Addis Ababa:Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has urged African political parties to transcend electoral rivalries and prioritize unity, inclusive governance, and collective leadership to accelerate Africa's economic transformation.
According to Ethiopian Press Agency, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized the need for African political leaders to focus on unity and long-term development commitments. He highlighted the importance of collective leadership in advancing the continent's economic transformation during the Second African Political Parties Summit (APPS 2026) held in Addis Ababa.
The summit, themed 'Governing for Growth Political Parties as Architects of Africa's Economic Future,' provided a platform for discussions on how political institutions can drive economic growth and institutional reform. Abiy Ahmed reiterated the significance of Ethiopia's Medemer (synergy) philosophy, which stresses leading through unity to achieve development goals.
Participants at the summit, including political party leaders and policymakers, explored the role of political parties in shaping Africa's economic future. Discussions focused on productive investment, industrialization, employment creation, effective governance, and sustainable development. Youth and women's participation in political leadership was also a key agenda item, with Abiy Ahmed advocating for investment in the next generation.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed Ethiopia's commitment to providing training through the African Leadership Excellence Academy to support leadership development and expand opportunities for experience-sharing among African political actors. This initiative aims to strengthen political institutions and foster cooperation across the continent.
The Addis Ababa summit builds on the inaugural gathering in Accra, Ghana, in 2025, and seeks to strengthen political cooperation, encouraging parties to prioritize economic transformation, peace, institutional accountability, and citizens' welfare. Abiy Ahmed's message highlights the need for political leadership to build consensus, strengthen unity, and make long-term development a shared responsibility across Africa.
