The 2025 African Political Parties Summit has opened in Accra, Ghana, bringing together more than 160 political leaders and representatives from across Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, and countries including Mexico and South Korea.
The three-day event, hosted at the Accra International Conference Centre, is organised by the African Political Parties Initiative (APPI) under the high patronage of Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama.
It aims to serve as “a platform for engagement, consensus and the development of political culture,” according to APPI Executive Secretary Edite Ten Jua.
In her opening remarks, Ms Ten Jua stressed the summit’s role in shaping Africa’s democratic future, urging participants to work towards inclusive governance, credible elections, and political systems that reflect the aspirations of all citizens—particularly the continent’s growing youth population.
The conference agenda includes debates on strengthening democracy, fostering political inclusion, and building institutions capable of navigating Africa’s ongoing political transitions. The gathering comes at a pivotal moment, with several African states undergoing constitutional reforms or experiencing leadership changes.
Delegates include senior officials from Ethiopia, South Africa, Senegal, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic, alongside international observers.
Accra’s selection as host city reflects Ghana’s longstanding reputation as a champion of democratic values and political stability in Africa. The meeting also forms part of broader efforts to deepen South-South cooperation and foster stronger ties between African political parties and their global partners.
The African Political Parties Initiative, launched on 7 March 2025 by President Mahama, is a flagship programme of the African Centre for Governance (ACG). It is designed to strengthen democratic governance and enhance political leadership across the continent.
The summit will feature thematic sessions, high-level debates, and bilateral meetings between delegations, aimed at sharing experiences, exchanging best practices, and building a united vision for Africa’s political future.
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