African Union

Official account of the African Union Commission. For an integrated, Prosperous and Peaceful Africa

[African Union @_AfricanUnion]

AUC Chairperson's Call for the Unconditional Lifting of Unilateral Sanctions Imposed against Zimbabwe.

The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, HE. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, once again renews the long-standing demand by the African Union for the immediate and unconditional lifting of unilateral sanctions imposed against institutions and individuals of the Republic of #Zimbabwe.

The Chairperson @ymahmoudali remains extremely concerned by the negative impact of the unilateral sanctions on Zimbabwe's socio-economic development. The unilateral sanctions have significantly constrained Zimbabwe's access to international financial systems, deterred foreign direct investment, increased the cost of doing business, and severely limited the country's ability to secure development assistance. They have severely undermined progress towards achieving the country's Vision 2030, SADC's regional macro-economic convergence and integration targets, the AU's Agenda 2063, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The Chairperson of the AU Commission reaffirms the continued commitment of the AU to support the brotherly nation of Zimbabwe in mobilising efforts for the lifting of the unilateral sanctions.

In this regard, the AU fully aligns itself with the statement made by the Chairperson of SADC, on behalf of the region.

Read @ https://t.co/uwStmrFX0m

@SADC_News

[African Union @_AfricanUnion]

The Chairperson of the AU Commission Welcomes the Agreement to Bring Formula 1 to Rwanda.

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AU), H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, @ymahmoudali welcomes the agreement to bring Formula 1 to Rwanda, describing it as a significant milestone for African sport and a testament to the continent’s growing potential to host world-class international sporting events.

The AUC Chairperson commends the Government of the Republic of #Rwanda for this achievement and underscores the strategic importance of major international sporting events in enhancing Africa’s global visibility, attracting investment, promoting tourism, developing local expertise and expanding opportunities for the continent’s youth.

He further emphasises the role of sport as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth, job creation, youth empowerment and regional integration. He underscores the importance of leveraging such initiatives to strengthen Africa’s participation in the global sports economy, promote public-private partnerships and unlock the continent’s creative and entrepreneurial potential.

The initiative is aligned with the aspirations of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, particularly the pursuit of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and playing a dynamic role in the global arena. The AUC Chairperson encourages continued collaboration among Member States, the private sector and relevant stakeholders to harness the transformative potential of sport in advancing Africa’s development, integration and international standing.

Read @ https://t.co/4n6VApFKcQ

[African Union @_AfricanUnion]

AUC Chairperson Condemns Deadly Drone Attacks in Sudan and the Abyei Area.

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, @ymahmoudali, strongly condemns the recent deadly drone attacks in #Sudan and the #Abyei Area. Media reports citing local and medical sources indicate approximately 80 people killed in Al-Dibab, West Kordofan, on 18 October, 23 in Nyala, South Darfur, on 16 October, and at least three children in Khartoum on 19 October. Separately, reports citing local authorities put the death toll from the 19 October attack on Amiet market in the Abyei Area at more than 150.

He deplores the intolerable price civilian populations continue to pay through the loss of loved ones, displacement, destruction of livelihoods and disruption of access to food, healthcare and essential services. Expressing solidarity with the affected communities, he extends his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wishes the injured a speedy recovery.

The Chairperson calls on all parties to halt attacks affecting civilians and civilian infrastructure, protect humanitarian and medical personnel, and allow safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian assistance, in accordance with applicable international law, including international humanitarian law.

Reaffirming respect for Sudan’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, he urges all parties to refrain from actions that fuel the conflict, risk dividing the country or threaten neighbouring States.

The Chairperson reaffirms his support for ongoing regional and international mediation efforts and urges coordinated action towards an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and an inclusive Sudanese-led and Sudanese-owned political process.

Read @ https://t.co/h4VGJ6XXcV

[African Union @_AfricanUnion]

Chairperson of the AU Commission Appoints Vanessa Nakate of Uganda as Special Envoy for Youth.

