AUC Urges Institutional Reform, Peace and Innovative Financing

Addis Ababa, February 11, 2026 (ENA)- African Union Commission (AUC) has called for accelerated institutional reform, stronger peace efforts and innovative financing to drive Africa’s development.

Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf made these remarks as the 48th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council opened at the Union’s headquarters.

While addressing Foreign Ministers from member states, Youssouf stressed “the urgency of institutional reform and the imperative of peace and development on the continent,” noting that the Commission is advancing key changes under its 2024-2028 reform plan.

“Reforms are advancing under the 2024-2028 Plan,” he said, citing progress in strengthening the African peace and security architecture, improving financial sustainability and reinforcing institutional capacity across AU organs.

While welcoming positive political developments, the Chairperson cautioned that security challenges remain.

“Gabon and Guinea have returned to constitutional order,” he noted, adding that “instability and terrorism persist in parts of the continent.”

Youssouf reaffirmed that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and AU institutions remain central to continental integration.

“AfCFTA and AU institutions remain central to driving integration,” he said, calling for innovative financing mechanisms and deeper collaboration with Africa’s private sector and civil society.

“Focused leadership and strategic priorities will define our success,” he told the Council, emphasized the need for inclusive partnerships to fund development programs.

“We have to associate the African private sector to our programs so that they can contribute to the financing of these development programs, associate the civil society and also the philanthropic foundations. No actor should be ignored and left behind,” he underscored.

Highlighting the 2026 AU Theme of the Year, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” the Chairperson described water as a strategic resource for the continent.

Youssouf said the upcoming summit would consolidate Africa’s shared priorities and deepen cooperation in advancing development.

He underlined ongoing reforms in peace and security, financial management and the justice sector, while stressing that mobilizing additional domestic resources is critical to accelerating transformation.

“We must seek innovative sources of finance to speed up our development efforts and reduce over reliance on external partners,” he said.

The Executive Council is expected to deliberate on key policy reports and approve the agenda for the 39th African Union Summit scheduled for 14 to 15 February 2026.