Dr. Fateh Boutbig, President of the African Parliament, participated in the closing session of the 2nd African Political Parties Summit (APPS 2026) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from November 5-7, 2026. The summit, themed "Governance for Growth: Political Parties as Architects of Africa's Economic Future," brought together high-ranking officials, politicians, and party leaders from across Africa. The session was attended by notable figures, including Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister Adam Ferrah and African Governance Center President Benedicta Lasse.
In his address, Dr. Boutbig emphasized that Africa must complete its political liberation by achieving economic independence and acquiring the tools for wealth creation, knowledge, and technology. He noted that the continent, having gained freedom and dignity, is capable of winning the battle for developmental sovereignty and economic liberation. The African Parliament President highlighted the need for political parties to shift from competing for power to providing solutions and driving economic and social transformations.
Dr. Boutbig announced the African Parliament's initiative to organize an African conference of political parties in 2027, aiming to prevent conflicts and promote peace and stability. This conference seeks to create a continental space for dialogue and consultation among party and parliamentary leaders, in coordination with African Union bodies and peace and security agencies. The goal is to exchange experiences, develop common approaches to early warning and conflict prevention, and enhance the role of party and parliamentary diplomacy in building peace.
The summit concluded with the adoption of the "Addis Ababa Declaration," which establishes a continental framework for promoting political leadership and democratic governance. The declaration emphasizes the importance of respecting constitutional principles, consolidating political pluralism, and upholding the rule of law and democratic accountability. The parties also agreed to launch a comprehensive continental consultation to prepare the "APPI 2040 Agenda," a shared vision aimed at translating Africa's development aspirations into actionable programs and commitments.
The African Political Parties Initiative (APPI) was officially launched, with its institutional and organizational framework, as well as governance mechanisms, defined under the auspices of the African Governance Center. The initiative's first leadership team was also elected for a three-year term. Furthermore, the summit highlighted the importance of establishing a Council of African Political Parties Schools and Institutes (CAPPSI) and the Political Academy for Transformational Leadership (PATL) to develop party leadership and cadres.
Dr. Boutbig stressed that African leaders' responsibility is measured not by the number of meetings and promises but by the tangible impact of their decisions on people's lives. He called for a shift from resource-rich Africa to institution-rich Africa and from a continent consuming technology to one producing knowledge and innovation. The African Parliament President concluded by emphasizing that the desired Africa is not one that is awaited but one that is created today through the collective efforts of its people.
The conference underscored the significance of promoting peace, stability, and economic development in Africa through enhanced cooperation between political parties, parliaments, and governments.
Key points
- The African Parliament will host a conference in 2027 to promote peace and prevent conflicts.
- Dr. Fateh Boutbig emphasized the need for African political parties to shift from competing for power to providing solutions and driving economic and social transformations.
- The summit adopted the "Addis Ababa Declaration," which establishes a framework for promoting political leadership and democratic governance in Africa.
