The two-day conclave, which brings together Heads of State and Government of the AU, is the supreme decision-making body comprising all the leaders of the member states. It plays a crucial role in shaping policies and addressing continental challenges.

The agenda includes the analysis of reports on the work carried out on the Union’s Thematic Agenda (peace and security, integration and sustainable development, and the voice of Africa), institutional reforms, South Africa’s experience as G20 president, and the continental organization’s participation in that forum for economic cooperation.

Other topics for discussion will include the appointment of the 10 members of the African Union Peace and Security Council, the review of the report on the conflict situations in Sudan and South Sudan, and the situation in the Sahel region.

AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf will present his annual report, including the Agenda 2063 Champion, among other topics.

Regarding this year’s theme, summit participants are calling for urgent and concrete action to address the continent’s water crisis, emphasizing that unity and cooperation are essential for sustainable development.

Nigeria’s Finance Minister, Ogho Okiti, speaking to the Ethiopian News Agency, warned that Africa “is not in a very good place” with respect to the sustainability of this precious resource, citing persistent gaps in access, sanitation, and irrigation.

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