The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, is pleased to announce the appointment of Vanessa Nakate of Uganda as his Special Envoy for Youth.

The Chairperson @ymahmoudali congratulates Ms. Nakate on her appointment and commends her outstanding contributions to climate justice, environmental advocacy and youth mobilisation. Her work in amplifying the voices of young people, particularly from Africa and the Global South, has helped elevate the urgency of climate action and underscored the importance of ensuring that young people are meaningfully involved in decisions affecting their present and future.

Commenting on the appointment, the Chairperson stated: “Africa’s youth are not merely the leaders of tomorrow; they are indispensable partners in shaping the continent’s future today. Vanessa Nakate’s record of advocacy for climate justice and her commitment to amplifying young people’s voices make her well placed to help strengthen the African Union’s engagement with youth across the continent.”

The Chairperson also expressed his appreciation to the AU selection panel for its diligence, professionalism and thorough due diligence throughout the selection process. He noted that a rigorous and transparent selection process is essential to identifying individuals with the experience, integrity and commitment needed to advance the Union’s priorities.

The Chairperson looks forward to working closely with Ms. Nakate to deepen the African Union’s engagement with young people and ensure that their perspectives and aspirations inform the Union’s policies and programmes. “We must continue to create meaningful opportunities for young Africans to participate in decision-making, contribute to solutions and shape the policies that affect their lives. I look forward to working with Ms. Nakate to further strengthen this partnership between the African Union and the continent’s youth,” he added.

The appointment reaffirms the AU's commitment to placing young people at the centre of Africa’s development and recognising them as essential partners in advancing the continent’s aspirations for peace, integration, prosperity and sustainable development. It also highlights the importance of youth leadership in addressing the climate crisis and promoting a more just and sustainable future for Africa.

Read @ https://t.co/tSdCiKWfyD

[African Union @_AfricanUnion]

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, @ymahmoudali, briefing the media on his discussions with H.E. Alassane Ouattara, President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire. @AOuattara_PRCI

[African Union @_AfricanUnion]

Keynote Remarks by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, @ymahmoudali, at the 3rd Abidjan Border Forum (ABF), Republic of Côte d’Ivoire.

[African Union Mission to the UN @AfricanUnionUN]

#HappeningNow at the @UN headquarters in New York: 9th Annual Consecutive Meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU-PSC) and United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) to discuss ways to strengthen African-led prevention and peacebuilding .

The meeting aims to advance AU-PSC–PBC cooperation on African-led peacebuilding and discuss how #RECs/#RMs with statutory mandates in the areas of peace and security can help Member States develop voluntary national prevention strategies and strengthen resilience to conflict risks.

#AUPSC #PBC #Agenda2063.

Watch here👉: https://t.co/9UI9EA12Vh

[African Union @_AfricanUnion]

H.E. Amb. Selma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, addressed the 2nd eGumeni Dialogue held this week at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa under the theme "Building a Resilient Africa Through Accelerated Women's Financial and Economic Inclusion."

In her remarks, the Deputy Chairperson @DCP_Haddadi reaffirmed that Africa cannot achieve its economic ambitions while millions of women remain excluded from the opportunities that drive growth and prosperity. She commended H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, @ymahmoudali Chairperson of the AUC, for his continued commitment to gender equality and women's economic empowerment.

Emphasising that women's economic empowerment is not merely a matter of social justice but an economic imperative and a strategic priority for Africa's transformation, H.E. the Deputy Chairperson called for stronger political commitment and coordinated action—in line with Agenda 2063, the Maputo Protocol and AU frameworks—to advance women's financial and economic inclusion, leveraging the African Women's Decade and the WYFEI 2030 Initiative.

She further stressed that lasting progress requires dialogue, collective action and placing women entrepreneurs at the centre of economic inclusion policies, urging the translation of commitments into tangible results.

