38th African Union (AU) Summit: Advancing Africa’s Development Agenda

15 – 16 February 2025

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Summit Dates: 

- 14th - 31st January 2025: 49th Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC)
- 12th - 13th February 2025: 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council (Ministerial Session)
- 15th -16th February 2025: 38th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly (Heads of State and Government Session)

The 38th African Union (AU) Summit will bring together heads of state, policymakers, and key stakeholders from across Africa to address pressing challenges and opportunities for the continent. Held at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, this pivotal gathering will focus on advancing the African Union’s agenda for peace, prosperity, and sustainable development.

Key Themes for the 38th AU Summit: Building a United Front to Advance the Cause of Justice and the Payment of Reparations to Africans

  1. Agenda 2063: Accelerating the implementation of Agenda 2063, the AU’s blueprint for achieving inclusive and sustainable development in Africa.
  2. Health and Well-being: Prioritizing health equity across the continent, with a focus on maternal, newborn, and child health, gender equality, and universal health coverage.
  3. Youth and Innovation: Harnessing the power of Africa’s youth and fostering innovation to drive economic growth and technological advancement.
  4. Peace and Security: Addressing ongoing conflicts and promoting sustainable peacebuilding efforts, including strengthening regional cooperation and governance frameworks.
  5. Climate Resilience: Enhancing Africa’s resilience to climate change through sustainable practices, renewable energy adoption, and environmental conservation.

Focusing on Women, Children, and Adolescents’ Health (WCAH)

At PMNCH, we emphasize the critical importance of addressing Women, Children, and Adolescents’ Health (WCAH) as a cornerstone of Africa’s development agenda. With maternal and child mortality rates still unacceptably high in many parts of the continent, urgent action is needed to ensure access to quality healthcare for all.

Aligned with the WHA77 resolution on reducing maternal, newborn, and child mortality and morbidity, the AU Summit presents an opportunity for Member States to:

  1. Strengthen health systems: Commit to increased investments in health infrastructure, human resources, and supply chains to expand access to essential services.
  2. Promote sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR): Address barriers to SRHR, ensuring women and adolescents have access to critical services and information.
  3. Support youth leadership: Empower Africa’s youth to play an active role in health advocacy and innovation, leveraging their potential to drive transformative change.
  4. Integrate health into broader development agendas: Ensure that health priorities are embedded in discussions on economic growth, education, and climate resilience.

A Call for Action to AU Member States

The 38th AU Summit is a crucial platform for leaders to reaffirm their commitments to the health and well-being of Africa’s most vulnerable populations. PMNCH calls on Member States to:

  • Prioritize WCAH in national budgets and policies, ensuring sustainable funding for health programs.
  • Foster multi-sectoral partnerships to address the interconnected challenges of health, education, and poverty.
  • Strengthen regional collaboration to tackle cross-border health issues and build resilience in fragile settings.

Building a Healthier and More Prosperous Africa

As the 38th AU Summit convenes, the focus on health equity and sustainable development will be vital to achieving Africa’s vision for 2063. By championing WCAH, Member States can create lasting impacts that uplift communities and strengthen the continent’s future.

Join the conversation using #AUSummit38 to share insights, commitments, and success stories that demonstrate Africa’s collective strength and determination to leave no one behind. Together, we can advance a healthier, more inclusive, and prosperous Africa.