African Union, Addis Abeba, Addis Ababa (2026)

28/05/2026

On the sidelines of the 61st AfDB Annual Meeting, Commissioner Moses Vilakati, DARBE addressed the high-level side event on Financing the Africa Water Policy and Vision, calling for a shift in how water & sanitation are valued and funded.

Africa has elevated WASH to the highest political level through AU Theme 2026: Assuring Sustainable Water Availability & Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve —and water & sanitation are strategic economic assets. Let’s redefine “bankability” beyond narrow profit, strengthen governance, de-risk investments, and scale financing to close the widening WASH gap.

“Water is not merely a social sector issue. It is a strategic economic asset. Sanitation is not only about infrastructure; it is about dignity, public health, human capital, productivity, resilience, and sustainable development.”

“If Africa is to achieve Agenda 2063, industrialize sustainably, strengthen food systems, create jobs for its youth, and build resilience to climate change, then investment in water & sanitation can no longer be peripheral, it must become central to development financing architecture, Commissioner stressed.

Read more @ https://au.int/en/speeches/20260527/commissioner-arbe-side-event-financing-africa-water-policy-and-vision

27/05/2026

8th MEDIA ACCREDITATION

Media accreditation is open for journalists interested to cover the upcoming 8th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the AU, Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms

📅 24 -27 June 2026
📍El Alamein, the Arab Republic of Egypt

Registration deadline: ⏲️ 01 June 2026.

For registration and details, visit-
https://accreditation.au.int/en/form/au-summit-accreditation

26/05/2026

“ It is no secret that the current international landscape is increasingly characterized by geopolitical shifts, economic uncertainties, climate shocks, debt pressures, declining concessional flows, and competing global priorities.

In this fragmented world, Africa faces a serious challenge: navigating external vulnerabilities while aggressively funding its own internal transformation “

Representing the Chairperson of African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, at the 2026 African Development Bank Group Annual Meetings in Brazzaville, H.E. Amb. Selma Malika Haddadi, AUC Deputy Chairperson

Read the full statement at:
https://au.int/en/speeches/20260526/remarks-auc-deputy-chairperson-african-development-bank-group-annual-meetings

26/05/2026

"On the occasion of Eid Al-Adha, I extend my sincere congratulations to all staff and employees of the African Union Commission, as well as to all Muslims across our African continent and the world.

May Allah return it to us with goodness, blessings, and prosperity, and make it an opportunity to strengthen the values of family, unity, and brotherhood, and to build a future of peace, harmony, and prosperity for Africa and the World.

I wish all Muslims a blessed and Joyful Eid Al-Adha"

H.E. Amb. Selma Malika Haddadi, AUC Deputy Chairperson

Read @ https://au.int/en/pressreleases/20260526/message-auc-deputy-chairperson-occasion-eid-al-adha

26/05/2026

"On the joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, I extend my warmest greetings and best wishes to all Muslims across Africa and around the world.

This sacred celebration reminds us of the enduring values of faith, sacrifice, compassion, and solidarity—principles that continue to inspire our collective pursuit of peace, unity, and human dignity across our continent.

May this blessed occasion strengthen the bonds of brotherhood among our peoples and bring renewed hope, prosperity, and harmony to every African nation.

Eid Mubarak."
H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, AUC Chairperson

Read @ https://au.int/en/pressreleases/20260526/message-auc-chairperson-occasion-eid-ul-adha

26/05/2026

Kicking off the 61st in Brazzaville, H.E. Amb. Selma Malika Haddadi, AUC Deputy Chairperson, representing H.E. Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, reaffirmed the AU's commitment to building an integrated, prosperous, and financially sovereign Africa.

As H.E DCP stated: "We gather at a defining moment." This year's theme – Mobilizing Africa's Development Financing at Scale in a Fragmented World – is not merely timely. It is an imperative.

The African Union has just launched its own African Credit Rating Agency ( ) – a historic step to correct decades of structural bias in global credit assessments.

The African Union is equally advancing the operationalization of AU Financial Institutions, with the African Monetary Institute as a precursor to the African Central Bank – while leading the Common African Position on Debt and scaling up domestic capital, pension funds, diaspora bonds, and green bonds.

Africa stands at a crossroads. Our potential is unmatched. Now is the time to mobilize and build this legacy – together. Let us leave the beautiful city of Brazzaville with a renewed commitment to mobilize Africa's development finance at scale, as an imperative.

Read Full Statement @ https://au.int/en/speeches/20260526/remarks-auc-deputy-chairperson-african-development-bank-group-annual-meetings

26/05/2026

H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, this morning received H.E. Prof. , Ambassador of the Republic of to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the AU.

The Chairperson commended Angola’s longstanding commitment & valuable contributions to the promotion of peace, security, & stability across the African continent.

Amb. Bembe conveyed a letter of invitation from H.E. João Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola, inviting the Chairperson to participate in the International Summit of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, to be held in Luanda under the theme: “A Call for Peace, an End to Wars, and Respect for International Law.”

They also exchanged views on strengthening the AU's role in advancing effective multilateralism, enhancing conflict prevention mechanisms, & promoting sustainable peace & security in Africa, in the lead-up to the Extraordinary AU Summit on “Strengthening Mechanisms for Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa,” scheduled to take place in Luanda in August 2026.

Amb. Bembe further commended the Chairperson’s leadership of the AU Commission & his commitment to advancing peace, security, & stability across the continent.

Read @ https://au.int/en/pressreleases/20260526/auc-chairperson-morning-received-ambassador-republic-angola

26/05/2026

African Union Leaders Issue Joint Africa Day Call for Unity, Reform, and a Renewed Commitment to Agenda 2063.

