Ethiopia’s Ruling Prosperity Party Unanimously Elected to Lead African Political Parties Initiative

Addis Ababa, November 7, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s ruling Prosperity Party has been unanimously elected to lead the African Political Parties Initiative (APPI), while Minister Bikila Hurissa, the Party’s Head of Political Affairs and Public Relations Sector, has been appointed Executive Secretary of the continental body.

The decisions were reached at the Second African Political Parties Summit, currently underway in Addis Ababa, according to an announcement by the Prosperity Party.

The appointment places the Party at the helm of an initiative established to advance the summit’s resolutions and decisions and strengthen the institutional capacity of political parties across Africa.

The APPI seeks to support the evolution of political parties beyond election-focused organizations into capable and enduring institutions that contribute to policy innovation, good governance, leadership development and economic transformation.

The Prosperity Party’s announcement said its experience in state-building, economic transformation and the philosophy of Medemer featured in the summit deliberations, with delegates identifying potential lessons for political parties and governments across the continent.

As Executive Secretary, Bikila will lead the Initiative’s executive secretariat and its continental implementation agenda.

The development comes as the three-day summit enters its final day, with delegates from across Africa examining the role of political parties in shaping the continent’s political and economic future.

The Addis Ababa Declaration, expected to be announced today, is among the anticipated outcomes of the gathering.