Sofía Carvajal Isunza

From 5 to 7 November 2026, political leaders from across Africa gathered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the second African Political Parties Summit, convened by the @AfricaGovCentre . The discussions centred on a fundamental question: how can Africa’s political parties strengthen their institutions, develop capable leadership and contribute more effectively to the economic progress of our countries? The Summit brought together leaders of governing and opposition parties, alongside government representatives and continental institutions. Among its principal achievements were the adoption of the Charter of the African Political Parties Initiative (APPI), the establishment of its inaugural continental leadership, chaired by Hon. Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, and the decision to develop APPI Agenda 2040, a long-term vision for strengthening political parties and their contribution to Africa’s development. The Africa Women Political Leadership Summit and the African Youth Political Forum, held on 5 November, also addressed pressing questions concerning women’s political and economic participation, youth employment and the preparation of future generations for leadership. I am profoundly grateful to H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali, Prime Minister of Ethiopia, for his patronage and support, and to H.E. Adem Farah, the Prosperity Party, and the Government and people of Ethiopia for their generous hospitality. I also extend my sincere appreciation to H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, the African Union and UNDP Africa for their contributions. My appreciation goes to the participating governments, national leaders, political parties and their delegations from across the continent, our institutional partners, and the Advisory Board and team of the Africa Governance Centre. Their participation and commitment made this gathering particularly memorable. What began in Accra in 2025 has now developed into a continental institutional undertaking. The decisions reached in Addis Ababa place a responsibility on all of us to ensure that political parties become better equipped to develop credible policies, prepare responsible leaders and address the needs of our people. Africa’s future will be shaped in no small measure by the quality of its political leadership and institutions. Our responsibility is to ensure that the commitments made in Addis Ababa lead to practical action and lasting improvements in the lives of Africans.