African heads of state have begun arriving in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the 39th African Union (AU) Summit, where leaders will deliberate on economic development, health, education, water and business issues aimed at improving livelihoods across the continent.
In a statement released to journalists in Addis Ababa, the chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, said the summit would address a wide range of continental priorities through coordinated efforts by member states.
“We welcome all member states of the continental bloc to the 39th African Union Summit, where we shall launch implementation agendas on business, health, technology and economic development that will shape the future of our continent,” he said.
According to the official programme, Kenya will chair a high-level ministerial meeting on preparations for the Africa–France Summit on February 12, 2026. The meeting aims to strengthen cooperation and diplomatic ties between African countries and France.
On the same day, the Permanent Mission of Morocco will chair a session on water and sanitation in Africa. The discussion will focus on South–South cooperation and innovative solutions to promote climate resilience and inclusive human development.
On February 13, South Africa will chair a session on inequality, as part of the socialisation of the outcomes of its 2025 G20 presidency. A high-level meeting on partners’ consultation regarding the African Union Decade of Education and Skills Development (2025–2034) will also be held.
Leaders and their delegations will further participate in a high-level session on reparations, memory and sovereignty, focusing on Africa’s common position on the return and restitution of cultural property. The meeting will be coordinated by Ghana, UNESCO and the African Union Commission.
Lesotho will chair a high-level session on recommitting Africa to child survival through strategic investment in the prevention of malnutrition. The session will be led by King Letsie III of Lesotho, the African Union Nutrition Champion.
On February 13, the African Business Council (AfBC) and other partners will host a forum and high-level dialogue on the role of the private sector in realising Africa’s Agenda 2063.
On February 14, former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo, together with the African Union Christian Fellowship leadership, will lead a pre-summit prayer meeting.
This will be followed by a high-level presidential breakfast on the operationalisation of the African Medicines Agency, chaired by the agency and the Government of Rwanda.
