AMN PLUS-November 3, 2026
Addis Ababa is set to host the African Political Parties Summit (APPS) from November 5 to 7, 2026, bringing together political party leaders, policymakers, governance institutions, civil society representatives, youth and women leaders and development partners from across the continent.
The summit will be held under the theme “Governing for Growth: Political Parties as Architects of Africa’s Economic Future,” focusing on the role of political leadership and political parties in advancing Africa’s economic transformation, good governance, and sustainable development.
The Summit is set to commence with pre-summit meetings on November 5, featuring the African Women Leadership Summit and the African Youth and Politics Forum. These forums are expected to provide platforms for women and young leaders to engage in discussions on political participation, leadership, and Africa’s development agenda.
The main summit will take place on November 6, with discussions focusing on five key areas: political parties as architects of productive economies, fiscal governance, youth employment, private-sector partnerships, and climate resilience, green development, and industrialization.
Ethiopia is also expected to contribute significantly to the summit’s deliberations, with 23 presenters sharing perspectives and experiences on the country’s political and economic development.
The African Political Parties Summit is a high-level continental platform convened by the Africa Governance Centre (AGC) in collaboration with host governments. It aims to foster dialogue and cooperation among political parties and other stakeholders on governance, economic development, and the future of political leadership in Africa.
One of the summit’s anticipated key outcomes is the adoption of the 2026 Declaration, which is expected to establish shared continental principles regarding the role of political parties in Africa’s development. The declaration is also expected to go beyond general statements by outlining actionable commitments aimed at strengthening political leadership and promoting tangible development outcomes.
For Ethiopia, hosting the summit presents an opportunity to showcase its political and economic experiences, share its Medemer Philosophy, and further strengthen its role in continental political dialogue and cooperation.
The gathering is also expected to enhance Addis Ababa’s international profile, attract delegates from across Africa and beyond, and create opportunities for conference tourism, diplomatic engagement, and broader international cooperation.
The summit underscores the importance of political parties evolving beyond electoral platforms into institutions that actively contribute to peace, economic growth, inclusive development, and the long-term prosperity of their respective countries.
The first African Political Parties Summit was held in Accra, Ghana, in 2025.
By Birhanu Workneh
