Angolan President João Lourenço Elected Chair of the African Union’s Rotating Presidency
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, February 15, 2025 — Angolan President João Lourenço has officially assumed the rotating chairmanship of the African Union (AU) during the 38th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly. The election took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, marking a significant milestone for Angola as the country takes the leadership role for the first time.
A Significant Leadership Role
The presidency of the African Union rotates annually among the five major regions of Africa: North, South, East, West, and Central Africa. With this leadership transition, President Lourenço succeeds Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani, who had held the position during the previous year.
President Lourenço’s election to this prestigious role places Angola at the forefront of the continent’s diplomatic and political efforts for the upcoming year. As the chair of the AU, Lourenço will oversee the organization’s operations, help direct its initiatives, and represent Africa on the global stage.
Priorities for Angola’s AU Presidency
In his acceptance speech, President Lourenço outlined his priorities, emphasizing the need for greater infrastructural development, particularly in the areas of transportation and energy. He called for a continental focus on improving critical infrastructure, such as airports, ports, railways, and power supply systems, which he views as key components for driving Africa’s economic growth and development.
Lourenço’s leadership is expected to push for initiatives that aim to elevate living standards across the continent. He noted that sustainable economic development through infrastructure upgrades is essential for the betterment of Africans, ultimately fostering greater regional integration and boosting intra-Africa trade.
Addressing Africa’s Challenges
President Lourenço’s term comes at a crucial time for the African Union as the continent faces multiple challenges, including ongoing conflicts in regions such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, where violence continues to disrupt stability. Additionally, Africa’s economic recovery post-pandemic remains a priority, and Lourenço is expected to focus on initiatives to revitalize economies while prioritizing the safety and well-being of the continent’s populations.
Lourenço’s presidency will also likely place a spotlight on security, peace-building efforts, and conflict resolution, with a focus on ensuring the African Union’s role in managing and addressing regional crises.
A Platform for Pan-African Unity
Lourenço’s term as chair of the AU also provides an opportunity for Angola to strengthen its position within the broader African context. Angola has long been an advocate for pan-African unity, and under Lourenço’s leadership, the country will likely work to solidify collaborative relationships with other AU member states to build stronger, more resilient partnerships across the continent.
Furthermore, Angola is poised to continue advancing the Agenda 2063, a strategic framework aimed at transforming Africa into a global powerhouse of the future. As chair, Lourenço is expected to champion the AU’s strategic initiatives, focusing on areas such as sustainable development, good governance, human rights, and economic integration.
The Role of the African Union’s Chair
The African Union’s rotating presidency is more than just a symbolic position. It carries with it the responsibility of guiding the organization through a year of complex and evolving challenges. The chair of the AU plays a key role in shaping the Union’s agenda, facilitating diplomatic dialogue among member states, and ensuring the smooth implementation of the Union’s programs and policies.
The chairperson also represents the African Union in various international and multilateral forums, further elevating the continent’s voice on the global stage. President Lourenço’s term will thus not only influence Africa’s internal affairs but also set the tone for the continent’s interactions with other regions and global powers.
Conclusion
As Angola assumes the AU’s rotating presidency, the country and its president are poised to leave a significant mark on African diplomacy and development. Lourenço’s leadership will be pivotal in navigating the continent’s challenges, fostering deeper economic integration, and advocating for the peace and prosperity of the African people. His tenure as chair of the African Union offers a unique opportunity for Angola to further its regional and global influence, while working toward the long-term goals of sustainable development and intra-African collaboration.
As the AU embarks on a new chapter under President Lourenço’s guidance, all eyes will be on Angola and its contributions to the African Union’s work in 2025 and beyond.
This article encapsulates Angola’s significant moment on the African Union stage and highlights President João Lourenço’s vision for his tenure. Would you like further details on any of the AU’s programs or specific initiatives under Lourenço’s leadership?
