The 38th African Union (AU) Summit, taking place from 12-16 February 2025, is one of the most significant political gatherings for Africa this year. At the heart of the summit are high-stakes elections that will determine the leadership of the African Union Commission (AUC) for the next four years. Given the AU’s role in shaping Africa’s economic development, security, and global diplomacy, these elections matter to every African.

What does the African Union Chairperson do?

The AU Chairperson is the head of the African Union Commission (AUC), the executive branch of the AU. The person who assumes this role will have major influence over Africa’s policies and global positioning. Some key responsibilities include:

1. Implementing Africa’s Agenda 2063: The Chairperson ensures progress on Africa’s long-term development plan, which includes economic integration, industrialization, and sustainable development.
2. Conflict Resolution and Security: The leader plays a key role in mediating conflicts, overseeing peacekeeping efforts, and working with the AU Peace and Security Council.
3. Economic and Trade Development: Strengthening the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and advocating for investment in infrastructure and industrialisation.
4. International Diplomacy: Representing Africa at global summits, including the G20, United Nations (UN), COP, BRICS, and World Economic Forum.
5. Health and Humanitarian Crisis Response: Coordinating AU efforts in responding to pandemics, food crises, and climate disasters.

Who is running for AU Chairperson?

The Eastern African region is set to produce the next Chairperson. Three key candidates are competing for the position:

• Raila Odinga (Kenya): Former Prime Minister of Kenya (2008–2013), Member of Parliament, and leader of opposition coalitions. He was the AU High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa (2018–2023).
• Mahamoud Ali Youssouf (Djibouti): Djibouti’s current Foreign Minister since 2005, he has deep diplomatic expertise and a strong focus on security and regional cooperation.
• Richard Randriamandrato (Madagascar): Former Foreign Minister, with a strong background in economic policy and regional infrastructure development.

Other key elections at the Summit

Beyond the Chairperson role, other significant leadership positions are up for election:

1. AU Deputy Chairperson

This role is designated for Northern Africa, with the following candidates:

• Algeria: Ambassador Salah Francis Elhamdi (former Ambassador to Ethiopia) and Ambassador Salma Malika Haddadi (former Ambassador to Kenya) 
• Egypt: Mohamed Ahmed Fathi Edrees (former Representative to the United Nations) and Dr. Hanan Morsy (Deputy Executive Secretary and Chief Economist at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa)
• Libya: Najat Hajjaji (Diplomat)
• Morocco: Latifa Akharbach (President of the High Authority for Audiovisual Communication)

2. Six AU Commissioner roles

• These positions oversee critical sectors such as:
  • Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (ARBE)
  • Economic Development, Trade, Industry, Mining (ETIM)
  • Education, Science, Technology & Innovation (ESTI)
  • Infrastructure and Energy
  • Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS)
  • Health, Humanitarian Affairs & Social Development (HHS)

A total of 35 candidates from Central, Western, and Southern Africa are contesting, with 19 female candidates, reflecting a growing push for gender inclusivity in AU leadership.

The Political Affairs, Peace and Security position is the only role where the incumbent, Bankole Adeoye from Nigeria, is running for re-election. Africa Intelligence reported that Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, will be in Addis to defend Adeoye. The challengers are: Jean-Jacques Démafouth (Central African Republic candidate who serves as a Representative of ECCAS Commission to the AUC), Oumar Bikimo (a Chadian general and former Head of the G5 Sahel Military Force) and Joca Felisberto Antonio Archar (nominee from Mozambique).

Why does this Summit matter to Africans?

The outcomes of these elections will shape Africa’s policies in key areas such as:

• Better trade and jobs: The AU’s economic policies influence job creation, trade expansion, and industrial growth.
• Improved security: The AU Chairperson plays a vital role in conflict resolution and preventing instability across the continent.
• Stronger global influence: The Chairperson represents Africa at global summits, advocating for fairer trade, climate financing, and Africa’s permanent seat at the UN Security Council.
• Infrastructure and development: Leadership decisions will affect the expansion of roads, railways, energy, and digital infrastructure, crucial for Africa’s long-term growth.

Conclusion

The 2025 AU Summit is more than just a political event. It will determine the course of Africa’s economic development, security, and international standing for years to come. With high-stakes elections and critical policy discussions, Africans should closely watch the outcomes and demand accountability from their leaders. The AU’s next leadership team will play a pivotal role in Africa’s progress, and their decisions will impact millions across the continent.