AU to Hold 48th Executive Council Session February in Addis Ababa

The African Union (AU) has confirmed that it will hold the 48th Ordinary Session of its Executive Council in February 2026, a high-level meeting expected to bring together foreign ministers and senior policymakers from across the continent to discuss major governance and policy issues.

The announcement was made in a notice published on the AU’s official website on Wednesday, where the Union described the Executive Council as one of its most important decision-making bodies.

“The Forty-Eighth (48th) Ordinary Session of the Executive Council (ExC) of the African Union (AU) will hold in February 2026. The Executive Council is one of the African Union’s principal policy organs, composed of Ministers of Foreign Affairs or other designated Ministers of AU Member States”, the announcement partly read.

According to the Union, the Council plays a central role in shaping continental policies and preparing key issues for final approval by African leaders.

“It is responsible for coordinating and taking decisions on policies in areas of common interest to Member States, as well as preparing items for consideration by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, in line with the objectives of Agenda 2063.

“The session is scheduled to take place on 11–12 February 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (EAT), at the Mandela Conference Hall, African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia”, the announcement added.

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The AU also outlined the main subjects that will dominate discussions during the two-day meeting, including institutional reforms, leadership appointments and Africa’s role in global governance structures.

“During the session, the Executive Council will consider the Report of the 51st Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC), deliberate on African Union participation in the G20, conduct elections and appointments to AU organs and institutions, review the implementation of its decision on the Skills Audit and Competency Assessment (SACA) process, and consider draft legal instruments and institutional governance matters”, the AU further announced.

In addition, the Union invited journalists to attend key ceremonial segments of the meeting, particularly the opening and closing sessions.

It noted that, “Journalists are invited to cover the official opening and closing ceremonies of the 48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union on 11 and 12 February 2026.”

The AU also assured media organisations that more details on coverage and access would be provided closer to the event.

“Further details on livestream arrangements and media coverage opportunities will be communicated in due course.

“Media practitioners are encouraged to follow the official African Union communication channels for timely updates, including information on press conferences and interview opportunities.”

The forthcoming session is expected to influence major policy directions and institutional decisions within the African Union, in line with the continent’s long-term development agenda under Agenda 2063.