Ethiopia Gears Up for AU and Italy–Africa Summits Amid Focus on Agenda 2063

Addis Ababa, February 5, 2026 (FMC) – Ethiopia has finalized comprehensive preparations to host the 39th African Union Summit and the Italy–Africa Summit, scheduled to take place next week in Addis Ababa, with a strong focus on advancing Agenda 2063 and reinforcing the country’s political and economic diplomacy.

Briefing the media, the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Nebiat Getachew, outlined the official schedule of events, stating that the 48th Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council will be held on 11–12 February, followed by the Italy–Africa Summit on 13 February, and the 39th African Union Summit on 14–15 February.

Ambassador Nebiat underscored the special significance of the summits for Ethiopia, noting that the country has completed all preparations related to substantive content, logistics, protocol, and security.

He said Ethiopia is preparing to actively participate in the meetings through political diplomacy, advancing discussions that serve its national interests, while also leveraging economic diplomacy to promote conference tourism.

In this context, he noted that Ethiopia has put in place special hospitality arrangements for summit participants, designed to reflect the country’s cultural heritage and national values.

The spokesperson further stated that, in line with previous African Union Summits, 179 young volunteers have been recruited to support this year’s AU Summit, reinforcing the principle that every citizen is a diplomat for his or her country.

He added that the youth volunteer initiative is being implemented in accordance with the Youth Volunteer Service Framework established by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

Ambassador Nebiat also confirmed that Ethiopia has finalized comprehensive arrangements in the areas of logistics, protocol, and security to ensure the smooth and successful conduct of the summits.

Turning to the thematic focus of the African Union Summit, he noted that this year’s conference is being held under the theme “Assuring sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063.”

He said Ethiopia has undertaken numerous initiatives aligned with this theme and has made notable progress in regional water cooperation.

He further emphasized Ethiopia’s continued commitment to transforming the Nile Basin Cooperation Framework into a Commission, and highlighted the country’s efforts in connecting neighboring states through renewable energy, implementing water conservation initiatives that have restored and enhanced water resources, and contributing to environmental sustainability through the Green Legacy Initiative.

On the occasion, Ambassador Nebiat called on all Ethiopians, particularly residents of Addis Ababa, to extend their customary cooperation to ensure the successful hosting of the summits.