From February 2025, Angolan President João Lourenço will assume the rotating presidency of the African Union (AU). The inauguration will take place during the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the AU, scheduled for 15 and 16 February. This is the first time that Angola will head the highest body of the African Union. The event coincides with the year in which the country celebrates the 50th anniversary of national independence, on 11 November 2025.
At the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, scheduled for February 15 and 16 2025, Angolan President João Lourenço will take the helm of the institution. This is the first time that Angola will head the highest African institution. It is a landmark event for the Portuguese-speaking nation, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of national independence on November 11 2025. He succeeds Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani.
“Angola, is to be a political power, but above all an economic power recognised as such. Angola is above all a military power with an army that is among the best on the continent.”
Kerwin Mayizo, Political analyst – DR Congo
The country’s application was unanimously approved by Decision 28 of the 43rd Ordinary Session of the SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, held in Luanda on August 17 2023, thereby ratifying the recommendation of the 25th meeting of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ for Cooperation in the fields of Politics, Defence and Security of this same sub-regional organisation. in July of the same year, in Windhoek, in the Republic of Namibia.
“Angola, which has begun to get more and more involved in the continent’s affairs, in the continent’s problems, particularly, among others, the conflicts between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, wants to consolidate its new vocation as a diplomatic power in the making.”
Kerwin Mayizo, Political analyst – DR Congo
Since he came to power in November 2017, João Lourenço has been trying to establish a new diplomatic dynamic of regional and continental influence in his country. Indeed, he has become a key mediator on security issues in the Great Lakes region of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Among other actions, the leader is multiplying his contacts on the international scene and strengthening the military capabilities of the Angolan Armed Forces and increasing their capacity to deploy abroad as part of peace operations.