Mahama Joins AU Leaders in Malabo for Crucial Mid-Year Summit
Ghanaian President to Champion Agenda 2063 and Regional Integration
Edem Latsu Nukafu 
President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, to participate in the 7th African Union (AU) Mid-Year Coordination Meeting, a high-level summit bringing together African Heads of State, AU Commission officials, and leaders of the continent’s eight recognised Regional Economic Communities (RECs).
The meeting, scheduled for Sunday, July 13, is a key fixture on the AU calendar and aims to align continental and regional strategies under Agenda 2063, the AU’s long-term development blueprint themed “The Africa We Want.”
President Mahama’s presence affirms Ghana’s deep commitment to Pan-Africanism, regional cooperation, and sustainable development. Ghana continues to play a frontline role in AU initiatives, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), whose secretariat is based in Accra.
■ Major Areas of Focus at the Summit:
- Strengthening AU Institutions: Leaders will assess the effectiveness of continental governance systems in promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
- Boosting Intra-African Trade: Discussions will centre on removing trade barriers, harmonising customs procedures, and improving infrastructure to realise the full potential of the AfCFTA, launched in 2021.
- Responding to Economic and Climate Threats: Leaders will discuss joint strategies for climate adaptation, energy transitions, and recovery from economic shocks, particularly debt, inflation, and post-COVID challenges.
- Tracking Agenda 2063 Progress: The summit will review key projects such as the Single African Air Transport Market, the African Passport, and the Grand Inga Dam, identifying delays and setting new targets.
President Mahama will also hold bilateral talks with fellow heads of state, aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties, trade cooperation, and investment opportunities for Ghana. These side meetings are often critical in shaping Ghana’s foreign policy and economic agenda.
The Ghanaian delegation includes top government officials and AU representatives, ensuring robust engagement on all discussion fronts. The outcomes of the Malabo summit are expected to significantly shape Africa’s course for greater unity, prosperity, and resilience in the years ahead.
