The vision of the African Union is that of "An integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena". The involvement of African Citizens calls for the African Union to strive and live up to its ambition of being a people-centred Union through the participation of Member states in defining and implementing the African Agenda towards meeting the continental development goals espoused in our continental developmental framework of Agenda 2063.
African Union Commission Leadership Structure
The AUC Commission is composed of the Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson and Commissioners, plus staff (Constitutive Act, article 20; Commission Statutes, article 2). The Assembly elects the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson. The Executive Council elects the Commissioners, who are appointed by the Assembly. The Commission members’ terms are for four years, renewable once (Commission Statutes, article 10).
In November 2018 as part of Institutional Reforms, the Assembly of Heads of State and Government decided that, from 2021, the Commission shall be composed of eight members – the Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson and six Commissioners. The Assembly also decided to enhance the transparency and meritocracy of the Leadership selection process. The new process came into effect in January 2021.
Key selection principles shall include: equitable regional representation, gender parity, predictable rotation, attracting and retaining Africa’s top talent, accountable and effective leadership and management, and transparent and merit-based selection.
The Election of Senior Leadership of the African Union Commission in February 2025 will be held in accordance with decision of the Ministerial Executive Council, which states that Rotation by Partial Restriction: Controlling the role of Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson based on a predictable inter-regional rotation following the English alphabetical order, and open competition for the portfolios of commissioners. Accordingly, for the February 2025 elections, the process will be based on:
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The principle of inter-regional rotation, the Eastern region shall submit candidates for the role of Chairperson and the Northern region shall submit candidates for the role of Deputy Chairperson, with both regions to submit female and male candidates.
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The remaining three regions (Central, Southern, and Western regions) shall be eligible to submit at least two candidates (one female and one male) for the six portfolios of Commissioners.
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Each region will determine its own procedure for nominating candidates for the portfolios for which it is eligible.
A Panel of Eminent Africans
A Panel of Eminent Africans, composed of five (5) personalities, one per region, will oversee the pre-selection of candidatures for the senior leadership of the Commission. The Panel of Eminent Africans shall be technically assisted by an
independent African consultancy firm. The Panel develops job profiles and competency requirements for the senior leadership of the Commission. This includes generic leadership skills and competencies as well as expert and thematic skills in relation to specific portfolios. The assessment process for all candidates is based on the skills and competencies identified for each senior leadership position.
Members of the Panel of Eminent Africans are:
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Prof. Paul Ngarambe, Male, Burundi, representing the Central Region.
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H.E Amb. Konjit SineGiorgis, female, Ethiopia, representing the Eastern Region.
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H.E Amb. Nozipho Joyce Mxakato-Diseko, female, South Africa, representing the Southern Region.
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H.E Amb. Patrick Hayford, male, Ghana, representing the Western Region.
The nominee from the Northern Region will be included in the Panel upon the conclusion of regional consultations and the submission of the nominee.
Mjadala Afrika, Africa’s Leadership Debate
In 2017, the first ever Africa Leadership Debate dubbed MjadalaAfrika was held as a platform for candidates vying for the position of the Chairperson of the AUC to address African citizens in an environment that encouraged dialogue and understanding of the Role and its responsibilities. The debate provided candidates an opportunity to outline their vision of how they would lead the transformation of Africa through the implementation of the AU Mandate and Africa’s Agenda 2063. The debate also allowed African citizens and other stakeholders to put forward questions to the candidates on issues they wanted to be addressed in order to propel the continent’s growth and ensure Africa achieves its goals for integrated and sustainable development and becoming a major player in the Global Arena.
Following the success of this initial debate and in line with the institutional reforms of the African Union, in November 2018, the Assembly adopted a Decision to enhance the transparency and meritocracy of the selection of the leadership of the AU Commission, in conformity with the institutional Reforms of the African Union in November 2018. The Decision stated, inter alia, that candidates under consideration for appointed to the leadership positions within the AUC would:
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Provide a curriculum vitae, along with vision statements outlining how they intend to address the most pressing issues facing the AU; and
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All candidates for the position of the Chairperson of the Commission shall participate in a televised debate which shall be broadcasted live to African citizens in which they shall present their visions and ideas on the implementation of Agenda 2063.
The Mjadala Afrika Leadership Debate is scheduled to take place on 13 December 2024 at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa starting 1900 hours East African Time. The debate will be conducted in French and English, with simultaneous interpretation provided to the candidates and the audience in all the six working languages of the African Union (English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish, and Swahili.)
Curriculum Vitae and Vision Statements of candidates for the position of the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson.
