Address
Brass next to White House Hotel, Addis Ababa
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Monday to Friday: 9am – 5pm
Sat: 9am – 1pm
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – At the 39th African Union Summit, H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of Ethiopia, delivered a powerful address calling for a confident, united, and innovative Africa. His speech outlined a vision where Africa not only meets global challenges but also leads solutions that shape the future.
Dr. Abiy emphasized that Africa must be “at the table” of global decision-making, advocating for proactive engagement and continental unity. He highlighted the need for Africa to take control of its economic, technological, and political future.(African Union)
Driving Africa’s Future Through Innovation
A central theme of Dr. Abiy’s AU speech 2026 was technology and innovation as a driving force for development. Ethiopia has made notable strides, including:
- Establishing Africa’s first Artificial Intelligence Institute.
- Launching plans for an AI University, empowering young Africans with skills in emerging technologies.(Ethiopia News Agency)
Dr. Abiy urged African nations to harness AI, fintech, renewable energy, and mobile technology to close gaps in healthcare, education, and infrastructure, while maintaining African data sovereignty.(Agenda 2063)
Unity and Continental Integration
Dr. Abiy also emphasized that Africa’s strength lies in unity. He highlighted investments in regional connectivity, infrastructure, and trade as critical to linking African markets and communities. These efforts align with the AU Agenda 2063, aimed at building an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful continent.
“By 2063, Africa will be defined by what we secure, what we sustain, and what we share.”
This statement underlined his belief that cooperation, shared responsibility, and collective ambition are essential for Africa’s growth.(African Union)
Celebrating Africa’s Strengths
Dr. Abiy urged leaders to view Africa’s diversity, youth, and natural resources as assets rather than obstacles. He called on governments, private sectors, and youth movements to leverage these strengths to foster equitable development and sustainable growth.(Ethiopia News Agency)
He also acknowledged persistent challenges, including climate impacts, infrastructure gaps, and geopolitical pressures, framing them as shared responsibilities for all African nations.
A Call for Leadership and Self-Determination
Closing his address, Dr. Abiy stressed that Africa’s future is self-determined. He encouraged leaders to invest in innovation, human capital, and continental collaboration, ensuring Africa’s voice and vision are central on the global stage.
Dr. Abiy Ahmed’s AU speech 2026 reflects Ethiopia’s national ambitions and the broader African aspiration for unity, progress, and leadership in a complex world.