46th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council kicks off

Addis Ababa, February 12, 2025 (FMC) – The 46th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council kicked off, bringing together African Foreign Ministers to discuss critical issues shaping continent’s future.

The African Union (AU) Executive Council has started its ordinary session under the officially endorsed theme for 2025: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.” This theme will be formally introduced by the Assembly.

During the course of 2025, AU Member States will engage in a comprehensive review of the progress made towards achieving long-overdue justice and reparations following the impacts of colonialism, apartheid, slavery, and the transatlantic slave trade.

The meeting will include foreign affairs ministers and high-ranking government officials from AU member nations, where pivotal topics such as development, peace, and security will be discussed.

Among the key agenda items for the two-day session is the appointment of six commissioners to the AU Commission, a long-anticipated responsibility of the Executive Council. The commissioners elected will be responsible for the following areas: Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (ARBE); Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals (ETTIM); Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI); Infrastructure and Energy (I&E); Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development (HHS); and Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS).

In addition to these appointments, the Executive Council will evaluate reports on the organization’s financial performance as it relates to key priorities, such as ensuring peace and security across the continent, implementing Agenda 2063, enhancing Africa’s socio-economic conditions, tackling the severe consequences of climate change, and promoting human rights and good governance.

Furthermore, the Council will receive updates on the progress of the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan (STYIP) of Agenda 2063, advancements made regarding the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and the annual activities of various AU organs and agencies.