By: Isaac Kwabena Boadu Date: 20th February, 2026
African heads of state convened in Addis Ababa for the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly, tackling pressing issues shaping the continent’s future. The gathering prioritized bolstering health systems, fast-tracking Agenda 2063, and tackling intertwined security, climate, and water crises, all through an African lens.
A key highlight was President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania’s appointment as AU Champion for Reproductive, Maternal, and Child Health, signaling a renewed focus on strengthening healthcare infrastructure and services.
The summit also sounded the call for UN Security Council reform. UN chief António Guterres urged African leaders to push for a more equitable global governance structure, saying, “This is 2026 – not 1946,” highlighting the need for representative reform.
Other outcomes included launching ACHIEVE Africa, an initiative empowering Africa’s pharmaceutical production, and endorsing the Africa Water Vision 2063, a roadmap for climate-smart water management.
The AU reaffirmed its commitment to Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), underscoring economic integration and cooperation as key to Africa’s prosperity.
The summit concluded with a call to action, as leaders pledged to collaborate on pressing challenges, from health security to sustainable development.
AFRICAN VOICES INTERNATIONAL, FREEDOM IN AFRICA
