments affecting the Strait of Hormuz, he said the African Union Commission is closely monitoring the situation and continually providing analysis and policy advice to AU decision-making organs to facilitate timely and coordinated continental responses.

His remarks underscored the AU's determination to strengthen Africa's collective voice on global issues while ensuring that emerging international developments do not derail the continent's development priorities.

Peace and Security Remain Central to Africa's Future

The Chairperson devoted significant attention to the continent's security challenges, expressing deep concern over the continued expansion of terrorism and violent extremism in several regions of Africa.

Recalling his recent solidarity visits to countries in the Sahel, Mr. Youssouf reaffirmed the African Union's commitment to supporting Member States confronting insecurity through enhanced continental cooperation and coordinated responses.

His remarks reflected the Commission's continued emphasis that sustainable development, economic integration and democratic governance cannot be fully realized without lasting peace and security across the continent.

AU Reaffirms Solidarity with DRC Over Ebola Outbreak

Turning to public health, the AUC Chairperson highlighted the continuing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), describing it as a serious humanitarian and public health concern.

He extended condolences to families who had lost loved ones and reaffirmed the African Union's solidarity with the Government and people of the DRC.

Mr. Youssouf noted that the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is leading and coordinating the continental response in close collaboration with national authorities, regional institutions and international partners.

The remarks reinforced the AU's commitment to strengthening Africa's health security architecture and ensuring rapid continental responses to emerging health emergencies.

Financing Agenda 2063 Remains a Major Priority

Institutional financing emerged as one of the central themes of the Chairperson's address.

While expressing appreciation to the Permanent Representatives' Committee for its continued support in ensuring the effective functioning of the Commission, Mr. Youssouf also acknowledged the important contribution of the African Union's international partners in implementing continental programmes and priorities.

However, he stressed that achieving the ambitions of Agenda 2063, Africa's long-term blueprint for inclusive growth and sustainable development, will require substantially greater financial mobilization.

According to the Chairperson, an estimated US$2 billion in additional financing will be required to accelerate implementation of the continent's development agenda.

He emphasized that the Commission's responsibility extends beyond programme implementation to creating the political, policy and institutional conditions capable of attracting increased public and private investment across Africa.

The Chairperson further affirmed that the Commission would continue to leverage multilateral platforms and strategic international partnerships to advocate for Africa's interests and strengthen the continent's influence within global governance processes.

Institutional Reform and Accountability

On institutional reform, Mr. Youssouf informed delegates that implementation of the Skills Audit and Competency Assessment (SACA) process had been completed.

The assessment forms part of the Commission's broader reform agenda aimed at enhancing institutional effectiveness, improving human resource management and ensuring that the Commission possesses the skills required to deliver on its expanding continental mandate.

He reiterated the Commission's commitment to prudent financial management, stronger accountability mechanisms and results-based management to improve institutional performance and public confidence.

Call for Ratification of AU Legal Instruments

Concluding his address, the AUC Chairperson urged Member States to accelerate ratification of outstanding African Union legal instruments.

He noted that broader ratification is essential to strengthening the Union's institutional and legal architecture, enhancing policy coherence and improving implementation of continental commitments.

Mr. Youssouf also appealed to Member States to continue supporting African candidates seeking election to positions within international organizations, in line with decisions before the Executive Council.

He expressed confidence that the ministers would conduct productive deliberations and wished the Executive Council every success in fulfilling its responsibilities.

Executive Council Sets the Stage for Assembly Decisions

The Executive Council, composed primarily of Ministers of Foreign Affairs from AU Member States, plays a pivotal role in preparing decisions and recommendations for consideration by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government.

The 49th Ordinary Session is expected to deliberate on a broad range of strategic issues, including peace and security, institutional reform, financial sustainability, public health, continental integration and implementation of the AU's 2026 Theme of the Year on sustainable water availability and safely managed sanitation systems in support of Agenda 2063.

As Africa continues to navigate a rapidly changing global landscape, the Chairperson's address highlighted the growing importance of collective action, resilient institutions, sustainable financing and stronger continental solidarity in advancing the African Union's vision of an integrated, peaceful and prosperous Africa.