SA Leads Delegation at 46th AU Executive Council Session in Ethiopia

The session is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, and it will convene under the AU’s 2025 theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.”

 International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola is leading the South African delegation at the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union (AU), taking place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The session is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, and it will convene under the AU’s 2025 theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.” This theme will be officially launched by the AU Assembly and will guide the continent’s activities throughout the year, focusing on achieving justice and reparations for the historical impacts of colonialism, apartheid, slavery, and the transatlantic slave trade.

Key Responsibilities and Elections

One of the most significant events of this session will be the election of six commissioners for the AU Commission. These commissioners will oversee critical portfolios including:

Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (ARBE)

Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Minerals (ETTIM)

Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (ESTI)

Infrastructure and Energy (I&E)

Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development (HHS)

Political Affairs, Peace, and Security (PAPS)

South Africa has nominated two candidates: Dr. Molapo Qhobela for Commissioner of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (ESTI) and Lerato Mataboge for Commissioner of Infrastructure and Energy. Both candidates have been shortlisted following comprehensive interviews, with elections scheduled for Wednesday, 12 February 2025.

South Africa’s G20 Presidency and AU Agenda Alignment

The session comes just months after South Africa assumed the Presidency of the G20 in December 2024. Minister Lamola will brief the Executive Council on South Africa’s key priorities for its G20 Presidency and how they align with the AU’s Agenda 2063—Africa’s strategic framework for inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development over 50 years.

“The Council will inevitably reflect on what South Africa’s G20 Presidency presents in terms of opportunities to place the interests of the continent at the centre of the G20 agenda,” the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation stated.

Agenda and Priorities

The Executive Council will review reports concerning the AU’s financial status and its alignment with key priorities, including:

• Maintaining peace and security across the continent
• Implementing Agenda 2063
• Improving Africa’s socio-economic conditions
• Addressing the severe impacts of climate change
• Promoting human rights and good governance

Updates will also be provided on the progress of the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan (STYIP) for Agenda 2063, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and annual activities of AU organs.

Challenges Facing the Continent

The session takes place against a backdrop of significant challenges, including threats to democratic governance, peace, and security from unconstitutional government changes and post-election violence. South Africa is particularly concerned about the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where recent attacks resulted in the deaths of 14 South African soldiers.

Other pressing issues include:

• Inter and intra-state conflicts, terrorism, and violent extremism
• Poverty, food, and energy insecurity
• Climate change impacts and inadequate infrastructure
• Low productivity, trade barriers, and continued dependence on external aid and markets
• A growing debt crisis affecting many African nations

As of July 2024, a World Bank report indicates that 22 African countries are either experiencing or at high risk of debt distress, necessitating urgent debt restructuring. This financial strain is limiting many governments’ abilities to meet basic needs such as healthcare, education, and employment.

South Africa’s Role in Advancing the AU’s Agenda

As a leading member of the African Union, South Africa’s active participation in the Executive Council is crucial for advancing the AU’s agenda and priorities. Minister Lamola’s engagement will not only highlight South Africa’s leadership within the AU but also emphasize the nation’s commitment to addressing the continent’s most pressing issues through strategic partnerships and international cooperation.