Africa Must Strengthen Unity, Mobilize Resources to Navigate Global Crises: AUC Chairperson

Addis Ababa, July 28, 2026 (ENA) — Africa must strengthen its unity, mobilize greater financial resources, and accelerate institutional reforms to effectively respond to mounting global crises that are increasingly affecting the continent's development prospects, Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said.

Addressing the opening of the 49th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council in Addis Ababa today, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said the meeting is taking place against the backdrop of a challenging international environment marked by geopolitical instability, security threats, public health emergencies, and financing constraints.

"The meeting is convening at a time of continental and international context marked by crises," he said, noting that the repercussions of the conflict in the Middle East continue to weigh heavily on African economies.

According to the AU Commission chairperson, the renewed conflict in the Middle East has disrupted global supply chains, driving up fuel prices and the cost of essential commodities, with significant consequences for African countries.

"Our continent is suffering fully the consequences of the crisis in the Middle East,"he stated, adding that experts from the African Union have been assessing the long-term implications of the crisis for the continent.

Youssouf also expressed concern over the continued spread of terrorism and violent extremism across Africa, particularly in the Sahel region.

Recalling his recent visits to countries in the Sahel, he reaffirmed the African Union Commission's commitment to strengthening regional cooperation in addressing terrorism and improving the humanitarian situation in affected areas.

On public health, the chairperson highlighted the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which he said has claimed more than 1,000 lives.

He conveyed condolences to the families of the victims and commended the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) for leading the continental response through the mobilization of resources and deployment of technical teams, while calling for greater solidarity from AU member states.

Turning to institutional and financial matters, Youssouf  said ministers would deliberate on the African Union's draft 2027 budget.

He noted that while member states' assessed contributions remain capped at 200 million US dollars, nearly 80 percent of the programme budget continues to depend on support from international partners.

The chairperson observed that the Commission currently operates with only 30 percent of its staffing and 25 percent of the required budgetary resources, underscoring the need for greater financial support to enable the institution to effectively discharge its continental mandate.

To realize the aspirations of Agenda 2063, Youssouf  stressed that Africa needs to mobilize an estimated 2 billion US dollars, emphasizing that the Commission's role is to create the political, policy, and institutional conditions necessary to attract greater public and private investment for the continent's development.

He further stated that the Commission will continue utilizing multilateral platforms and strategic partnerships to advance Africa's priorities and expectations on the global stage.

On institutional reform, Youssouf  announced that the implementation of the Skills Audit and Competency Assessment (SACA) process has been completed, except for issues relating to staff financed by development partners, which have been referred to the Executive Council.

He reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to prudent financial management, strengthened accountability, and results-based management.

The AU Commission chairperson also urged member states to accelerate the ratification of outstanding African Union legal instruments critical to implementing the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan of Agenda 2063.

He further appealed for African countries to remain united in supporting African candidates seeking election to positions in international organizations, saying continental solidarity remains essential to advancing Africa's interests globally.

Foreign ministers and senior officials from across Africa are convening in Addis Ababa for the 49th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council to deliberate on key continental priorities, including water security, sanitation, institutional reform, financing, peace and security, and the implementation of Agenda 2063.