Several African Leaders Arrive in Addis Ababa Ahead of 39th AU Summit, Historic Africa–Italy Forum

Addis Ababa, February 12, 2026 (ENA)—Several African Presidents, Vice Presidents, and senior delegations arrived in Addis Ababa this evening to participate in the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union and the inaugural Africa–Italy forum.

Among the arrivals were President Daniel Francisco Chapo of Mozambique, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra of the Central African Republic, and Vice President Sebastien Pillay of Seychelles.

 

 

Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, the Presidents were warmly received by Minister of Planning and Development, Fitsum Assefa,Minister of Agriculture, Addisu Arega along with State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye.

Also landing at Bole International Airport this evening was the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen. Kashim Shettima, who was warmly received by Minister of Innovation and Technology Belete Molla.

 

 

The leaders and their delegations will remain in Addis Ababa through Sunday to participate in summit deliberations, bilateral meetings, and related events.

This year’s AU Summit will be held under the theme “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” and will bring together heads of state, government officials, and partners to advance continental priorities.

 

 

Concurrently, Addis Ababa will host the historic Africa–Italy forum—the first time the meeting is held on African soil—providing an additional platform for dialogue on trade, investment, migration, and development cooperation between African countries and Italy.

Ethiopia will also use the gatherings to showcase its recent achievements, highlighting progress in corridor development and successful riverside projects that have supported trade, transport, and local livelihoods.

Government officials said the presentations will emphasize the country’s role as a gateway for regional integration and as a hub for infrastructure-led development in the Horn of Africa.

Senior Ethiopian officials are expected to hold bilateral talks with visiting leaders during the summit period to strengthen cooperation on economic, security, and development matters.