The 30th ordinary session of the African Union (AU) Executive Council opened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on January 25, 2017.
The session was officially opened with a remark by Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.
In her remark, the Chairperson said meeting the goals of Agenda 2063 requires the revival and strengthening of the spirit of Pan Africanism,
She further said Africa needs to transform through economic integration by honoring AU’s decision to establishment of a continental free trade area (CFTA) by 2017.
The Executive Council will prepare the agenda of the AU Summit with appropriate recommendations for consideration by the Heads of State scheduled to take place from 30-31 January 2017.
The meeting of the Council brought together all ministers of the 54 AU member states, the permanent representative committee based in Addis Ababa, representatives of UNECA and heads of AU organs, among others. The 28th ordinary session of the summit of the African Union (AU) heads of state and government will chart the continent’s development agenda, including the appointment of new chairperson for the African Union Commission.
One of the key issues at the meeting will be election of a new leader for the African Union Commission. The summit, which will run under the theme “Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through Investment in the Youth,” will also deliberate on a report to reform the AU.
Another major issue for the leaders at their annual summit is the establishment of a continental free trade area (CFTA) by 2017. The summit is also expected to consider a request by Morocco to rejoin the AU.
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