African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa. REUTERS/Tiksa Negeri
The Ethiopian capital has finalized a broad facelift and infrastructure enhancements to host thousands of delegates, including heads of state and government, for the 39th AU Ordinary Summit, following preparatory sessions of the Executive Council and foreign ministers’ gatherings this week.
City upgrades include modernized road networks, riverside rehabilitation, expanded convention and hospitality facilities, and improved urban spaces aimed at strengthening Addis Ababa’s role as Africa’s diplomatic hub.
The summit’s agenda shaped around this year’s AU theme of assuring sustainable water availability and safe sanitation is also expected to feature debates on peace and security, with leaders set to discuss ongoing crises in Sudan and the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, among other hot spots.
Economic issues such as the implementation and deepening of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) are also expected to be central as member states seek to boost intra-African trade and cooperation.
The summit will run from 14 to 15 February, following the 48th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council on 11–12 February and the Italy–Africa Summit on 13 February.
