AU Urges Africa to Strengthen Collective Action and Economic Sovereignty

Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Selma Haddadi, addressed the 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa in Bahir Dar. She emphasized that Africa must navigate the changing global order with collective purpose and mutual utility, urging the continent to move beyond commitments toward tangible results for its citizens. She identified economic sovereignty, stronger continental institutions, and the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as essential pillars for Agenda 2063.

Haddadi also warned against the mismanagement of natural resources, noting that excluding communities from resource wealth can fuel instability. She called for transparent contracts and stronger accountability to ensure wealth benefits the public rather than sustaining armed groups or corruption. Furthermore, she advocated for protecting informal cross-border traders and underscored the necessity of integrating youth into peace processes, digital innovation, and economic governance to secure the continent's future.