Addis Ababa-
The African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, HE Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has appointed HE Moses Vilakati,Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment as the Acting Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Minerals (ETTIM). This appointment comes as a temporary measure following the vacancy left after the tenure of HE Amb. Albert Muchanga and other Commissioners recently ended.
The decision was confirmed through an official AU memorandum, signed by the AU Chairperson after consultations with the Chairperson of the Executive Council and in accordance with Article 18(4) of the AU Statute on the Procedure for Election of Commissioners.
Temporary Appointment to Ensure Continuity
The memorandum clearly outlines that this appointment is an interim administrative measure, ensuring the smooth functioning of the department until a substantive Commissioner is elected.
“In this regard, I hereby appoint you as the Acting Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Minerals, after consultation with the Chairperson of the Executive Council. This appointment is a temporary administrative measure until the assumption of duty of the substantive Commissioner,” the memorandum states.
HE Moses Vilakati’s Track Record in Economic and Tourism Development
HE Moses Vilakati brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He previously served as Eswatini’s Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs from 2018 to 2023, where he played a pivotal role in advancing cultural tourism, sustainable environmental policies, and positioning Eswatini as a key tourism destination in Southern Africa. His leadership in these sectors earned him a strong reputation for economic and environmental stewardship.
A Short-Term Role in Line with AU Regulations
While HE Vilakati will oversee the ETTIM Department in the interim, the Commissioner position has been allocated to the Central African Republic (CAR). As per AU rules, once a substantive Commissioner is appointed, the Acting Commissioner must vacate the position within 48 hours.
The appointment of HE Moses Vilakati reflects the AU’s commitment to ensuring stability and continuity in economic development and tourism governance, pending the election of a new Commissioner to lead the department’s long-term agenda.
