Nigeria’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, held a bilateral meeting with African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Monday.
The meeting took place ahead of the 49th Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council, the body that coordinates policy among the continent’s member states.
According to a statement Odumegwu-Ojukwu posted on her official X account, the two discussed Nigeria’s role within the AU, the appointment of Nigerians into AU institutions, regional political developments and Africa’s socio-economic future.
They also addressed the evolving situation in West Africa and the Sahel, exchanging views on the region’s peace, security and humanitarian challenges.
AU Chief Praises Nigeria’s Role in Regional Security
Youssouf commended Nigeria’s longstanding leadership within both the AU and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), particularly its role in fighting terrorism and promoting regional stability and integration.
ECOWAS is a 15-member regional bloc that coordinates economic cooperation and security responses across West Africa.
According to the statement, Youssouf has brought renewed energy to the AUC leadership, pointing to Africa’s demographic and economic pressures while underlining the importance of innovation, job creation, agriculture, services and investment in artificial intelligence as key drivers of sustainable development.
Youssouf Cites Dangote Group as Model for AI Investment
Youssouf observed that Africa has not invested sufficiently in artificial intelligence, an area he described as critical to the continent’s future competitiveness.
He commended the investments of the Dangote Group across Africa as an example of African-led industrial development, saying such initiatives strengthen regional integration, industrialisation and self-reliance in strategic sectors while creating jobs.
The Dangote Group, led by Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote, has expanded operations across several African countries in recent years, including cement production and oil refining.
The meeting comes as African Union member states prepare to convene for the 49th Ordinary Session, where leaders are expected to review continental priorities on security, trade and development ahead of the year’s remaining diplomatic engagements.
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This is nice. Matters arising would definitely be talked about, especially the wars in Africa and xenophobic attacks from South Africa, as well as improving afrocentric policies within Africa.
You’re right. I’m surprised too our minister didn’t use the opportunity to complain in strong terms about the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians by South Africa here on African soil. If it was an oversight, its indeed a missed opportunity. I hope she uses the actual 49th Ordinary Session to raise the matter.