ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has called for greater accountability, transparency and inclusiveness in Africa’s political parties, emphasising their central role in strengthening democratic governance and shaping the continent’s development agenda.

Youssouf made the remarks while delivering a keynote address at the Second African Political Parties Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he joined Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, leaders of governing and opposition political parties, former presidents and prime ministers, parliamentarians and other African stakeholders.

The AU Commission Chairperson said the quality of political leadership remains a decisive factor in determining Africa’s future, urging political parties to uphold democratic principles, respect constitutionalism, promote political pluralism and embrace peaceful political competition.

He underscored the importance of political parties in advancing the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the continent’s long-term development blueprint, noting that accountable political institutions are essential to achieving Africa’s aspirations.

Youssouf also called for stronger transparency and accountability within political parties, while stressing the need to expand meaningful participation of women and young people in political leadership and decision-making processes.

The Chairperson further highlighted the economic responsibilities of political parties, calling for consensus on key development priorities, including education, employment creation, infrastructure development, regional integration and the effective implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He urged participants to build on commitments made during the inaugural African Political Parties Summit in Accra, Ghana, by translating them into concrete actions supported by clearly defined responsibilities and sustained follow-up mechanisms.

The Second African Political Parties Summit is being held from November 5–7, 2026, under the theme “Governing for Growth: Political Parties as Architects of Africa’s Economic Future.”

The gathering seeks to strengthen cooperation among African political parties and reposition them as institutions that contribute not only to electoral competition but also to economic transformation, institutional accountability and sustainable development.

The summit builds on the inaugural meeting held in Accra, Ghana, in 2025, with the Addis Ababa gathering expected to produce a new declaration outlining shared commitments for Africa’s political and economic future.