30th General Assembly of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development

From 11 to 15 February 2026, the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) held its 30th General Assembly in Addis Ababa. The event, titled ‘Building Resilience of Women and Girls: Climate, Conflict and Sustainable Futures’, continued the theme of the ‘Building Resilience’ campaign launched by OAFLAD in 2025.

During the first four days, technical consultations were held among advisers to the First Ladies of Africa, alongside closed working sessions of the Steering Committee of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development. As part of these meetings, participants discussed updates to the ‘Building Resilience’ campaign, reviewed the strategic programme, and heard recommendations from technical advisers representing the offices of the First Ladies of Botswana, Burundi, Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Kenya, Liberia, Senegal, and Sierra Leone.

A notable moment of the General Assembly was the official accession of five new members to OAFLAD: the First Ladies of Gabon, Ghana, Liberia and Senegal, as well as the First Gentleman of Namibia.

On 15 February, an open session took place. The event brought together 12 high-level participants: First Ladies Ana Dias Lourenço (Angola, Vice President of OAFLAD), Angeline Ndayishimiye (Burundi), Zita Oligui Nguema (Gabon), Lordina Mahama (Ghana), Constancia Mangue de Obiang (Equatorial Guinea), Zinash Tayachew (Ethiopia), Rachel Ruto (Kenya), Kartumu Yarta Boakai (Liberia), Marie Khone Faye (Senegal), Fatima Maada Bio (Sierra Leone, President of OAFLAD); the First Gentleman of Namibia, Lieutenant General Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah; and the Second Lady of Nigeria, Hajia Nana Shettima.

Participants also discussed challenges and cultural cooperation during a dinner hosted by the First Lady of Ethiopia.

This year’s Assembly focused on advancing political dialogue, strengthening partnerships and accelerating the impact of positive change on women and girls across the continent.

The organisation’s Strategic Framework for 2025–2030 prioritises four key areas: healthcare, education, gender-based violence, and women’s economic empowerment. Other priority areas include climate change, peace and security.

The Organization of African First Ladies for Development is a leading advocacy platform that promotes policies expanding access to quality healthcare, strengthening the rights and opportunities of women and youth, and fostering inclusive and sustainable development across Africa.

The Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen Global Platform congratulates its partners on the accession of new members: new connections can benefit not only the Countries of Africa but also the entire institution of First Ladies and Gentlemen.