During the Dialogue, H.E. the Deputy Chairperson presented awards to Algeria, Botswana, Seychelles, Mozambique, Tunisia, Cameroon, Zimbabwe and Rwanda in recognition of their efforts to advance women's financial and economic inclusion in line with Agenda 2063 and the WYFEI 2030 Initiative.

Read @ https://t.co/XwLaeKYhSR

#Agenda2063 #WYFEI2030 #WomenEmpowerment #eGumeniDialogue #AUC

[African Union @_AfricanUnion]

Communiqué du Président de la Commission de l’Union africaine à l’occasion de la journée africaine des Droits de l’homme.

À l’occasion de la Journée africaine des droits de l’homme, le Président de la Commission de l’Union africaine, S.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, @ymahmoudali réaffirme l’attachement de l’Union africaine aux valeurs de dignité humaine, de justice, d’égalité et de respect des droits de l’homme et des libertés fondamentales, conformément aux principes consacrés par les instruments de l’Union africaine.

Cette année revêt une importance particulière, puisqu’elle marque le 40e anniversaire de l’entrée en vigueur de la Charte africaine des droits de l’homme et des peuples, qui constitue un pilier essentiel de l’architecture africaine des droits de l’homme. Le Président de la Commission salue les avancées réalisées au cours des quatre dernières décennies grâce aux efforts conjoints des États membres, des institutions africaines et de l’ensemble des acteurs concernés. Il souligne la richesse de la vision portée par la Charte, qui établit un équilibre entre les droits individuels, les droits des peuples et les devoirs envers la communauté.

Le Président de la Commission rend hommage à la contribution précieuse de la Commission africaine des droits de l’homme et des peuples, de la Cour africaine des droits de l’homme et des peuples et du Comité africain d’experts sur les droits et le bien-être de l’enfant. Il souligne l’importance de poursuivre et de renforcer la coopération entre les États membres et ces institutions, dans le respect de leurs mandats respectifs, afin de consolider les acquis et de favoriser la mise en œuvre effective des instruments africains relatifs aux droits de l’homme.

Dans un contexte continental marqué par des dynamiques et des défis divers, le Président de la Commission rappelle que la paix, la stabilité, la démocratie, l’État de droit et le respect des droits de l’homme se renforcent mutuellement. Il encourage la poursuite des efforts collectifs en faveur de la protection des populations, de l’accès à la justice, de la promotion de l’égalité et de l’amélioration des conditions de vie de tous les Africains, notamment par la réalisation progressive des droits économiques, sociaux et culturels.

Le Président de la Commission réaffirme l’engagement de l’Union africaine à accompagner les États membres et les institutions africaines dans la promotion et la protection des droits de l’homme, en cohérence avec les aspirations de l’Agenda 2063 : « L’Afrique que nous voulons ». Quarante ans après l’entrée en vigueur de la Charte, cette célébration constitue une occasion privilégiée de renouveler notre engagement collectif, de valoriser les progrès accomplis et de renforcer notre coopération afin que les principes et les droits qu’elle consacre contribuent toujours davantage au bien-être, à la dignité et à l’épanouissement de tous les peuples africains.

Lire @ https://t.co/Kvoc2cNDEV

[African Union @_AfricanUnion]

Statement by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on the Occasion of African Human Rights Day.

On the occasion of African Human Rights Day, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, @ymahmoudali reaffirms the African Union’s commitment to the values of human dignity, justice, equality and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, in accordance with the principles enshrined in African Union instruments.

This year holds particular significance as it marks the 40th anniversary of the entry into force of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, an essential pillar of Africa’s human rights architecture. The Chairperson commends the progress achieved over the past four decades through the joint efforts of Member States, African institutions and all stakeholders. He highlights the richness of the Charter’s vision, which strikes a balance between individual rights, peoples’ rights and duties towards the community.

