The 38th AU Summit is taking place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from February 12–16, 2025. This major gathering brings together African leaders, diplomats, and international stakeholders to address critical challenges facing the continent.

Key Themes & Discussions

Theme of the Year: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.” This theme highlights the AU’s commitment to addressing historical injustices linked to slavery and colonialism while advocating for reparatory justice and racial healing.

Leadership Transition: H.E. João Lourenço, President of Angola, will assume the role of AU Assembly Chairperson for 2025, succeeding H.E. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of Mauritania.

Key Addresses: Statements from:

– H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, AU Commission Chairperson

– H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of Ethiopia

– H.E. António Guterres, UN Secretary-General

– Secretary-General of the League of Arab States

– H.E. President of the State of Palestine

Focus Areas

Conflict Resolution: The summit prioritizes diplomatic solutions for ongoing crises, including those in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Sudan, while strengthening peacekeeping efforts.

Reparations & Justice: Discussions will push for reparations for slavery and colonialism, despite expected resistance from former colonial powers.

Human Rights: Leaders are being urged to make human rights protection a central priority in the AU’s agenda for 2025 and beyond.