President John Mahama has arrived in Nairobi, Kenya, to join other African leaders for a High-Level Retreat on African Union (AU) Institutional Reforms.
The retreat, scheduled for January 27-28, 2025, will focus on the progress and future of AU reforms, including sustainable financing and a review of the AU’s structure and operations.
Hosted by Kenya’s President William Ruto, who was appointed as the African Union Champion for Institutional Reform in February 2024, the retreat aims to enhance the efficiency, accountability, and sustainability of the AU.
President Ruto will update fellow heads of state on the progress made in implementing the reforms and present proposals for the way forward.
President Mahama’s participation is expected to enrich the discussions, given his leadership experience and Ghana’s commitment to the African Union agenda.
The retreat provides an opportunity for him to share his insights and contribute to the reforms.
The call for AU reforms was first made in 2016, with five key areas identified for immediate action:
- Prioritizing Continental Scope: Focusing on fewer priority areas with a broader continental reach
- Structural and Operational Review: Reviewing the structure and operations of the AU for improved service delivery
- Connecting with African Citizens: Strengthening the AU’s connection with African citizens
- Operational Effectiveness: Improving the AU’s operational efficiency
- Sustainable Financing: Implementing sustainable financing mechanisms to reduce reliance on development partners
The outcome of the retreat is expected to be presented at the 38th Ordinary General Assembly session of the African Union, scheduled for February 15-16, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia ².
