Ethiopia to host second African Political Parties Summit in November

Political parties from across Africa will convene for the second edition of the African Political Parties Summit (APPS) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from November 5 to 7, 2026. The summit, organized by the Africa Governance Centre (AGC) and the Ethiopian government, aims to explore the role of political parties in driving Africa's economic transformation.

Themed "Governing for Growth: Political Parties as Architects of Africa's Economic Future," the gathering will delve into how political leadership can foster industrialization, sustainable development, regional integration, and resilient economies.

Building upon the inaugural summit held in Accra, Ghana, in August 2025, which saw the adoption of the Accra Declaration, the 2026 summit will focus on strengthening accountable institutions and advancing development priorities aligned with the African Union's Agenda 2063. Discussions will delve into how political parties can bolster good governance, regional integration, and inclusive development.

Two flagship platforms will be introduced at the 2026 APPS: the African Youth in Politics Forum (AYPF) and the Africa Women Political Leadership Summit (AWPLS). These platforms will offer dedicated spaces for discussions on youth and women's participation in political leadership and methods to enhance their representation in Africa's political systems.

Recommendations from these platforms will be incorporated into the Addis Ababa Declaration, which is anticipated to capture shared priorities and commitments to fortify development-oriented political institutions across the continent.

The summit will convene political party representatives alongside other stakeholders to deliberate on how political leadership can support Africa's economic ambitions and contribute to sustainable development.