Ethiopia will host the second edition of the African Political Parties Summit (APPS) from November 5 to 7, 2026, bringing together political leaders and governance stakeholders to discuss the role of political leadership in driving Africa’s economic transformation.
The summit, to be held in Addis Ababa under the high patronage of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, is being organised by the Africa Governance Centre (AGC) in collaboration with the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
It will be held under the theme, “Governing for Growth: Political Parties as Architects of Africa’s Economic Future.”
According to the organisers, the event will bring together political party leaders and representatives, policymakers, parliamentarians, governance institutions, development partners, academics, civil society organisations, youth leaders and private sector actors.
The summit comes as African countries pursue economic transformation, regional integration, industrialisation and inclusive development while confronting governance and socio-economic challenges.
The organisers said the gathering would provide an opportunity to examine how political leadership could help shape public policy, strengthen democratic institutions and support national development priorities.
“Recognizing the central role political parties play in shaping public policy, strengthening democratic institutions and driving national development priorities, the Summit seeks to advance dialogue on how political leadership can contribute to building resilient economies, accountable institutions and sustainable development pathways,” the statement said.
The 2026 summit aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and its vision of a prosperous, integrated and peaceful continent driven by effective leadership, strong institutions and people-centred development.
The Addis Ababa meeting will build on the inaugural African Political Parties Summit held in Accra in 2025, which resulted in the Accra Declaration.
Organisers said the upcoming summit would examine emerging priorities and develop a new set of commitments through an Addis Ababa Declaration.
Two flagship platforms—the African Youth in Politics Forum and the Africa Women Political Leadership Summit—will also be convened to promote greater youth and women’s participation and representation in political leadership.
“The outcomes and recommendations from APPS, AYPF, and AWPLS will contribute to the Addis Ababa Declaration, capturing shared priorities and commitments towards strengthening political leadership, inclusive governance and development-oriented political institutions across Africa,” the statement added.
The summit will feature high-level plenary sessions, thematic dialogues and stakeholder engagements aimed at deepening collaboration among political actors and contributing to a governance environment that supports Africa’s aspirations for growth, stability and prosperity.
