The 38th African Union (AU) Summit is underway at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from February 15-16, bringing together Heads of State and Government from all AU member states. This year’s summit is themed “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” focusing on advancing reparatory justice and racial healing across the continent.
The initiative aims to develop a common African position on reparations, establish an African Reparatory Programme of Action, and strengthen collaboration with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the global African diaspora through a Joint Mechanism on Reparations.
These efforts according to AU are crucial in ensuring that Africans and people of African descent receive justice in tangible and transformative ways. The conversation about reparations has emerged as a critical and transformative dialogue that requires the collective attention and action of Africans and all people of African descent.
Several leaders are already in Addis Ababa to participate in the two-day summit that is expected to deliberate on key issues of the continent, including peace, security, and economic development. President of Angola, H.E. João Lourenço was elected the African Union Chairperson 2025, taking over from President of Mauritania, H.E. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, for a one-year term.
There would be key Statements from global and African leaders including, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, AU Commission Chairperson; H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of Ethiopia; H.E. António Guterres, UN Secretary-General; Secretary-General of the League of Arab States; H.E. President of the State of Palestine; and H.E. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani.
The 38th African Union Summit will elect the next AU Commission Chairperson to succeed H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat. The election is part of the summit’s agenda, which also includes electing the Deputy Chairperson and six Commissioners.
The election process is guided by key principles such as equitable regional representation, gender parity, predictable rotation, attracting and retaining Africa’s top talent, accountable and effective leadership and management, transparent and merit-based selection.
There are several candidates vying for the top spot, including Mahamoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti, Raila Odinga from Kenya, and Richard Randriamandrato from Madagascar. The election will be conducted through a secret ballot, with each member state having one vote. A two-thirds majority is required to win.
The summit is expected to discuss security challenges across the continent, especially the escalating conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The summit will also address health financing initiatives, aiming to strengthen healthcare systems across Africa.
Further discussions will focus on establishing an Africa Credit Rating Agency to promote economic development and investment. Leaders will also explore ways to address climate change, promoting sustainable development and environmental protection.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is playing a key role in the summit, showcasing its impactful initiatives and innovative solutions. UNDP’s Regional Service Centre for Africa is aligning its efforts with the AU’s priorities, leveraging expertise and resources to address the continent’s most pressing challenges.
The summit will feature several side events, including the launch of the Africa Facility for Women in Political Leadership, the high-level side event on Youth, Peace and Security, and the launch of the African Carbon Registry.
Abeeb Lekan Sodiq is a Managing Editor & Writer at theafricandream.net. He is as well a Graphics Designer and also known as Arakunrin Lekan.