The Chairperson pays tribute to the valuable contribution of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. He underscores the importance of sustaining and strengthening cooperation between Member States and these institutions, in accordance with their respective mandates, to consolidate achievements and promote the effective implementation of African human rights instruments.

Against a continental backdrop of diverse dynamics and challenges, the Chairperson recalls that peace, stability, democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights are mutually reinforcing. He encourages continued collective efforts to protect populations, ensure access to justice, promote equality and improve living conditions for all Africans, including through the progressive realisation of economic, social and cultural rights.

The Chairperson reaffirms the African Union’s commitment to supporting Member States and African institutions in promoting and protecting human rights, in line with the aspirations of Agenda 2063: “The Africa We Want”. Forty years after the Charter’s entry into force, this commemoration offers a valuable opportunity to renew our collective commitment, recognise the progress achieved and strengthen our cooperation so that the principles and rights it enshrines contribute ever more fully to the well-being, dignity and fulfilment of all African peoples.

Read @ https://t.co/IoA4NPOPOc

[African Union Mission to the UN @AfricanUnionUN]

The #AfricaHumanRightsDay, marks the anniversary of the #AfricanCharter on Human and People’s Rights entry into force, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening #Africa’s human rights system. This year through this commemoration, the @_AfricanUnion calls for renewed collective action to uphold the principles of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, strengthen accountability and advance a continent where dignity, justice and fundamental freedoms are respected for all.

#AfricanAtUN #Agenda2063 #TheAfricaWeWant

[African Union @_AfricanUnion]

Africa is ready
In just 10 days, the world's best young athletes will gather in Senegal for the Youth Olympic Games, bringing together talent, determination and the spirit of sporting excellence.

For the first time, the Olympic Games come to African soil, marking a historic milestone for African sport and a celebration of the continent's youth. #TeamAfrica

Stay tuned on https://t.co/BS2OIZuUSp

#Dakar2026 #Olympics #YouthOlympics

[African Union @_AfricanUnion]

The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, was received by H.E. President Alassane Ouattara at the Presidential Palace in Abidjan. Their consultations focused on key continental priorities, including peace & security, regional integration, sustainable financing of the AU, & Africa’s role in a changing global order.

The Chairperson @ymahmoudali commended President @AOuattara_PRCI leadership & his longstanding commitment to the AU’s Agenda 2063, recognising Côte d’Ivoire’s important contribution to advancing continental integration & development.

On peace & security, they exchanged views on developments in the Sahel, the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), & the growing regionalisation of conflicts. The Chairperson underscored the need for African-led solutions, enhanced regional cooperation, & a stronger continental peace & security architecture. He reaffirmed the importance of restoring constitutional order in countries affected by unconstitutional changes of government, stressing that suspension from AU activities must not mean abandoning their populations or interrupting development cooperation.

On economic integration, their discussions highlighted the urgency of accelerating implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), addressing non-tariff barriers, harmonising customs procedures, improving infrastructure, & facilitating the movement of goods & people across borders. Strengthening regional value chains & expanding intra-African trade remain essential to unlocking Africa’s productive potential & deepening economic integration.

The Chairperson also underscored the importance of the African Credit Rating Agency in enhancing the credibility & visibility of African economies through robust, context-sensitive assessments, helping to address misperceptions & improve Africa’s access to international capital markets.

Against a backdrop of growing geopolitical uncertainty, the meeting reaffirmed the urgency of mobilising domestic resources & strengthening the AU’s financial autonomy to enable the continent to take greater ownership of its priorities and development agenda.

President Ouattara commended the AU’s leadership & the Chairperson’s efforts, reaffirming Côte d’Ivoire’s continued support for an Africa that takes greater responsibility for its own peace, security, & development. He emphasised the importance of leveraging the continent’s resources, expertise, & institutions to shape its future & secure its rightful place in global affairs.

