Africa Must Assert Strategic Role in Reshaping Global Order: Gedion

Addis Ababa, July 28, 2026 (FMC) — Africa must seize the opportunity presented by the rapidly evolving global geopolitical landscape to emerge as a strategic actor capable of advancing its own interests and offering African-led solutions to global challenges, Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, said.

Speaking at the opening of the 49th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union in Addis Ababa on Tuesday, the minister said the continent is at a defining moment as the international order undergoes profound transformation driven by geopolitical rivalry, technological advances, climate pressures and growing competition over strategic resources.

He stressed that these global shifts present Africa with an opportunity not only to strengthen its position in international affairs but also to shape the emerging global order through greater unity, strategic vision and stronger continental institutions.

Gedion said the African Union must evolve into a more credible and influential institution capable of effectively advancing the continent’s priorities and safeguarding its collective interests on the global stage.

Pointing to Africa’s growing economic potential, the minister noted that eight of the world’s ten fastest-growing economies in 2026 are located on the continent, adding that this positions Africa to become a major engine of global economic growth during the second half of the 21st century.

He reaffirmed Ethiopia’s steadfast commitment to the African Union and its continued support for initiatives that strengthen continental unity, integration and shared prosperity.

The foreign minister also underscored the importance of securing sustainable and predictable financing for the African Union to enable the effective implementation of its decisions and programs.

He further called for Africa’s shared resources to be managed in line with the principles of cooperation, equity and mutual benefit to deepen regional integration and promote inclusive prosperity, while emphasizing that the continent’s challenges should primarily be addressed through African institutions and African-led frameworks.

Gedion also conveyed Ethiopia’s solidarity with countries affected by the recent Ebola outbreak in parts of the continent and commended the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) for its preparedness and rapid response efforts.

The minister made the remarks during the opening of the 49th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council, where foreign ministers from member states are meeting to deliberate on key continental priorities under the African Union’s 2026 Theme of the Year, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”