I was pleased to meet with the Managing Director of the @WorldBankGroup Mrs. @bjerde_anna at @TheOPECFund Forum (OFDF ) 2026 in Vienna, Austria 🇦🇹 , to discuss strengthening the strategic partnership between the African Union Commission and the World Bank Group in support of Africa’s development and transformation agenda.
Our discussions focused on enhancing High-Level engagement to provide stronger political leadership, deepen cooperation in support of Agenda 2063, and enhance collaboration on development financing, regional integration, infrastructure and digital transformation.
I welcomed the World Bank Group’s continued commitment to Africa’s development priorities and underscored the importance of a forward-looking partnership that delivers sustainable growth, resilience, and tangible impact for the people of Africa.
#Agenda2063 #AfricaDevelopment #WorldBank #AfricanUnion #PartnershipsForProgress.
I was honored to participate in the panel discussion on “Upgrading Local Value Chains: Driving High-Value Exports and Diversifying Growth” at @TheOPECFund Forum (OFDF) 2026 , which coincides with the OPEC Fund marks its Golden Jubilee, celebrating fifty years of partnership-based development cooperation in Hofburg Palace, Vienna, Austria .
I emphasized that delivering on our vision leaves us with no other option but promoting intra-African trade, industrialisation and value addition. I noted that only 10 years ago, the AfCFTA was a dream. Today it is a reality with more than 20 countries trading under AfCFTA preferences. Our institutions are working collaboratively, from policy to financial institutions, to build an ecosystem from a payment system in local currency to digital customs solutions to harmonisation of standards.
I argued that development finance will only support structural transformation when it stops treating transformation as separate sectors and when aligned to national and regional priorities. If energy is financed in one silo, transport in another, trade finance in yet another and industrial production in another, what we get are disconnected projects. Africa has many disconnected projects already. What we need are connected value chains.
#OPECFundForum2026 #AfCFTA #Agenda2063 #RegionalIntegration #AfricaRising
Today, I had the distinct honor of representing the @_AfricanUnion Commission at the @TheOPECFund Forum 2026, as the Fund celebrates its Golden Jubilee.
At this historic milestone, we reaffirm the enduring value of multilateral cooperation and the shared commitment to building on a vision first set in motion by the leaders of the OPEC member countries in Algiers in 1975.
#OPECFundForum2026 #AfCFTA #Agenda2063 #AfricaRising #GoldenJubilee
I had the distinct honour of being received by His Excellency Mr. Kais Saied, President of the Republic of Tunisia 🇹🇳, at the Carthage Palace, and benefiting from his insightful analysis and vision regarding the work and efforts of the @_AfricanUnion in the fields of sustainable development and the consolidation of peace and security, as well as expanding horizons of joint action and cooperation with the Republic of Tunisia.
This meeting was a valuable opportunity to discuss His Excellency's vision for the development of joint African action and the imperative need to renew the concepts and mechanisms of continental cooperation — a practical necessity aimed at keeping pace with the transformations of our time and making continental action more effective and more aligned with the aspirations of African peoples for development, particularly as prevailing frameworks are no longer able to accommodate the profound changes reshaping the world we live in.
I also seized this happy occasion to convey to His Excellency the President of the Republic the greetings and esteem of His Excellency Mr. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf @ymahmoudali , Chairperson of the African Union Commission, as well as the African Union Commission's appreciation for Tunisia's historic and steadfast support to the continental organisation, while commending, at the same time, the numerous contributions of Tunisian diplomacy in the service of African and international causes.
Everyone sees the aircraft.
Almost nobody sees the machine behind it.
This week, Ethiopian Airlines gave us access to the people, systems, technology, training, and infrastructure that power one of the world's most respected airlines.
What stood out wasn't just the scale. It was the discipline, precision, and long-term vision required to build an organization that connects Africa to the world every single day.
Too often, conversations about Africa focus on potential. What we witnessed in Addis Ababa was execution.
Behind every departure and arrival is a world-class operation built by thousands of people working toward a shared mission.
Thank you to Ethiopian Airlines for the invitation and for the opportunity to see firsthand what excellence looks like behind the scenes.
The world's attention often goes to what is visible.
Real impact is built by what isn't.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 🇪🇹
#Ethiopia #Africa #Aviation #Innovation #Leadership
Today, at the opening session of the 52nd Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (#PRC), AUC Chairperson H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf @ymahmoudali highlighted the Committee’s critical role in advancing the Union’s agenda and laying the groundwork for the forthcoming Mid-Year Coordination Meeting (#MYCM) between the AU, Regional Economic Communities (#RECs) and Regional Mechanisms (#RMs), to be held in Egypt later this month.
He noted that ongoing crises, geopolitical tensions, and economic pressures continue to impact Africa’s development and security priorities, underscoring the need for greater coordination and more effective collective responses.
The Chairperson stressed that strengthening the resilience of the African Union and ensuring sustainable financing for continental priorities remain essential to enabling the Union to respond to growing challenges and the expectations of African citizens.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to support the proposals and guidance of Member States, emphasizing its continued commitment to advancing the Union’s priorities and effectively delivering its mandate.
In his concluding remarks, the Chairperson commended the Permanent Representatives for their sustained engagement in advancing the Union's priorities and wished for the Committee for every success in its work.
Read @ https://t.co/49Jta9rTIg
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, today received the Letters of Credentials of the new Permanent Representative of the Federal Democratic Republic of #Ethiopia to the African Union, H.E. Amb. Lemlem Fiseha Minale.