Earlier in the morning, at the opening of the 3rd Abidjan Border Forum, the Chairperson called for Africa’s borders to become bridges for peace, security, prosperity & continental integration.

He urged Member States to ratify the Niamey Convention & the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, while strengthening cross-border cooperation to combat terrorism, trafficking & organised crime.

He also underscored the need for modernised border posts, simplified customs procedures & closer ties among communities are essential to advancing AfCFTA & realising Agenda 2063.

Read @ https://t.co/2MPy1rtZgi

[African Union @_AfricanUnion]

Le Président de la Commission de l’Union africaine, S.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, a été reçu en audience par S.E. Alassane Ouattara, Président de la République de Côte d’Ivoire, au Palais présidentiel à Abidjan. Les échanges ont porté sur les principales priorités continentales, notamment la paix et la sécurité, l’intégration régionale, le financement durable de l’Union africaine et la place de l’Afrique dans un environnement international en pleine mutation.

Le Président de la Commission @ymahmoudali a salué le leadership du Président Alassane Ouattara @AOuattara_PRCI et son engagement constant en faveur de l’intégration et du développement du continent. Il a notamment rendu hommage à son action en qualité de Champion de l’Union africaine pour l’Agenda 2063, soulignant son rôle dans la promotion de cette vision commune et la mobilisation des États membres en faveur de sa mise en œuvre.

Sur la paix et la sécurité, les deux personnalités ont échangé sur l’évolution de la situation au Sahel et dans la région des Grands Lacs, ainsi que sur les risques croissants de régionalisation des conflits. Le Président de la Commission a souligné la nécessité de privilégier des solutions africaines aux crises du continent, de renforcer la coopération régionale et de consolider l’Architecture africaine de paix et de sécurité.

S’agissant de l’intégration économique, les échanges ont mis en évidence l’urgence d’accélérer la mise en œuvre de la Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine (ZLECAf), notamment par la réduction des barrières non tarifaires, l’harmonisation des procédures douanières, le développement des infrastructures et la facilitation de la circulation transfrontalière des personnes et des marchandises. Le renforcement des chaînes de valeur régionales et l’accroissement du commerce intra-africain ont également été soulignés comme des leviers essentiels de transformation productive et d’approfondissement de l’intégration continentale.

Le Président de la Commission a également mis en avant l’importance de l’Agence africaine de notation de crédit (AfCRA), appelée à contribuer à une évaluation plus juste et mieux adaptée des économies africaines, à corriger certaines perceptions défavorables du risque africain et à améliorer les conditions d’accès du continent aux marchés internationaux de capitaux.

Dans un contexte marqué par des incertitudes géopolitiques croissantes, les échanges ont également souligné l’urgence de renforcer la mobilisation des ressources propres et l’autonomie financière de l’Union africaine, afin de permettre au continent d’assumer davantage la responsabilité de ses priorités et de son développement.

Pour sa part, le Président Alassane Ouattara a salué l’action de l’Union africaine et les efforts du Président de la Commission. Il a réaffirmé le soutien constant de la Côte d’Ivoire à une Afrique qui assume pleinement ses responsabilités en matière de paix, de sécurité et de développement. Il a insisté sur la nécessité pour le continent de s’appuyer davantage sur ses propres ressources, ses compétences et ses institutions afin de maîtriser son avenir et d’occuper toute la place qui lui revient dans les affaires internationales.

Lire @ https://t.co/DNnSKkxPkC

[African Union @_AfricanUnion]

Le Président de la Commission de l’Union africaine, S.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, @ymahmoudali a rencontré S.E. Tiémoko Meyliet Koné, Vice-Président de la République de Côte d’Ivoire.

