The ministerial gathering, which began on July 18, 2024, came to an end on Friday, setting the stage for the upcoming summit of heads of state the next day.
Held at the Accra International Conference Centre, the meeting brought together representatives from Regional Economic Communities (RECs), Regional Mechanisms (RMs), and member states. It kicked off with the 45th Session of the Executive Council, addressing a wide range of continental issues.
Key items on the agenda included the adoption of the African Union Budget for 2025, discussions on continental security status and peace financing mechanisms, and a review of progress on implementing the African Union’s 2024 theme on Education. Ministers also deliberated on African candidatures within the international system, the AU’s participation in the G20, and the hosting of the African Humanitarian Agency (AFHA).
A significant focus of the meeting was the proposed African Union theme for 2025: “Justice for Africans and people of African descent through reparations.” This theme aims to address historical injustices, including the transatlantic slave trade, slavery, colonialism, and neo-colonialism.
H.E. Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, Chair of the Executive Council and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, emphasized the need for collective effort in realizing the continent’s ambitious goals. He stated, “This will undoubtedly be a formidable challenge, but with our steadfast commitment and collaboration with regional and international partners, we are poised to overcome it.”
Merzoug also highlighted the AU’s recent engagements in global forums, including participation in the G7 Summit and the Africa-Korea Summit, as well as the forthcoming membership in the G20. These engagements, along with outcomes from the Nairobi Summit on Fertilizers and Soil Health, underscore Africa’s growing role in addressing pressing global issues.
As the African Union embarks on the second decade of its Agenda 2063 development framework, the ministerial meeting has laid crucial groundwork for the upcoming summit of heads of state. The presidential meeting, scheduled to begin on Saturday, is expected to build upon these discussions and chart a course for Africa’s continued development and global engagement.
The conclusion of this ministerial meeting marks a significant step in Africa’s ongoing efforts to strengthen continental cooperation and address shared challenges, setting the tone for the high-level discussions to follow.
