News
Ethiopia to Host the Second Edition of the African Political Parties Summit
25 August 2026
The Africa Governance Centre (AGC), in collaboration with the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, will convene the Second Edition of the African Political Parties Summit (APPS) from 5 - 7 November 2026 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, under the high patronage of H.E. Abiy Ahmed Ali, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
Held under the theme, “Governing for Growth: Political Parties as Architects of Africa’s Economic Future,” the Summit will bring together political party leaders and representatives, policymakers, parliamentarians, governance institutions, development partners, academia, civil society, youth leaders and private sector actors to deliberate on the role of political leadership in advancing Africa’s economic transformation and sustainable development.
The 2026 Summit will take place at a defining moment for Africa as countries across the continent pursue economic transformation, regional integration, industrialization and inclusive development while navigating complex governance and socio-economic challenges. Recognizing the central role political parties play in shaping public policy, strengthening democratic institutions and driving national development priorities, the Summit seeks to advance dialogue on how political leadership can contribute to building resilient economies, accountable institutions and sustainable development pathways.
The 2026 edition of APPS aligns with the aspirations of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, particularly its vision of a prosperous, integrated, and peaceful Africa driven by effective leadership, strong institutions, and people-centred development. The Summit provides a platform for political actors and governance stakeholders to reflect on the political conditions necessary to accelerate the continent’s transformation agenda. Furthermore, the Summit builds upon the outcomes of the inaugural African Political Parties Summit held in Accra, Ghana, in 2025, which culminated in the Accra Declaration and established a foundation for continued continental dialogue on the role of political parties in Africa’s governance and development.
The Addis Ababa Summit will advance this conversation by examining emerging priorities and developing a new set of commitments through the Addis Ababa Declaration. A key feature of the 2026 Summit will be the convening of two flagship platforms: the African Youth in Politics Forum (AYPF) and the Africa Women Political Leadership Summit (AWPLS). These platforms will provide dedicated spaces to advance meaningful youth and women’s participation in political leadership, strengthen inclusive governance, and address pathways for greater representation in Africa’s political systems.
The outcomes and recommendations from APPS, AYPF, and AWPLS will contribute to the Addis Ababa Declaration, capturing shared priorities and commitments towards strengthening political leadership, inclusive governance and development-oriented political institutions across Africa.
Through high-level plenary sessions, thematic dialogues and stakeholder engagements, the Second Edition of APPS will seek to deepen collaboration among political actors and contribute to shaping a governance environment capable of supporting Africa’s aspirations for growth, stability and prosperity.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Secretariat, Africa Governance Centre (AGC)
Email: secretariat@africagovernancecentre.org
Phone: +233256119086
