Addis Ababa, February 13, 2026 (FMC) – The President of Equatorial Guinea, the President of Cabo Verde, and the Prime Minister of Senegal touched down in Addis Ababa this afternoon to participate in the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.

President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea was warmly received at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport by Ethiopia’s Minister of Urban and Infrastructure, Chaltu Sani, along with State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye. Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko of Senegal was welcomed by the same officials upon his arrival. President José Maria Pereira Neves of Cabo Verde was received by Minister of Education, Berhanu Nega, alongside Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye.

Addis Ababa, February 13, 2026 (FMC) – The Prime Minister of the State of Palestine, Mohammad Mustafa, arrived in Addis Ababa this evening to participate in the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.

The Prime Minister was warmly received at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport by Ethiopia’s Minister of Education, Berhanu Nega, along with State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye.

The summit, scheduled for February 14-15, will be held under the theme “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.” Leaders are expected to discuss water and sanitation as critical factors for sustainable development, peace, climate resilience, and socio-economic transformation across the continent.

Addis Ababa, February 13, 2026 (FMC) – UN Secretary-General António Guterres said Italy’s Mattei Plan demonstrates a clear commitment to Africa, but stressed that the continent’s full potential can only be realized through fair financing, climate action, and equitable access to technology.

The 2nd Italy-Africa Summit was held today in Addis Ababa, co-hosted and presided over by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy.

The one-day meeting brought together African heads of state and government, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and high-level delegates from Italy, African countries, and international and multilateral institutions.

Addressing the summit, Guterres said the gathering sends a clear message that cooperation between Africa and its partners must be built on trust and mutual respect, and must deliver on both the United Nations’ Agenda 2030 . . . . . .

Addis Ababa, February 13, 2026 (FMC) – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Africa-Europe relations must move beyond dialogue to deliver tangible benefits and shared prosperity for citizens across both continents, as he addressed the 2nd Italy-Africa Summit held in Addis Ababa today.

The 2nd Italy-Africa Summit was held today in Addis Ababa, co-hosted and presided over by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy. The one-day meeting brought together African heads of state and government, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and high-level delegates from Italy, African countries, and international and multilateral institutions.

Speaking before African heads of state and government, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and representatives of multilateral institutions, Abiy described the summit as a pivotal moment to translate strategic discussions into concrete development outcomes.

Addis Ababa, February 13, 2026 (FMC) – Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the Mattei Plan has evolved into an operational strategy delivering tangible results, emphasizing that Italy-Africa relations must be grounded in equal partnership and free from dependency.

The 2nd Italy-Africa Summit was held today in Addis Ababa, co-hosted and presided over by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy. The one-day meeting brought together African heads of state and government, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and high-level delegates from Italy, African countries, and international and multilateral institutions.

Addressing the summit, Meloni said Italy had taken a “very challenging commitment” to write a new chapter in its relations with Africa by building a model of cooperation based on trust, mutual respect, and equality, far from paternalism or predatory approaches. She noted that historically, Africa’s potential had often been overlooked, and Italy has worked to change that since the first Italy-Africa Summit two years ago.

Addis Ababa, February 13, 2026 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has welcomed Giorgia Meloni, the Prime Minister of Italy, in Addis Ababa today.

It is noteworthy that Ethiopia and Italy are hosting the second Italy-Africa Summit here in Addis Ababa in the presence of African leaders and other stakeholders.

“It is my great honour and pleasure to welcome Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to Ethiopia as we co-host the Second Italy–Africa Summit,” PM Abiy said in a social media post after welcoming the Italian leader.

PM Abiy stressed that this occasion represents more than a diplomatic gathering; it symbolizes the deepening partnership between Italy and African nations; a partnership grounded in mutual respect, shared responsibility, and a common vision for sustainable growth.

“Prime Minister Meloni’s visit underscores our collective commitment to strengthening cooperation across trade, investment, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and innovation,” he added.

​

Addis Ababa, February 13, 2026 (FMC) – Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, met with Workneh Gebeyehu, Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), to discuss strategies for strengthening the regional bloc.

During the meeting, the two officials explored ways to enhance IGAD’s role in promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development across the Horn of Africa.