For the 2025 elections, the Eastern region is eligible to contest for the position of the Chairperson of the Commission, while the Northern region is eligible to contest for the position of Deputy Chairperson. Member States within these regions have since nominated and submitted the names of candidates, their Curriculum Vitae and Vision Statements ahead of the elections in February 2025. The Curriculum Vitae and Vision Statements of African Union Commission candidates for the position of the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson are available on https://au.int/en/AUC_Elections_2025_Candidates
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Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs about the elections of the Members of the African Union Commission
The elections of the Members of the African Union Commission is the process through which Member States of the African Union vote to elect the senior leadership of the Commission. Since 2002 there have been five (5) elections undertaken to elect Members of the Commission. The first Commission served from 2003 to 2008, and the current fifth Cohort, elected in 2021, is due to complete its term in 2025. Below we respond to frequently asked questions about the election of the members of the African Union Commission.
What do the elections of the Members of the African Union Commission entail?
The elections of the Members of the African Union Commission is the process through which Member States of the African Union vote to elect the senior leadership of the Commission. The Commission, which serves as the Secretariat of the African Union and is headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is tasked with implementing AU decisions, coordinating activities, and managing daily operations in line with the Union's strategic objectives and policies including “Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want”.
In the upcoming 2025 election cycle, elections will be held for the positions of Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, and six (6) Commissioners, with the Commissioners elected to lead specific thematic portfolios such as Peace and Security.
Since the transition from the Organization of African Unity (OAU) to the African Union (AU) in 2002 there have been five (5) elections undertaken to elect Members of the Commission. The first Commission served from 2003 to 2008, and the current fifth Cohort, elected in 2021, is due to complete its term in 2025.
The upcoming elections of the Senior Leadership of the Commission in February 2025 will be guided by the following key principles:
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equitable regional representation;
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gender parity;
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predictable rotation;
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attracting and retaining Africa’s top talent;
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accountable and effective leadership and management; and
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transparent and merit-based selection.
What is the regional allocation of the AU Commission’s Senior Leadership positions?
The regional allocation of the AU Commission’s Senior Leadership positions is based on the principle of equitable regional representation. The five AU regions—Central, East, North, South, West—are each given the opportunity to hold senior leadership roles within the Commission. This ensures that all regions are fairly represented. Positions such as Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, and Commissioners are rotated among the regions to promote inclusivity and balance, following established procedures that align with the AU’s commitment to regional equity.
For the 2025 elections, the Eastern region will contest for the role of Chairperson; the Northern region will contest for the role of Deputy Chairperson; while the remaining three regions (Central, Southern, and Western regions) will contest for the six portfolios of Commissioners. For all the Eight (8) positions, regions are allowed to submit both male and female candidates. Rotational gender parity is applied in the elections of the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson, such that if the Chairperson is male, a female is elected as the Deputy Chairperson and vice-versa.
The regions from which the Chairperson and the Deputy Chairperson are appointed are not eligible for consideration for the six (6) remaining Commissioner posts as a mechanism for equitable representation. The other three (3) regions are entitled to two (2) Commissioners each, equally distributed by gender.
What is the Term of Office for the Members of the Commission?
The elected Members of the Commission serve for a term of four years and may be eligible to compete for re-election for another term of four years.
When required for the good functioning of the Union, the Assembly or the Executive Council, where applicable, may terminate the appointment of a Member of the Commission before the end of their term.
The Executive Council may terminate the appointment of a Commissioner following a process involving the Chairperson of the Commission and the Bureau of the Executive Council.
The Assembly, by two-thirds majority and following due process conducted by the Executive Council, may terminate the appointment of the Chairperson or Deputy Chairperson on grounds of incompetence, gross misbehaviour, or inability to perform the functions of his or her office for reason of permanent incapacity certified by a medical board.
Upon termination, the respective region nominates a candidate to complete the remaining term.
How are the candidates selected?
The selection process of the candidates is the responsibility of Member States and their respective AU Regions. For the 2025 elections, the Eastern region is eligible to nominate candidates for the position of the Chairperson of the Commission, while the Northern region is eligible to submit candidates for the position of Deputy Chairperson. Member States within these regions independently nominate individuals from their countries. The regions are at liberty to agree on their own procedures for nominating candidates and can then agree on the candidates to be submitted, who will then participate in the election process.
For the Commissioners’ portfolios, the Central, Southern, and Western regions can each field candidates for either of the six posts.
Once a region concludes on its nomination process, the Regional Dean hand delivers the submission of the list of candidates to the Office of the Legal Counsel of the African Union. The Regional Deans are members of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee who are Ambassadors accredited to the African Union. They are appointed by their respective regions as Deans, based on seniority (longest-serving Ambassador of the Region in Addis Ababa). Only names of nominees submitted by the region, through the Regional Dean are considered in the election. No individual submissions by candidates or individual Member States are accepted.
