Ethiopian President Arrives in Malabo for Crucial OACPS Summit
President Taye Atske Selassie of Ethiopia has arrived in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, to attend the highly anticipated 11th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS). The presidential delegation landed at Malabo International Airport, where they received a cordial reception from senior government officials, including Manuel Osa Nsue.
This significant gathering, slated to convene from March 27th to 29th, 2026, brings together leaders from across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Its importance is further amplified by the presence of representatives from the United Nations, the African Union, and the European Union, signalling the summit’s growing geopolitical relevance on the global stage.
The summit is being held under the overarching theme: “A transformed and renewed OACPS at the service of an inclusive, sustainable and trust-based multilateralism.” This theme encapsulates the organization’s forward-looking agenda and its commitment to fostering a more equitable and cooperative international order.
Commemorating 50 Years of Global Cooperation
A significant milestone will be celebrated during this summit: the 50th anniversary of the OACPS. Established in 1975 through the Georgetown Agreement, the bloc has a rich history of fostering solidarity and advocating for the collective interests of its member states. Over the past five decades, the OACPS has evolved considerably, transitioning from its initial focus on trade to becoming a vital political and economic platform. Its enduring mission has been to champion development, promote solidarity among its diverse membership, and strive for global equity.
Strategic Realignment for Enhanced Global Influence
Under the leadership of Secretary-General Moussa Saleh Batraki, who took office in March 2025, the 79-member organization is embarking on a pivotal strategic reorientation. The primary objective of this shift is to leverage the OACPS’s inherent strengths and address structural vulnerabilities, ultimately aiming to enhance its influence in international affairs.
The OACPS stands as one of the largest transcontinental groupings of the Global South, a testament to its broad geographical reach and diverse membership. By uniting 79 countries across three distinct regions, the organization represents a significant collective voice with the potential to shape global discourse and policy.
Key Objectives and Future Outlook of the OACPS
The OACPS’s strategic realignment is expected to focus on several key areas:
- Strengthening Multilateralism: The summit’s theme underscores a commitment to revitalizing multilateral institutions and ensuring they are more inclusive, sustainable, and based on trust. This involves actively participating in and shaping global governance frameworks.
- Promoting Sustainable Development: A core tenet of the OACPS agenda is the pursuit of sustainable development goals. This includes addressing climate change, poverty reduction, and fostering economic resilience across member states.
- Enhancing South-South Cooperation: The organization plays a crucial role in facilitating cooperation and knowledge sharing among developing nations, fostering self-reliance and mutual support.
- Advocating for Global Equity: The OACPS continues to be a strong advocate for fairer global trade practices, equitable access to resources, and a more balanced international economic system.
- Addressing Emerging Global Challenges: In an increasingly complex world, the OACPS aims to collectively address contemporary challenges such as pandemics, digital transformation, and geopolitical instability.
The 11th Summit in Malabo is poised to be a landmark event, setting the course for the OACPS’s next chapter as it strives to transform itself into a more potent force for positive change on the global stage, championing the aspirations of its vast and diverse membership.
