João Lourenço to Lead the AU in Addis Ababa
Johannesburg, South Africa – On February 14 and 15, 2025, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, will host a historic moment for Angola and the African continent. Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço will officially assume the rotational presidency of the African Union (AU), succeeding Azali Assoumani, the President of Comoros.
AfricaHeadline Reports Team
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The event, gathering 55 Heads of State and Government, diplomats, and representatives of international organizations, will mark the beginning of a term focused on peace and security, sustainable economic development, continental integration, and strengthening democratic governance.
At a time when Africa faces political and economic challenges, Angola’s presidency presents an opportunity to enhance the country’s international influence. As Miguel Bembe, Angola’s ambassador to the AU, stated, “Angola steps into the African Union’s leadership with strong diplomatic credentials and an unwavering commitment to stability and development across the continent.”
The African Union’s Role in the Continent
The African Union (AU), the continent’s largest intergovernmental organization, was established on May 26, 2001, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and officially launched on July 9, 2002, in Durban, South Africa. It replaced the Organization of African Unity (OAU), founded in 1963.
The AU’s mission is to promote political and economic integration, defend human rights, and ensure regional peace and security. Key institutions within the AU include: The Peace and Security Council; The Pan-African Parliament; The African Union Commission, currently led by Moussa Faki Mahamat of Chad.
Over the years, the AU has played a crucial role in conflict mediation, boosting intra-African trade, and representing the continent in global forums. Its inclusion in the G20 in September 2023 elevated its global standing, granting it a stronger voice in international decision-making.
Angola’s Priorities as AU President
Angola’s presidency begins at a time of significant political and security challenges, particularly in regions such as the Sahel, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Sudan, where armed conflicts threaten stability and development. Angola, under João Lourenço, has been a key mediator in regional crises, including the ongoing tensions between the DRC and Rwanda.
Beyond conflict resolution, Angola’s leadership will prioritize:
Agriculture and Food Security: Promoting policies to boost agricultural production and reduce Africa’s dependence on food imports.
Industrialization and Trade: Advancing the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to enhance intra-African commerce.
Infrastructure and Connectivity: Supporting major projects such as the Lobito Corridor, which links Angola, DRC, and Zambia, facilitating the transport of minerals and agricultural goods.
Institutional Reforms and Good Governance: Strengthening anti-corruption initiatives and democratic institutions.
João Lourenço: A President with Diplomatic Influence
Since 2022, João Lourenço has gained international recognition as a mediator and advocate for peace in Africa. In 2023, the AU designated him as “Champion for Peace and Reconciliation in Africa” for his role in resolving conflicts, particularly within the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).
Lourenço was instrumental in negotiating talks between DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame over the conflict in eastern Congo. In November 2023, he hosted a high-level summit in Luanda, demonstrating Angola’s growing diplomatic influence.
According to political analyst Arsénio Bumba, “João Lourenço assumes the African Union presidency with a proven record in diplomacy and negotiation. His challenge will be to consolidate Angola’s role as a key player in Africa’s integration and conflict resolution efforts.”
Strengthening Africa’s Position in the G20
One of Angola’s strategic priorities will be reinforcing Africa’s position within the G20, where the AU became a permanent member in 2023. With South Africa holding the G20 presidency in 2025, Angola sees a unique opportunity to strengthen Africa’s negotiations on debt relief, development financing, and infrastructure investment.
In January 2025, Angola advocated in Addis Ababa for greater financial contributions from AU member states to enhance the organization’s financial independence. Since 2017, the AU Peace Fund has raised $341.4 million, and Angola aims to increase this amount.
Angola’s Minister of Finance, Vera Daves, will preside over the AU’s Ministerial Committee on Scale of Assessment and Contributions (F15) meeting on February 7, 2025, in Addis Ababa, to discuss financial sustainability.
The Impact of Angola’s AU Presidency
With Angola at the helm of the African Union in 2025, the continent anticipates a term focused on political stability, economic transformation, and enhanced global representation. However, managing the diverse interests of 55 member states and delivering tangible progress in trade, security, and infrastructure will be a formidable challenge.
The African Union Commission, under Moussa Faki Mahamat, will continue to play a technical role in executing AU decisions, while Angola assumes the political and diplomatic leadership.
In his inaugural speech on February 15, 2025, João Lourenço is expected to emphasize his commitment to peace, African unity, and economic growth. As he recently stated:
“Africa must speak with one voice on the global stage. Our priority is to advance the continent, ensure opportunities for our youth, and build a prosperous, self-reliant Africa.”
With an ambitious agenda and significant challenges ahead, Angola’s AU presidency is set to be a defining period in African diplomacy and governance.
