The Seventh Mid-Year Coordination Meeting (7MYCM) between the AU, the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and the Regional Mechanisms (RMs) Commenced today July 10, 2025 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, featuring the Ministerial Meeting of the Executive Council.

During the 47th Ordinary Session of Executive Council, discussions are focused on the progress of the AU’s 2025 theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations”. Ministers will review reports from the ministerial committee on scale assessment and the committee of Fifteen Ministers of Finance(F15), as well as updates on African candidatures within the international system, the implementation of Agenda 2063 and, challenges related to the ratification of OAU/AU treaties. Additionally, the Council is expected to elect the remaining two AU Commissioners for the Department of Economic Development, Tourism, Trade, Industry, Mining (ETTIM) and the Department of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI).

H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, addressed several challenges hindering development across the continent, including conflicts, political tensions, and insufficient voluntary financial contributions from member states. "Political tensions and conflicts across the continent obstruct our ambitions and disrupt our planning and programs. The dire humanitarian situation and insecurity in regions such as Sudan, eastern DRC, Somalia, and the Sahel impede any progress," the Chairperson stated.

Regarding financial matters, Mr. Ali Youssouf emphasised the commission ongoing efforts to mobilize resources, particularly considering the funding challenges faced during the transition in Somalia. “We must rely on the Peace Fund, which is dedicated to supporting African peace operations, as we navigate these turbulent times.", he stressed.

Despite these challenges the Chairperson acknowledged that voluntary contributions from states stand at 0.7%, with contributions from African financial institutions at 5.6%. He also expressed optimism over member states’ commitments to resolving conflicts on the continent, citing the Washington Agreement between Rwanda and the DRC and the restoration of constitutional order in Gabon as a positive development.

In addressing the ministerial council regarding the implementation status of the AfCFTA, the Chairperson remarked, “The full operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) necessitates the ratification of all related protocols, and we urge member states to expedite this process. (The full statement of the Chairperson can be access on www.au.int).

H.E. Tete Antonio, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Angola and the Chairperson of the African Union’s Executive Council for 2025, emphasized the profound responsibility of the Executive Council as guardians of the decisions made by the Heads of State. He underscored the importance of transforming the aspirations of the African Agenda 2063 into concrete actions for the benefit of our people. The minister highlighted the critical role of the Executive Council in fostering a united, sovereign, and dignified Africa that extends beyond mere integration.
"The implementation of the African Agenda 2063 is not just a goal; it is our collective vision for development that requires urgent and impactful action. "We must reflect on our responsibility to ratify and implement the legal instruments we have approved, as failure to do so threatens our normative unity and integration.", he stated.

Mr. Claver Gatete, United Nations Under-Secretary General and Executive Secretary of Economic Commission for Africa, remarked on the critical juncture at which the world finds itself, facing convergence of crises, including climate instability and escalating geopolitical tensions that intensified Africa’s longstanding structural challenges". He stated that while Africa’s economic growth is on the rebound, the projected growth rate of 3.3% for 2024 remains below pre-pandemic levels, highlighting the urgent need for strategic action to unlock our continent's potential." Mr. Claver further stated that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is Africa’s most transformative economic initiative, with the potential to boost intra-African trade by 45% by 2045, but emphasised that its implementation must extend beyond mere paperwork’.

Officially opening the ministerial session H.E. Simeon Oyono Esono Angue, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Equatorial Guinea expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all distinguished delegates. “It is a great pride to host such distinguished personalities from across the African continent in our capital, Malabo, as we strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, unity, and integration that define the pan-African spirit.", he said.
The minister highlighted the complex challenges facing the continent, including ongoing conflicts, threats to constitutional order, political instability, technological innovation, climate crisis, food insecurity, and the structural economic inequalities. To address these challenges, he called for a coordinated African response to the various interconnected challenges.

Following the Executive Council meeting, the Seventh Mid-Year Coordination Meeting (7MYCM) of the African Union Bureau of Assembly, will take place on July 13. The assembly meeting will bring together Chairpersons of the Regional Economic Communities, Regional Mechanisms and AU member states. The MYCM will assess the current status of continental integration and coordinate efforts to expediate the integration process through a defined division of labour and enhanced collaboration among the Union, RECs, RMs and Member States.
Follow the opening session of the 7MYCM@: https://vimeo.com/event/5239296

For further information please contact:

Mrs. Wynne Musabayana | Head of Communication| Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission | E-mail: MusabayanaW@africanunion.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Mr. Molalet Tsedeke | Information and Communication Directorate | WhatsApp +251 911 630 631, E-mail: Molalett@africanunion.org