Les échanges ont porté sur les dynamiques régionales et continentales en matière de paix et de sécurité, le financement durable de l’Union africaine et la poursuite des réformes institutionnelles visant à renforcer son efficacité.Les deux personnalités ont souligné l’importance de renforcer la souveraineté financière de l’Afrique, de promouvoir le respect des principes et des valeurs de l’Union africaine et d’intensifier les efforts en faveur de la sécurité alimentaire sur le continent. À cet égard, elles ont mis en avant le rôle du Centre d’excellence régional contre la faim et la malnutrition (CERFAM), basé à Abidjan, dans la mobilisation des expertises et le partage des bonnes pratiques pour lutter contre la faim et la malnutrition en Afrique.

Lire @ https://t.co/7BJjtqIPiY

[United Nations Peacebuilding and Peace Support @UNPeacebuilding]

📢Tomorrow will be the 2026 #AUPSC–PBC Annual Consultative Meeting.

🗓️ 21 October 2026
🕐2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
📍ECOSOC Chamber

🔗Follow live on UN TV: https://t.co/2b84WJSNyg

#Peacebuilding #PBC

[African Union @_AfricanUnion]

À l’ouverture de la 3ᵉ édition du Forum d’Abidjan sur les frontières, en Côte d’Ivoire, le Président de la Commission de l’Union africaine (UA), S.E. M. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, a appelé à faire des frontières africaines de véritables espaces de coopération, de paix, de sécurité et de prospérité partagée.

Il a salué l’engagement constant de S.E. M. Alassane Ouattara, Président de la République de Côte d’Ivoire et Champion de l’Agenda 2063, en faveur de la réalisation des ambitions continentales de développement de l’Afrique, et exprimé sa gratitude aux autorités ivoiriennes pour leur accueil chaleureux et leur hospitalité.

S’exprimant sur le thème du Forum, « Les populations aux frontières : culture, sécurité et intégration », le Président de la Commission @ymahmoudali a souligné que le respect de la souveraineté nationale est pleinement compatible avec le renforcement de l’intégration culturelle, économique et commerciale. Il a rappelé que les communautés transfrontalières, unies par des langues, des traditions et un patrimoine culturel communs, constituent un atout majeur pour la mise en œuvre de l’Agenda 2063 et le développement de la Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine (ZLECAf).

Il a plaidé en faveur du développement des corridors transfrontaliers, de la modernisation des postes-frontières, de la simplification des procédures et du renforcement de la gestion coordonnée des frontières, afin de faciliter la circulation des personnes et des biens.

Tout en soulignant les vulnérabilités particulières des zones frontalières face au terrorisme, aux trafics illicites et à la criminalité organisée, il a insisté sur la nécessité d’intensifier la coopération entre les États voisins pour relever efficacement ces défis communs.

Le Président de la Commission a également exhorté les États membres de l’Union africaine à ratifier la Convention de Niamey de 2014 sur la coopération transfrontalière et le Protocole de 2018 relatif à la libre circulation des personnes, au droit de résidence et au droit d’établissement.

Il a enfin réaffirmé que l’édification d’une Afrique pacifique, intégrée et prospère repose sur une gouvernance efficace des frontières, centrée sur les populations et leurs besoins, afin de transformer les lignes de séparation en passerelles de coopération, de rapprochement et de développement partagé.

Lire @ https://t.co/Sl7UVU2hkt

[African Union @_AfricanUnion]

At the opening of the 3rd Abidjan Border Forum in Abidjan,  Côte d’Ivoire, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, called for African borders to become gateways to cooperation, peace, security & shared prosperity.

He commended H.E. Alassane Ouattara, President of Côte d’Ivoire & Champion of Agenda 2063, for his steadfast commitment to Africa’s continental development agenda, & thanked the Ivorian authorities for their hospitality.

Addressing the Forum’s theme, “People at the Borders: Culture, Security and Integration,” the Chairperson @ymahmoudali underscored the compatibility of national sovereignty with deeper cultural, economic and commercial integration. He stressed that communities sharing languages, traditions & cultural heritage across borders are valuable assets for advancing #Agenda2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (@AfCFTA).