The Chairperson @ymahmoudali congratulated Amb. Minale on her appointment and noted that her experience and leadership would further strengthen cooperation between Ethiopia and the African Union. He also commended Ethiopia’s continued support to the Union, welcomed the peaceful and orderly conduct of the recent electoral process.
The two sides exchanged views on regional and global developments, as well as key priorities before the Union. The Chairperson reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to work closely with Ethiopia in advancing the AU’s objectives and responding to emerging continental challenges.
Amb. Minale commended the leadership of the Chairperson and reaffirmed Ethiopia’s strong commitment to supporting the African Union and its continental agenda. She underscored her Government’s readiness to continue working closely with the Commission and conveyed the greetings and best wishes of the Ethiopian leadership.
Read @ https://t.co/yCIxcdN07N
I was pleased to meet H.E. Ms. Mama Keita, Deputy Executive Secretary for Programme Support (DES-PS) at @ECA_OFFICIAL 🇺🇳, in Addis Ababa.
Our constructive exchange focused on strengthening cooperation between @_AfricanUnion and @ECA_OFFICIAL, advancing strategic priorities, and reinforcing collective efforts towards the implementation of Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, taking due cognisance of the established AU-UN cooperation framework.
We reaffirmed our commitment to advancing strong partnerships, institutional coordination, and inclusive development to drive Africa’s transformation and sustainable growth.
We also highlighted the importance of spotlighting both the challenges and opportunities on the African continent.
I wish my sister the DES, Ms Mama Keita all the best in her new position.
#AU #UN #AUC #ECA
As we gather for the 2026 African Development Bank @AfDB_Group Annual Meetings here in Brazzaville 🇨🇬 – this high place of African memory and emancipation – I am deeply honored to represent H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf @ymahmoudali , Chairperson of the @_AfricanUnion Commission.
Today is not merely a date on the calendar. It is the heartbeat of our common destiny: Africa Day. A day that reminds us that pan-Africanism is not just a historical legacy, but a living responsibility, renewed by each generation and driven by leaders who refuse the fragmentation of our continent.
In these meetings, as we seek to address financing gaps, climate resilience, water security – and the AU theme of the Year 2026 – we do so guided by the spirit of Ubuntu: "I am because we are."
Our founding Fathers dreamed of a United, Peaceful, and Prosperous Africa. Today, the African Union Commission and the Bank, hand in hand with member states, we are determined to turn that dream into reality.
Happy Africa Day to every daughter and son of this majestic continent. Together, we are writing the next chapter of the Africa we want.
#AfricaDay2026 #AfDBAM2026 #Agenda2063 #TheAfricaWeWant #PanAfricanism #Ubuntu
On this #AfricaDay, we return to the words of those who started it all.
When the founding fathers gathered in Addis Ababa on May 25, 1963, they did not come with guarantees. They came with conviction. They carried the weight of a continent still emerging from colonialism and the belief that Africa's future had to be built by Africans together.
63 years on, their message remains as urgent and as powerful as ever Africa’s strength lies in its unity. #Agenda2063
Read and download the speeches here: https://t.co/Gs7IO2yny7
Kicking off the 61st #AfDBAM2026 in Brazzaville, H.E. Amb. Selma Malika Haddadi, @DCP_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 (#AfCRA) – 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://t.co/YZ44CtqSl2
#Agenda2063 #AfDB2026
HAPPY AFRICA DAY TO ALL OUR AFRICAN BROTHERS AND SISTERS!
63 years ago, our forefathers gathered right here in Addis Ababa and dared to dream of a free, united Africa, and that dream still burns bright.
Today, as the proud home of the African Union, Ethiopia stands shoulder to shoulder with every African nation in that same spirit of unity.The work is far from over. Let us move from words to action, from promises to progress.
Africa's greatest resource has always been her people, and together, WE RISE!
#AfricaDay #Africa #Ethiopia
Ethiopia’s coffee output has tripled in five years, rising from 500,000 to over 1.5 million tonnes annually, Adunga Debela, head of the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority, told Sputnik Africa. 🇪🇹☕
He credited the growth to replanting old trees, better packaging, and the Green Legacy initiative.
Debela said Ethiopia is already the world’s third-largest coffee producer after Brazil and Vietnam, having surpassed Colombia and Indonesia last year.
Africa’s story has been shaped by generations of leaders, freedom fighters, workers, women, youth, and communities who believed in the dream of a united, free, and prosperous continent. Every struggle, every victory, and every step toward integration has brought us to this moment.
As we commemorate #AfricaDay under the theme “63 Years of Unity, Integration and Development,” we celebrate the milestones, people, movements, and institutions that continue to shape The Africa We Want under #Agenda2063.
Follow along and celebrate with us.
I had a warm and heartfelt farewell meeting with my sister, H.E. Ambassador Hirut Zemene Kassa, Ethiopia’s 🇪🇹 Permanent Representative to the @_AfricanUnion and @ECA_OFFICIAL, at AU Headquarters.
I expressed my deep appreciation for her tireless and constructive engagement in the Union’s work, and for Ethiopia’s steadfast commitment to continental peace, regional integration, and our cherished Agenda 2063.
Our discussion touched on key continental development priorities. Ambassador Hirut once again reaffirmed Ethiopia’s, as a founding member and the Host country, unwavering support for the AU and its objectives.
I extended my sincere best wishes to my sister Ambassador Hirut for every success in her future endeavours, and reassured her of my readiness to continue working closely with Ethiopia and her successor to achieve our shared African aspirations.
#AU @MFAEthiopiaAR@MFAEthiopia@AmbHirutZemene
Blessed (s)he who spends a good part of the day with colleagues like these. A quick pause in the life of the Cabinet to immortalise collegiality. @nyamitwe@wointad