Ethiopia to Host African Political Parties Summit on Economic Transformation
The Africa Governance Centre (AGC) has announced that Ethiopia will host the second edition of the African Political Parties Summit (APPS) from November 5 to 7, 2026, in Addis Ababa.
The summit, organised by AGC in collaboration with the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, will be held under the high patronage of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali.
According to the press release issued by AGC, the summit will be held under the theme “Governing for Growth: Political Parties as Architects of Africa’s Economic Future.”
It will bring together political party leaders and representatives, policymakers, parliamentarians, governance institutions, development partners, academics, civil society, youth leaders and private sector actors to discuss the role of political leadership in advancing Africa’s economic transformation and sustainable development.
The summit comes at a time when African countries are pursuing economic transformation, regional integration, industrialisation and inclusive development while facing complex governance and socio-economic challenges.
AGC says the meeting will examine how political parties can contribute to shaping public policy, strengthening democratic institutions and driving national development priorities, with discussions expected to focus on building resilient economies, accountable institutions and sustainable development pathways.
The 2026 APPS will also align with the aspirations of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, particularly its vision of a prosperous, integrated and peaceful Africa supported by effective leadership, strong institutions and people-centred development.
The summit builds on the inaugural African Political Parties Summit held in Accra, Ghana, in 2025, which resulted in the Accra Declaration and established a foundation for continued continental dialogue on the role of political parties in governance and development.
The Addis Ababa summit is expected to advance those discussions and develop a new set of commitments through the Addis Ababa Declaration.
Two flagship platforms will form part of the 2026 summit: the African Youth in Politics Forum (AYPF) and the Africa Women Political Leadership Summit (AWPLS).
The platforms will provide dedicated spaces to promote meaningful participation of young people and women in political leadership, strengthen inclusive governance and explore pathways towards greater representation in Africa’s political systems.
AGC said recommendations from APPS, AYPF and AWPLS will feed into the Addis Ababa Declaration, capturing shared priorities and commitments aimed at strengthening political leadership, inclusive governance and development-oriented political institutions across Africa.
Through high-level plenary sessions, thematic dialogues and stakeholder engagements, the summit will seek to deepen collaboration among political actors and contribute to a governance environment capable of supporting Africa’s aspirations for growth, stability and prosperity.