He called for the development of cross-border corridors, modernisation of border posts, simplified procedures and coordinated border management to facilitate the movement of people and goods.

Recognising that border areas are also vulnerable to terrorism, illicit trafficking and organised crime, he emphasised the need for stronger cooperation among neighbouring States.

The Chairperson urged AU Member States to ratify the 2014 Niamey Convention on Cross-Border Cooperation and the 2018 Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, the Right of Residence and the Right of Establishment.

He reaffirmed that building a peaceful, integrated and prosperous Africa depends on effective, people-centred border governance that transforms borders from lines of separation into bridges of cooperation and shared development.

Read @ https://t.co/Wgh90tDO88

[African Union @_AfricanUnion]

African Union to Convene Ministers in Libreville to Advance Africa’s Digital Transformation and Strengthen Its Global Voice.

The African Union (AU) will convene the Sixth Ordinary Session of the Specialised Technical Committee on Communication and ICT (STC-CICT) from 26 to 29 October 2026 in Libreville, Gabon. The session will bring together Ministers, senior officials and experts to review implementation of continental communication and digital policies and consider measures to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation.

Held under the theme “Africa’s Digital Future, Africa’s Voice: Advancing Innovation, Digital Inclusion and Shaping Africa’s Narrative,” the session comes amid growing global attention to digitalisation and the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies. It will provide an opportunity to strengthen Africa’s role in shaping technological development and governance, ensuring that continental priorities, perspectives and aspirations inform the evolving global digital agenda.

Highlighting the session’s significance for Africa’s digital transformation, H.E. Lerato Dorothy Mataboge, African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, stated:

“The Libreville session is an opportunity to set a clear course for the next phase of Africa’s digital transformation. Guided by the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa, we will review progress in artificial intelligence, data governance, digital identity and cybersecurity, and agree on concrete measures to accelerate implementation and strengthen Africa’s role in shaping the global digital agenda.”

The meeting will begin with the Experts’ Session from 26 to 28 October 2026, followed by the Ministerial Session on 29-30 October 2026. The STC-CICT #STCCommsICT provides technical and policy recommendations to the AU Executive Council and monitors implementation of continental programmes in its areas of responsibility. The Sixth Ordinary Session will review progress in implementing decisions of the previous ordinary and extraordinary sessions and elect a new Bureau in accordance with its rules of procedure.

A central focus will be implementation of the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020–2030). Delegates will assess progress, identify gaps and consider priorities for accelerating implementation during the remaining period to 2030, including stronger coordination, monitoring and accountability.

Discussions will also address implementation of the Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy and the AU Data Policy Framework, including skills development, responsible governance and the use of data to support innovation and economic development. These discussions will examine how Africa can strengthen its capacity to develop and apply emerging technologies in ways that respond to its development needs.

Cybersecurity and personal data protection will feature prominently, alongside implementation of the Malabo Convention and efforts to strengthen institutional capacity and trust in digital services.

Digital Public Infrastructure, digital ID and connectivity as foundations for accessible services and an integrated African digital market, will also be considered during the sessions. This includes advancing digital infrastructure under the second Priority Action Plan of the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA PAP 2) and addressing barriers faced by women, girls, young people, persons with disabilities, rural communities and other underserved groups.

The theme also places Africa’s voice and narrative at the centre of discussions, highlighting the role of communication in advancing continental priorities and strengthening Africa’s participation in global debates on digital transformation.

The meeting will provide an opportunity to strengthen coordination among Member States, Regional Economic Communities, AU institutions and partners, and align technical and financial support with continental implementation priorities.

Calling for renewed commitment from Member States, the Commissioner added:

“Our priority is to translate continental commitments into tangible benefits for millions of Africans through an inclusive, secure digital transformation that supports sustainable development. I call upon all Member States to engage fully and renew their commitment to an integrated and prosperous digital Africa.”

Read @ https://t.co/MsGm4tJzpy

#Agenda2063