Heads of State and Government, and senior government delegations from across Africa have begun arriving in Addis Ababa for the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
The summit, taking place at the headquarters of the African Union, has drawn leaders from across the continent for two days of high-level deliberations on Africa’s strategic priorities.
Delegations were received at Bole International Airport by Ethiopian officials as preparations intensified in what is often described as Africa’s diplomatic capital.
Among those arriving are Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, Kashim Shettima of Nigeria, and senior representatives from several other AU member states.
The summit comes at a critical moment for the continent, with leaders expected to deliberate on key issues shaping Africa’s future. Central to discussions will be the implementation of the AU’s long-term development blueprint, Agenda 2063, which envisions a prosperous, integrated and peaceful Africa.
This year’s theme focuses on sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems, underscoring growing concerns over climate change, water security and public health across the continent.
Beyond water and sanitation, leaders are expected to address peace and security challenges in conflict-affected regions, economic integration and intra-African trade, climate resilience and sustainable development, and institutional reforms aimed at strengthening AU effectiveness.
The summit follows meetings of the AU Executive Council, where foreign ministers and senior officials laid groundwork for the heads-of-state assembly.
Over the next two days, leaders will engage in plenary sessions, bilateral talks and side events aimed at strengthening continental unity and sharpening Africa’s collective response to global challenges.
