Ethiopia is set to host the second edition of the African Political Parties Summit from November 5 to 7, 2026, with political leaders and governance stakeholders expected to deliberate on the role of political leadership in 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 convened by the Africa Governance Centre in collaboration with the Ethiopian government.
It will be held under the theme, “Governing for Growth: Political Parties as Architects of Africa’s Economic Future.”
Political party leaders and representatives, policymakers, parliamentarians, governance institutions, development partners, academics, civil society organisations, youth leaders and private sector representatives are expected to participate.
The organisers say the summit comes at a critical time as African countries pursue economic transformation, regional integration, industrialisation and inclusive development amid growing governance and socio-economic challenges.
The summit will examine how political parties and political leadership can contribute to stronger democratic institutions, accountable governance, resilient economies and sustainable development.
The 2026 summit builds on the inaugural African Political Parties Summit held in Accra, Ghana, in 2025, which resulted in the Accra Declaration and established a platform for continued continental dialogue on political parties and development.
According to the organisers, the Addis Ababa meeting will seek to deepen that conversation and produce a new set of commitments through the Addis Ababa Declaration.
A key component of the summit will be two dedicated platforms — the African Youth in Politics Forum and the Africa Women Political Leadership Summit.
The platforms will focus on increasing the participation and representation of young people and women in political leadership and strengthening inclusive governance across Africa.
The outcomes of the two platforms, together with the main summit deliberations, are expected to feed into the Addis Ababa Declaration.
The Africa Governance Centre says the summit will use high-level plenary sessions, thematic discussions and stakeholder engagements to build greater collaboration among political actors and promote a governance environment capable of supporting Africa’s aspirations for growth, stability and prosperity.
