President Jacob Zuma arrives in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for the AU Summit, 29 Jan

His Excellency President Jacob Zuma has this evening arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to attend the 24th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly, scheduled for 29 to 31 January 2015.

 

The theme of the summit is "Year of Women's Empowerment and Development towards Africa’s Agenda 2063". The theme enjoins Africa to explore concrete ways to achieving women’s empowerment and gender equality in all spheres of life.

 

The Summit will consider the adoption of Agenda 2063, a fifty-year shared strategic framework for inclusive growth and sustainable development on the African continent. South Africa has ensured that the National Development Plan includes the key proposals of Agenda 2063, with a strong focus on regional cooperation and integration.

 

In his capacity as Chairperson of the Presidential Infrastructure Championing Initiative (PICI), President Zuma will, on 29 January 2015, brief the 32nd Summit of the NEPAD Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee on progress made in championing infrastructure development in the African continent. The President will later attend the African Peer Review Mechanism Summit and a meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council on 29 January 2015.

 

The summit is expected to inaugurate the Nelson Mandela plenary hall of the African Headquarters as bestowed to the late former President Nelson Mandela during the 22nd Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly held in Addis Ababa in January 2014.

 

President Zuma is accompanied by Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation; Mr Jeff Radebe, Minister in The Presidency for Planning, Performance Monitoring and Evaluation; Ms Susan Shabangu, Minister in The Presidency Responsible for Women; Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans; Mr Collins Chabane, Minister of Public Service and Administration; Mr David Mahlobo, Minister of State Security; and Ms Ayanda Dlodlo, Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration.