The President of Angola and current Chairperson of the African Union, João Lourenço, said on Monday that institutional reforms and sustainable financing of the African Union are strategic priorities for strengthening the continent politically, economically and institutionally.
The remarks were made during the 4th Virtual Meeting of the Ad Hoc Committee on Institutional Reforms of the African Union, convened by the President of Kenya, William Ruto, in his role as Champion for Institutional Reforms of the continental organisation.
The meeting took place symbolically on the same day Africa marked the 63rd anniversary of the creation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), founded on 25 May 1963 and later succeeded by the present-day African Union.
African Union Reform Requires Pragmatism and Strategic Vision
In his address, João Lourenço stressed that the ideals of the founders of the OAU remain relevant and necessary, especially in light of the geopolitical, economic and social challenges facing African countries.
According to the Angolan Head of State, the progress achieved in the reform process demonstrates the collective willingness of member states to strengthen administrative efficiency, meritocracy and the operational capacity of the African Union.
However, he warned that structural challenges remain and require greater institutional discipline, strategic coherence and financial realism.
“The continent needs a more effective and coherent African Union capable of responding to contemporary challenges,” João Lourenço stressed during the virtual meeting.
The President also warned about the risks of excessive expansion of the organisation’s institutional structures without a corresponding increase in available resources.
External Dependence Concerns African Leadership
Another key issue raised by the Angolan statesman was the African Union’s strong financial dependence on international partners.
For João Lourenço, while external partnerships remain important, Africa must accelerate internal sustainable financing mechanisms to ensure greater strategic autonomy and political sovereignty.
The President described as worrying the fact that several continental programmes still rely predominantly on external funding, a situation that, he argued, may compromise the independence of African priorities.
“The structural transformation of the organisation’s financing can no longer be postponed,” he said.
The Head of State also called for rationalisation of expenditures, stronger budgetary discipline and the concentration of available resources in the African Union’s priority areas, including peace and security, economic development, regional integration and institutional stability.
Angola Reinforces Continental Leadership
During the meeting, João Lourenço congratulated William Ruto for his work on the institutional reform process of the African organisation, recognising efforts to modernise the governance mechanisms of the African Union.
Angola’s active participation in these debates reinforces the country’s diplomatic positioning on key continental agendas, particularly at a time marked by the need for greater African integration, stronger regional economies and affirmation of the continent’s sovereignty in the face of global challenges.
African Union Seeks to Consolidate the Vision of the OAU Founders
The meeting took place within the framework of Africa Day celebrations, a date symbolising the historic struggle for liberation, unity and political affirmation of African peoples.
More than six decades after the creation of the OAU, the African Union remains committed to consolidating the principles defended by the continent’s founding leaders: unity, self-determination, sustainable development and regional cooperation.
The ongoing institutional reforms seek to adapt the organisation to current challenges related to continental governance, autonomous financing and strengthening Africa’s capacity for strategic decision-making and intervention.
Source: Press Digi
