The meeting comes at a time when the continent faces a range of economic, security and humanitarian challenges, including geopolitical tensions, conflicts, health emergencies and disruptions to global supply chains.
Addressing delegates, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf highlighted the difficult operating environment confronting the continent.
He pointed to macroeconomic instability, delays in fertiliser imports, ongoing conflicts and the recent Ebola outbreak, while noting that external developments, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, continue to affect Africa’s development plans.
Despite these challenges, Youssouf said the AU remains committed to advancing its priorities and implementing contingency measures to strengthen resilience. He revealed that the AU is currently operating with only 30% of its required staffing levels and approximately 25% of the budget needed to support its programmes and operations.
As a result, he indicated that the 2027 AU budget will follow an austerity approach, while maintaining efforts to implement institutional reforms and improve efficiency.
Youssouf called on Member States to demonstrate greater solidarity and provide additional support to ensure the successful implementation of the continent’s long-term development agenda. “The AU should have the necessary human and financial resources to attain the objectives of Agenda 2063,” he said.
He added that the Commission is developing options to address both human resource and funding constraints and remains committed to working closely with Member States to find sustainable solutions.
PRC Chairperson and Burundi’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Willy Nyamitwe, used his address to emphasise the importance of unity and collective action at a time of significant change across Africa and the world.
Nyamitwe noted the rapid pace of technological transformation and rising expectations among African citizens, urging representatives to ensure that their decisions translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives.
He warned against positions that could weaken continental cohesion and called for greater commitment to strengthening African institutions. “History will remember whether we strengthened the institutions entrusted to us,” Nyamitwe said.
He urged Member States to choose solidarity over division and to focus on building a stronger and more effective AU that responds to the aspirations of its people.
The opening ceremony was attended by AU Deputy Chairperson Selma Malika Haddadi, commissioners, representatives of AU organs and senior officials.
During the session, the PRC will consider reports from its subcommittees, the AU Commission and specialised agencies before adopting recommendations and draft decisions for consideration by the Executive Council meeting later this month in El Alamein, Egypt.
The discussions are expected to focus on budgetary matters, institutional reforms and coordination between continental and regional bodies as Africa seeks to advance the goals of Agenda 2063 amid an increasingly complex global environment.
–AU/ChannelAfrica–
