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The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, in her capacity as Special Representative of President Jacob Zuma, will lead South Africa’s delegation to the 29th Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) that will convene in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 03 and 04 July 2017.

The Summit will take place under the theme: “Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through Investments in the Youth”, which is of crucial importance to South Africa and the Continent.

Within the context of domesticating the AU’s Agenda 2063 through the National Development Plan 2030 and the National Youth Policy 2020, the Government of South Africa has prioritised youth development and empowerment with the primary objective of ensuring their fullest integration into society so as to ensure that they take charge of their lives and realise their full potential.

The Summit is also expected to deliberate on key issues related to the implementation of institutional reforms of the AU as encompassed in the report adopted in January 2017 by the 28th Session of the AU Assembly titled “The Imperative to Strengthen Our Union: Report on the Proposed Recommendations for the Institutional Reform of the African Union”.

The leaders will also reflect on the issue of the early establishment of the Continental Free Trade Area as an essential instrument to promote intra-African trade and continental integration.

Other important agenda items include matters related to peace and security on the continent, the adoption of the 2018 Budget of the AU and various elections - including for the remaining two positions of Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology, and Commissioner for Economic Affairs.

Issued by Department of International Relations and Cooperation