The discussions focused on deepening collaboration among member states and reinforcing the organization’s capacity to address regional challenges.

Addis Ababa, February 13, 2026 (FMC) – The President of Libya and the Prime Ministers of Rwanda and Morocco arrived in Addis Ababa this afternoon to participate in the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.

The Libyan President was warmly received at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport by Ethiopia’s Minister of Peace, Mohamed Edris, along with State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye.

The Rwandan and Moroccan Prime Ministers were welcomed by the same officials upon their arrivals.

The 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government is being held in Addis Ababa this week under the theme “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”

Addis Ababa, February 13, 2026 (FMC) – Presidents Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia and Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia arrived in Addis Ababa this afternoon to participate in the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.

Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, President Mohamud was warmly received by Ethiopia’s Minister of Revenues, Aynalem Negussie, and State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye. President Hichilema was welcomed by Minister of Mining, Habtamu Tegegn, alongside Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye.

The 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government is being held in Addis Ababa this week under the theme “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”

Addis Ababa, February 13, 2026 (FMC) – Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, arrived in Addis Ababa this afternoon to take part in the 39th African Union Summit.

Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, President Salva Kiir was received by Ethiopia’s Minister of Mining, Habtamu Tegegn, and State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye.

The 39th African Union Summit is being held in Addis Ababa this week, bringing together Heads of State and Government from across the continent to deliberate on priority issues, including peace and security, economic integration, and sustainable development. Other African leaders are also in the Ethiopian capital for the African Union Summit as well as the second Italy–Africa Summit taking place on the margins of the continental

Addis Ababa, February 13, 2026 (FMC) – William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, has arrived in Addis Ababa to participate in the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.

Upon arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, President Ruto was welcomed by Ethiopia’s Minister of Mining, Habtamu Tegegn, and State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye.

The 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government is being held in Addis Ababa from February 14 to 15, 2026. This year’s summit is convened under the theme “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” highlighting water security, sanitation, and continental development priorities.

Addis Ababa, February 13, 2026 (FMC) – Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, Gedion Timothewos, hosted a breakfast meeting today with Foreign Ministers from the ratifying member states of the Agreement on the Nile River Basin Cooperative Framework (CFA).

The gathering brought together ministers from Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, and South Sudan to discuss practical steps for expediting the full operationalization of the CFA and the establishment of the Nile River Basin Commission (NRBC).

During the meeting, the ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to the principles of equitable and reasonable utilization of Nile waters as outlined in the CFA. They emphasized that continued cooperation is essential to ensure fair management and utilization of this shared water resource.

Addis Ababa, February 13, 2026 (FMC) – The 2nd Italy‑Africa Summit is set to be held today in Addis Ababa, bringing together Italian and African leaders and high-level delegates to strengthen political and economic cooperation and review strategic partnerships.

The summit, co-hosted by the Governments of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Italian Republic, marks the first time the meeting is held on African soil. It precedes the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU Summit 2026), scheduled for February 14–15 in the Ethiopian capital.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is expected to arrive in Addis Ababa this morning to preside over the summit. Officials said the meeting will provide a platform to review progress under Italy’s development initiatives in Africa and identify areas for future collaboration, including trade, investment, infrastructure, and sustainable development.

Addis Ababa, February 13, 2026 (FMC) – The African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, Moses Vilakati, has praised Ethiopia’s agricultural progress, describing its emergence as a wheat exporter as a major milestone for the continent.

Reflecting on Ethiopia’s agricultural transformation, Vilakati noted the remarkable journey the country has taken in strengthening its food production systems.

“We have realized where Ethiopia started and where they are right now — up to an extent where they are now exporting wheat. That’s a milestone, and we are very, very grateful,” he said.

He commended ethiopias broader development agenda, particularly its focus on agricultural modernization and digital transformation, which he said demonstrates what is possible when innovation, policy alignment, and political will converge.

Addis Ababa, February 13, 2026 (FMC) – The Office of the Prime Minister of Ethiopia has called on leaders, investors and international partners attending the African Union Summit 2026 to seize the country’s vast investment opportunities, underscoring the East African nation’s reform-driven and investor-first economic environment.