What is the role of Panel of Eminent Africans?
The Panel of Eminent Africans are highly regarded Africans from across the continent. The Panel is composed of five (5) personalities, one per region, and is tasked with overseeing the pre-selection of candidates for the senior leadership of the Commission. The Panel is assisted by an independent African-based consultancy firm.
The Panel develops job profiles and competency requirements for the senior leadership of the Commission. This includes generic leadership skills and competencies as well as expert and thematic skills in relation to specific portfolios.
The assessment process for the positions of Commissioners is based on the skills and competencies identified for each position. The candidates are assessed through an initial review of applications and CVs. Shortlisted candidates are invited for assessment against the skills and competency criteria established for the positions.
Members of the Panel of Eminent Africans overseeing the pre-selection of candidates for the 2025 elections are:
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Prof. Paul Ngarambe, Male, Burundi, representing the Central Region.
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H.E Amb. Konjit SineGiorgis, female, Ethiopia, representing the Eastern Region.
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H.E Amb. Nozipho Joyce Mxakato-Diseko, female, South Africa, representing the Southern Region.
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H.E Amb. Patrick Hayford, male, Ghana, representing the Western Region.
The nominee from the Northern Region will be included in the Panel upon the conclusion of regional consultations and the submission of the nominee.
How are the elections conducted?
The elections of the Members of the African Union Commission are conducted by secret ballot, meaning that the votes are cast privately, ensuring confidentiality and preventing any undue influence or pressure on the Member States voting during the election process. Each Member State has one (1) vote and Member States that are under certain categories of sanctions do not have a right to vote.
The elections are conducted as follows: The Executive Council elects and appoints the Commissioners; and thereafter, the Assembly of Heads of State and Government elects and appoints the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson.
In the election for the Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, and Commissioners, voting continues until one (1) of the candidates obtains the two-thirds majority required.
The voting process begins with all the candidates on the ballot. Voting is conducted three times and if the third ballot remains inconclusive without any candidate garnering the two-thirds majority, the next ballot shall be restricted to the two (2) candidates who obtained the highest number of votes and the candidate with fewer votes is withdrawn.
Where there are only two (2) candidates initially and neither candidate obtains the majority required after the third ballot, the candidate with fewer votes is withdrawn and the remaining candidate proceeds to the next round. If the remaining candidate fails to obtain the two-thirds majority required in that round, the Chairperson is required to suspend the election.
Where there is only one (1) candidate initially and he or she fails to obtain the two-thirds majority required after the third ballot, the Chairperson is required to suspend the election.
In the event the election of the Chairperson is suspended, the Deputy Chairperson of the Commission takes over the Chairmanship of the Commission on an interim basis until new elections are held.
If the impasse is in respect of the Deputy Chairperson, the most senior Commissioner by length of tenure, or by age where length of tenure is the same, is designated to act as the Deputy Chairperson until new elections are held.
Is there public participation in the process?
The public does not have a direct role in the actual selection or voting of the Senior Leadership of the Commission. However, the Africa Leadership Debate dubbed MjadalaAfrika is a platform for candidates vying for the position of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission to address African citizens in a televised debate which is broadcasted live as they present their visions and ideas on the implementation of Agenda 2063.
The debate provides candidates an opportunity to outline their vision of how they would lead the transformation of Africa through the implementation of the AU Mandate and Africa’s Agenda 2063. The debate encourages dialogue and understanding of the Role and its responsibilities of the Chairperson of the Commission.
The debate allows African citizens and other stakeholders to put forward questions to the candidates on issues they want addressed and the candidates’ vision to propel the continent’s growth and ensure Africa achieves its goals for integrated and sustainable development and becoming a major player in the Global Arena.
Learn more about the Elections of the African Union Commission by visiting https://au.int/en/auc-leadership-elections.
Reference Resources
Reference Resources
To learn more about the African Union, its structure, mandate, vision, and goals, various resources can be referenced, including;
Job profiles for African Union Commission Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, and Commissioners.
AU Commission through the Office of Legal Counsel dispatched Note Verbales to the Regional Deans and copied all the Member States as follows:
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A Note Verbale for the Eastern Region, pertaining to the role of Chairperson of the Commission.
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A Note Verbale for the Northern Region, concerning the role of Deputy Chairperson.
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A Note Verbale for the remaining 6 Commissioners' positions, covering the Central, Southern, and Western regions. Eligible (Not under Sanction) Member States submitted candidates through the relevant Regional Deans. The regional nominations were received by the Commission (Office of the Legal Counsel) hand delivered in sealed envelopes before the 6 August 2024 deadline. For information purpose and as dispatched to Member States, the job descriptions and Curriculum vitae template for these Senior Leadership positions can be viewed below.
