African leaders are arriving in Addis Ababa for the 39th summit of the African Union starting this Saturday 14 th to 15 th  February, a high level meeting expected to define Africa’s political, economic and development direction for the upcoming years, Hosted by Ethiopia, the summit brings together heads of state, foreign ministers, policy experts and development partners to address key continental challenges. Ahead of the main assembly session, several African leaders and senior officials have already arrived in Addis Ababa for preparatory meetings and bilateral engagements. Among early ar

African leaders are arriving in Addis Ababa for the 39th summit of the African Union starting this Saturday 14

th

to 15

th

 February, a high level meeting expected to define Africa’s political, economic and development direction for the upcoming years, Hosted by Ethiopia, the summit brings together heads of state, foreign ministers, policy experts and development partners to address key continental challenges. Ahead of the main assembly session, several African leaders and senior officials have already arrived in Addis Ababa for preparatory meetings and bilateral engagements. Among early arrivals reported by diplomatic sources include King Letsie III of Lesotho, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, Vice President Jessica Alupo of Uganda, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai of Liberia, Prime Minister Américo Ramos of São Tomé and Príncipe and more delegations are expected as the summit officially opens.

African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa - Ethiopia

The 2026 summit theme focuses on sustainable water access and sanitation systems, as climate change continues to affect water availability across Africa. Peace and security leaders are expected to review conflict situations, regional stability efforts and continental peacekeeping strategies. Economic development and integration financial and infrastructure development discussions are expected as well, to involve partners such as the African development bank which supports major continental development projects. Continental health coordination is expected to involve agencies like Africa CDC, focusing on disease surveillance and emergency preparedness. The African Union summit traces its roots back to the Organisation of African Unity, established in 1963 to promote unity and cooperation among African states. In 2002, the OAU transitioned into the African Union, expanding its mission to include economic integration, development cooperation, conflict prevention and peacebuilding and global diplomatic coordination. Today, AU summits serve as the continent’s highest decision making platform, as African leaders meet for the 39th AU Summit, expectations remain high that the gathering will deliver concrete policy direction on water security, economic transformation and peace across the continent.

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