President William Ruto departs for Addis Ababa to attend the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly, where he will present Kenya’s reform, climate, and trade agenda.
As AU Champion for Institutional Reform, he will outline progress on strengthening the Union’s effectiveness and chair key sessions on climate action under CAHOSCC and the inaugural African Continental Free Trade Area Committee meeting.
President William Ruto departs for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on February 13, 2026, to participate in the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union PHOTOS/PCSAccording to a press release from the Executive Office of the President, the summit is convened “amid global uncertainty and economic shifts,” with African leaders expected to set continental priorities and advance Agenda 2063, the AU’s long-term development blueprint.
President Ruto is set to present a progress report on efforts to strengthen “the Union's effectiveness, credibility, and financial sustainability,” in his capacity as AU Champion for Institutional Reform.
The President will also chair the Committee of the African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) and table its report during the summit.
The move is aimed at reinforcing “Africa's common position on climate action, adaptation, resilience, and climate finance,” as the continent continues to push for equitable global climate solutions and increased funding for mitigation and adaptation efforts.
President Ruto will also chair the inaugural meeting of the AfCFTA Committee, underscoring Kenya’s commitment to deeper regional integration and expanded intra-African trade.
President William Ruto is received by police officials at JKIA as he departs for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to participate in the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union on February 13, 2026.PHOTOS/PCSThe African Continental Free Trade Area is a flagship AU initiative designed to create a single market for goods and services across the continent, boosting economic growth and industrial development.
On the margins of the summit, President Ruto is expected to hold bilateral engagements to advance partnerships in trade, investment, health, and security. The discussions are also intended to mobilise support for Kenya's national transformation agenda, which spans infrastructure development, agro-industrial expansion supported by irrigation, and enhanced energy security.
The summit provides Kenya with a strategic platform to shape continental discourse while advancing national and regional priorities in reform, climate action, and trade integration.
