The second African Political Parties Summit (APPS) will convene in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from November 5 to 7, 2026. This significant gathering will bring together political leaders to deliberate on the crucial role of political parties in driving Africa’s economic transformation. The summit aims to shape the continent's economic future through effective governance.
The Africa Governance Centre (AGC) is convening the summit in collaboration with the Ethiopian government. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali provides high patronage for the event. The 2026 summit carries the theme “Governing for Growth: Political Parties as Architects of Africa’s Economic Future.” This theme underscores the central focus on economic development and the strategic influence of political leadership.
This event fits into Ghana’s broader economic narrative by highlighting regional efforts to address shared development challenges. Ghana, like many African nations, seeks sustainable growth and economic diversification. The discussions on industrialisation and resilient economies directly impact Ghana’s policy objectives. The inaugural APPS meeting in Accra, Ghana, in August 2025, previously set a precedent for such continental dialogues. That meeting produced the Accra Declaration, a 10-point commitment for good governance and inclusive development.
Organisers state that the gathering will focus on how political leadership can contribute to industrialisation, sustainable development, and regional integration. They also aim to foster the creation of resilient African economies. These areas are critical for Africa to achieve its long-term economic ambitions. The summit provides a platform for sharing best practices and formulating collective strategies.
The Africa Governance Centre emphasizes that the Addis Ababa summit arrives at a critical juncture for the continent. African countries are actively seeking to accelerate economic transformation. They are simultaneously navigating complex socio-economic challenges. This context makes the summit's focus on economic governance particularly timely and relevant.
Discussions will specifically examine how political parties can help strengthen accountable institutions. They will also explore advancing development priorities in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063. This agenda outlines Africa's vision for an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful continent. Political parties are key actors in translating this vision into tangible policies and outcomes.
Two flagship platforms will form part of the 2026 summit. These are the African Youth in Politics Forum (AYPF) and the Africa Women Political Leadership Summit (AWPLS). These platforms will offer dedicated spaces for discussions. They will address youth and women’s participation in political leadership. They also aim to improve their representation within Africa’s political systems. This inclusion is vital for comprehensive and equitable economic development.
Organisers expect recommendations from these two platforms to feed into the Addis Ababa Declaration. This declaration will capture shared priorities and commitments. It aims to strengthen development-oriented political institutions across the continent. Such commitments are crucial for fostering stability and predictable policy environments, which attract investment and drive growth. The summit will bring together political party representatives and other stakeholders. They will collectively examine how political leadership can support Africa’s economic ambitions. This collaborative approach is essential for achieving sustainable development goals. The outcomes will influence national economic policies and regional cooperation frameworks, impacting trade, investment, and job creation across Africa.