The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has held high-level discussions with Côte d’Ivoire’s President, Alassane Ouattara, on pressing continental challenges, including peace and security, regional economic integration, sustainable financing of the African Union and Africa’s position in the evolving global order.
The meeting, held at the Presidential Palace in Abidjan, provided an opportunity for the two leaders to exchange views on strengthening African institutions, addressing regional security threats and accelerating the continent’s economic transformation.
During the discussions, Youssouf commended President Ouattara for his leadership and longstanding commitment to the African Union’s Agenda 2063, recognising Côte d’Ivoire’s significant contribution to continental integration, economic development and regional cooperation.
AU Pushes for African-Led Solutions to Security Challenges
Peace and security featured prominently in the discussions, with particular attention given to the deteriorating security situation in the Sahel, ongoing instability in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the increasing spread of conflicts across national borders.
The AU Commission Chairperson stressed the importance of developing African-led solutions to the continent’s security challenges through stronger regional cooperation, effective conflict prevention mechanisms and a more robust continental peace and security architecture.
He also reaffirmed the African Union’s commitment to restoring constitutional governance in countries affected by unconstitutional changes of government.
Youssouf emphasised that suspending countries from AU activities should not result in the abandonment of their populations or the disruption of essential development cooperation.
His remarks highlighted the need to balance the enforcement of democratic principles with continued humanitarian assistance, development partnerships and support for vulnerable communities.
Leaders Call for Accelerated Implementation of AfCFTA
On economic development, the two leaders underscored the urgent need to accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a major continental initiative designed to expand trade and strengthen economic cooperation among African countries.
Their discussions focused on eliminating non-tariff barriers, harmonising customs procedures, improving transport and trade infrastructure, and facilitating the movement of goods and people across African borders.
They also highlighted the importance of strengthening regional value chains, expanding intra-African trade and creating an enabling environment for African businesses to compete more effectively in regional and international markets.
The AU Commission Chairperson stressed that deeper economic integration would be essential to unlocking Africa’s productive potential, attracting investment and promoting sustainable economic growth.
African Credit Rating Agency to Strengthen Access to Global Capital
Another major issue discussed was the establishment and importance of the African Credit Rating Agency, an initiative intended to improve how African economies are assessed by international financial markets.
Youssouf underscored the need for credible, transparent and context-sensitive credit assessments that accurately reflect the economic realities, strengths and opportunities of African countries.
He indicated that the agency could help address persistent misconceptions about African economies, strengthen investor confidence and improve access to international capital markets.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to enhance Africa’s financial sovereignty and strengthen the continent’s position within the global financial system.
AU Seeks Greater Financial Independence
Against the backdrop of increasing geopolitical uncertainty and shifting global economic relationships, the discussions also addressed the importance of strengthening the African Union’s financial autonomy.
The two leaders acknowledged the need for African countries to mobilise more domestic resources and develop sustainable financing mechanisms to support continental institutions and development programmes.
Greater financial independence, they noted, would enable the AU to take stronger ownership of its priorities, implement strategic programmes more effectively and reduce dependence on external funding.
President Ouattara commended the AU Commission Chairperson for his leadership and efforts to advance the continent’s collective interests.
He reaffirmed Côte d’Ivoire’s continued support for an Africa capable of taking greater responsibility for its peace, security, economic transformation and long-term development.
The Ivorian leader also emphasised the importance of leveraging Africa’s natural resources, human capital, expertise and institutions to shape the continent’s future and strengthen its influence in international affairs.
AU Chairperson Calls for Borders to Become Bridges of Peace and Prosperity
Earlier, while addressing the opening of the third Abidjan Border Forum, Youssouf called on African countries to transform their borders from barriers to economic and social interaction into bridges promoting peace, security, prosperity and continental integration.
He urged AU Member States to ratify the Niamey Convention and the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, describing stronger cross-border cooperation as essential to advancing the continent’s integration agenda.
The AU Commission Chairperson also highlighted the importance of coordinated regional efforts to combat terrorism, human trafficking, organised crime and other transnational security threats.
According to him, modernising border posts, simplifying customs procedures and strengthening relationships among border communities would help facilitate legitimate trade, improve security and enhance economic opportunities.
He further emphasised that effective border management and improved connectivity are critical to the successful implementation of the AfCFTA and the realisation of Agenda 2063.
Strengthening Africa’s Voice in Global Affairs
The engagements in Abidjan reflected the African Union’s broader efforts to promote continental unity, strengthen African institutions and position the continent as a more influential participant in global decision-making.
With Africa confronting complex security challenges, economic pressures and changing geopolitical dynamics, the discussions reinforced the importance of collective action, regional cooperation and greater self-reliance.
The meeting also reaffirmed Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment to supporting African Union initiatives aimed at building a more peaceful, economically integrated and financially independent continent.
The engagements underscored a shared vision of an Africa that takes greater ownership of its development priorities, strengthens its institutions and plays a more decisive role in shaping the global political and economic landscape.