In a message shared on social media on Thursday, the Prime Minister’s Office stated that Ethiopia’s Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda has established a transparent foreign direct investment framework, supported by modern Special Economic Zones and improved access to African and global markets.

The PM Office highlighted Ethiopia’s seamless trade connectivity through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), positioning investors to tap into continental and international value chains.

Addis Ababa, February 13, 2026 (FMC) – Ethiopia is demonstrating its commitment to the Pan-African movement by hosting the African Union Summit 2026 and the 2nd Italy-Africa Summit, Government Communication Service State Minister Tesfahun Gobezay said on Thursday.

The State Minister briefed the media on preparations for the high-level gatherings, which will take place in Addis Ababa over the next three days. He noted that comprehensive arrangements are in place, including coordinated leadership, streamlined transport logistics, and the deployment of skilled volunteer cadets proficient in the African Union’s working languages.

According to Tesfahun, this year’s summit theme reflects Africa’s resolve toward sustainable development and the realization of Agenda 2063 goals. He emphasized that Ethiopia continues to serve as a model for the continent through its active role in hosting such diplomatic events.

Addis Ababa, February 13, 2026 (FMC) – The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres reaffirmed their commitment to strategic AU–UN cooperation and called for Africa’s permanent representation on the UN Security Council during a meeting at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa today.

The two leaders discussed regional peace and security, sustainable development, and inclusive economic transformation, emphasizing that Africa’s industrialization is essential for economic growth, employment creation for the continent’s youth, and long-term stability.

They underscored the importance of advancing structural transformation, value addition, and resilient economies consistent with the aspirations of Agenda 2063.

Addis Ababa, February 12, 2026 (FMC) – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres arrived in Addis Ababa on Wednesday evening to participate in the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.

Upon his arrival at Bole International Airport, the Secretary-General was warmly received by Ethiopia’s Minister of Planning and Development, Fitsum Assefa.

The UN chief is anticipated to deliver his remarks at the summit.

The UN Secretary-General is also expected to take part in high-level engagements alongside African heads of state and government, as the continental body convenes to deliberate on key priorities, including peace and security, sustainable development, regional integration, and the implementation of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Addis Ababa, February 12, 2026 (FMC) – The President of the Republic of Namibia, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah; the President of the Republic of Liberia, Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr.; the Prime Minister of São Tomé and Príncipe, Américo d’Oliveira dos Ramos; and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Cameroon, Joseph Dion Ngute, have arrived in Addis Ababa on Thursday evening to participate in the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia was warmly received upon arrival by Ethiopia’s Minister of Health, Mekdes Daba.

Prime Minister Américo d’Oliveira dos Ramos of São Tomé and Príncipe was accorded a warm welcome at Bole International Airport by Minister of Health, Mekdes Daba, along with State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye.

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. of Liberia was received by Minister of Planning and Development, Fitsum Assefa, and State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye.

Addis Ababa, February 12, 2026 (FMC) – The President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), Sidi Ould Tah, arrived in Addis Ababa on Wednesday to participate in the 39th African Union Summit and the 2nd Italy‑Africa Summit.

Upon his arrival at Bole International Airport, President Ould Tah was warmly received by Ethiopia’s Minister of Planning and Development, Fitsum Assefa, and State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye.

The AfDB President is expected to engage with African heads of state, government officials, and key delegates during the summits, discussing strategic initiatives for sustainable development, regional integration, and economic growth across the continent. His participation underscores the Bank’s pivotal role in financing Africa’s development priorities and supporting the implementation of the AU’s Agenda 2063 goals.

Addis Ababa, February 12, 2026 (FMC) – The President of the Republic of Mozambique, Daneil Francisco Chapo, the President of the Republic of Gabon, Brice Clotaire Oligul Nguema, and the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, arrived in Addis Ababa on Wednesday to participate in the 39th African Union Summit and the 2nd Italy‑Africa Summit.

Upon his arrival at Bole International Airport, President Chapo of Mozambique was warmly received by Ethiopia’s Minister of Planning and Development, Fitsum Assefa.

President Nguema of Gabon was accorded a warm welcome by Minister of Innovation and Technology, Belete Molla, along with State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye.