By benadeta mwaura - Reporter
Kenya, January 28 2026 - Ethiopian and African Union officials have intensified preparations for the 48th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council and the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly, scheduled to take place from 11–15 February 2026 at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa.
The meetings are expected to shape key continental policy priorities for 2026 and reaffirm Ethiopia’s role as a strategic host nation for the African Union.
On 28 January 2026, Ethiopia’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Birhanu Tesgaye, held discussions with Selma Malika Haddadi, the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, focusing on the logistical, diplomatic, and organisational arrangements required to ensure the success of the summit.
Ms. Haddadi conveyed the African Union’s appreciation for Ethiopia’s continued support and emphasised the importance of close coordination between Ethiopian authorities and AU bodies.
The Executive Council session, set for 11–12 February, will bring together foreign ministers or other designated representatives from member states to coordinate continental policy, prepare agenda items for the Assembly, and oversee the implementation of AU decisions in line with Agenda 2063, the AU’s longterm strategic framework for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Participants are expected to review reports from the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC), discuss the Union’s engagement in global platforms such as the G20, consider institutional governance issues, and address elections and appointments within AU organs and institutions.
Following the Executive Council, the 39th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly, Africa’s supreme decisionmaking body, will convene from 14–15 February 2026.
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The Assembly brings together Heads of State and Government of AU member states to set strategic continental priorities and adopt major decisions on peace and security, economic integration, climate resilience, sustainable water and sanitation systems, and other pressing issues across Africa.
Preparatory PRC sessions are already underway this month.
Ethiopia’s hosting of these highprofile meetings underscores its central diplomatic role in Africa and reflects its sustained engagement with continental governance.
As the seat of the AU, Addis Ababa continues to be a focal point for political dialogue and cooperation across the continent, reinforcing ties between member states and strengthening collective action on regional challenges.
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