On the occasion of Africa Day 2026, H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), and H.E. Mr. Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi and the Chairperson of the African Union, have issued a united call for accelerated integration, global governance reform, and concrete action to uplift every African citizen.

Marking 63 years since the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) – the precursor to the African Union (AU) – this year’s celebrations are held under the theme: “Sixty-three (63) Years of Unity, Integration and Development, Let's Celebrate Together."

In his statement, AUC Chairperson Youssouf underscored Africa’s growing prominence in international affairs, highlighted by the continent’s permanent membership in the G20. He reiterated the AU’s demand for a “fairer and more representative multilateral system,” including comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council to correct “long-standing historical injustice against our continent.”

AUC Chairperson Youssouf also welcomed global momentum on reparatory justice, commending Ghana’s leadership at the United Nations General Assembly in advancing the conversation on reparations and the enduring legacy of slavery and colonialism.

President Ndayishimiye, in his address, struck a sobering note, reminding the continent that celebration must coexist with collective awareness. He spoke directly to the millions of Africans enduring armed conflict, terrorism, climate disasters, and displacement.

“An African child deprived of education today is a part of Africa’s future that we are abandoning tomorrow,” President Ndayishimiye said. He called for education to be prioritized alongside humanitarian aid in refugee and internally displaced persons (IDP) settings, and urged stronger continental unity against terrorism, stating: “No country should be left alone to face this peril.”

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a vehicle for economic sovereignty, youth employment, and industrialization. President Ndayishimiye called on all African leaders to “speak with one voice” and place continental interests above narrow national concerns.

AUC Chairperson Youssouf highlighted the 2026 AU Theme of the Year: "Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063," noting that water security, climate resilience, and public health are foundational to Africa’s future.

In a moment of celebration, AUC Chairperson Youssouf noted that nine African national teams have qualified for the FIFA World Cup – the continent’s highest representation in history – reflecting the talent and ambition of Africa’s youth.

Both leaders expressed gratitude to AU staff, diplomats, partners, and friends of Africa for their solidarity. President Ndayishimiye concluded: “Long live a united Africa! Long live the African Union and happy Africa Day to all.”

AUC Chairperson Youssouf invoked the spirit of Ubuntu – “I am because we are” – urging all Africans to renew their faith in Pan-Africanism and the limitless potential of the continent’s people.

Read @ https://au.int/en/pressreleases/20260525/au-leaders-issue-joint-africa-day-call-unity-reform-and-renewed-commitment

25/05/2026

Statement by H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the AUC, on the Occasion of 2026.

Read @ https://au.int/en/speeches/20260525/statement-auc-chairperson-occasion-africa-day-2026

25/05/2026

Statement by H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, , Chairperson of the African Union Commission On the Occasion of 2026.

Today, Africa commemorates sixty-three years since the founding of the Organization of African Unity — a historic milestone that continues to inspire our collective pursuit of unity, liberation, dignity, and development.

As we mark this year’s Africa Day under the theme, “Sixty-three (63) Years of Unity, Integration and Development, Let’s Celebrate Together,” we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the aspirations of Agenda 2063 and to building the Africa We Want.

Africa Day is both a celebration of our shared heritage and a recognition of Africa’s growing role in shaping global affairs. Guided by the spirit of Ubuntu — “I am because we are” — our continent continues to champion solidarity, cooperation, and shared humanity in an increasingly uncertain world.

Over the past year, Africa’s voice has continued to gain prominence on the global stage. Our permanent membership in the G20 marks a historic step toward ensuring that Africa participates fully in global economic decision-making and contributes meaningfully to international solutions on peace, climate, food security, trade, health, and sustainable development.

The African Union also continues to advance institutional reforms aimed at building a stronger, more effective, and more responsive Union capable of delivering on the aspirations of our people.

This year’s African Union Theme of the Year — “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063” — highlights the importance of water security, climate resilience, public health, and sustainable development as essential foundations for Africa’s future.

Africa remains united in calling for a fairer and more representative multilateral system, including comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council to correct the long-standing historical injustice against our continent.

We also welcome the growing international momentum on reparatory justice and historical redress. In this regard, the efforts led by Ghana at the United Nations General Assembly have helped elevate the global conversation on reparations and the enduring legacy of slavery and colonialism.

This year also brings pride to our continent as nine African national teams prepare to participate in the FIFA World Cup — the highest representation in history — reflecting the extraordinary talent, ambition, and rising global influence of Africa’s youth. We wish them every success in helping bring the cup home.

On this Africa Day, I call upon African diplomats and representatives across the world to continue working closely with the African Group in various capitals to strengthen Africa’s collective voice and advance our shared priorities.

I also express appreciation to the African Union’s partners for their continued cooperation and solidarity in supporting peace, integration, development, and institutional transformation across our continent.
As we celebrate Africa Day, let us renew our faith in the power of African unity, the promise of Pan-Africanism, and the limitless potential of our people.
Happy Africa Day.

I thank you.

Read @ https://au.int/en/speeches/20260525/statement-auc-chairperson-occasion-africa-day-2026

25/05/2026

Statement of the Chairperson of the AU Commission on the Occasion of the 35th Independence Anniversary of the State of

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, extends his congratulations to the Government and people of the State of Eritrea on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the country’s Independence Day.

The AUC Chairperson said that the important occasion reflects the resilience, determination, and aspirations of the Eritrean people for sovereignty, peace, and national development.

The AUC Chairperson reaffirms the African Union’s commitment to working closely with Eritrea in advancing the shared goals of peace, regional stability, integration, and sustainable development across the continent.

On behalf of the African Union Commission, the AUC Chairperson wishes the people of Eritrea continued peace, unity, and prosperity.

Read @ https://au.int/en/pressreleases/20260525/auc-chairperson-statement-occasion-35th-independence-anniversary-eritrea

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