Chairperson
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission is the Chief Executive Officer, Legal Representative of the Union and the Accounting Officer of the Union. The Chairperson of the Commission is a transformative leadership role responsible for driving the performance of the AU Commission in delivering the continental vision of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa. The Chairperson is directly responsible to the Executive Council for the discharge of his/her duties. The Chairperson of the Commission shall have a high commitment to pan-African values and the guiding principles of the African Union.
Job Profile (AR)
Job Profile (EN)
Job Profile (FR)
Job Profile (KS)
Job Profile (PT)
Job Profile (SP)
Deputy Chairperson
Under the authority of the Chairperson, the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission is responsible for administration and finance. This is a dynamic and transformational leadership role with the responsibility for ensuring effective and efficient administrative functioning and financial management within a strong fiduciary, performance and accountability framework. The Deputy Chairperson deputizes for the Chairperson when needed and will act as the Chairperson in his or her absence. The Deputy Chairperson shall have a high commitment to pan-African values and the guiding principles of the African Union.
Job Profile (AR)
Job Profile (EN)
Job Profile (FR)
Job Profile (KS)
Job Profile (PT)
Job Profile (SP)
Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals (ETTIM)
Commissioner, Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS)
Under the authority of the Chairperson of the AU Commission, this position is responsible for driving the formulation and implementation of Political Affairs, Peace and Security policies, programs and strategies in line with the aspirations of Agenda 2063, the associated medium-term plans and other key continental legal and policy frameworks. Leads engagement with the AU Member States and strategic partners in the delivery of the portfolio’s continental priorities and programs. The Commissioner shall have a high commitment to pan-African values and the guiding principles of the African Union.
Job Profile (AR)
Job Profile (EN)
Job Profile (FR)
Job Profile (KS)
Job Profile (PT)
Job Profile (SP)
Commissioner, Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (ARBE)
Under the direct authority of the Chairperson of the AU Commission, this position is responsible for driving the implementation of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment policies, programs and strategies in line with the aspirations of Agenda 2063, the associated medium-term plans and other key continental legal and policy frameworks. Leads engagement with the AU Member States and strategic partners in the delivery of the portfolio’s continental priorities. The Commissioner shall have a high commitment to pan-African values and the guiding principles of the African Union.
Job Profile (AR)
Job Profile (EN)
Job Profile (FR)
Job Profile (KS)
Job Profile (PT)
Job Profile (SP)
Commissioner, Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI)
Commissioner, Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development (HHS)
Under the authority of the Chairperson of the AU Commission, this position is responsible for driving the formulation and implementation of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development policies, programs and strategies in line with the aspirations of Agenda 2063, the associated medium-term plans and other key continental legal and policy frameworks. Leads engagement with the AU Member States and strategic partners in the delivery of the portfolio’s continental priorities. The Commissioner shall have a high commitment to pan-African values and the guiding principles of the African Union.
Job Profile (AR)
Job Profile (EN)
Job Profile (FR)
Job Profile (KS)
Job Profile (PT)
Job Profile (SP)
Commissioner, Infrastructure and Energy (IE)
Under the authority of the Chairperson of the AU Commission, this position is responsible for driving the implementation of Infrastructure and Energy policies, programs and strategies in line with the aspirations of Agenda 2063, the associated medium-term plans and other key continental legal and policy frameworks. Leads engagement with the AU Member States and strategic partners in the delivery of the portfolio’s continental priorities. The Commissioner shall have a high commitment to pan-African values and the guiding principles of the African Union.
Job Profile (AR)
Job Profile (EN)
Job Profile (FR)
Job Profile (KS)
Job Profile (PT)
Job Profile (SP)
Learn more about the portfolios of the Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson and six commissioners below;
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Chairperson – https://au.int/en/cpauc
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Deputy Chairperson- https://au.int/en/dcpauc
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Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (ARBE)- https://au.int/en/arbe
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Economic Development, Tourism, Trade, Industry, Mining (ETTIM)- https://au.int/en/ettim
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Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI) – https://au.int/en/esti
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Infrastructure and Energy – https://au.int/en/ie
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Political Affairs, Peace and Security – https://au.int/en/paps
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Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development (HHS) – https://au.int/en/hhs
For inquiries about the AU Commission Elections 2025 process, kindly contact:
Office of the Legal Counsel |African Union Commission | email: |
OLC-Registry@africa-union.org
Inquiries related to media and communication can be addressed to:
Ms. Doreen Apollos | Directorate of Information and Communication; African Union Commission | E-mail: ApollosD@africa-union.org
Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission
E- mail: DIC@africa-union.org
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