Addis Ababa-

The African Union (AU) Commission elections for 2025 are gaining momentum, with the Central Region facing a crucial deadline of 7th March 2025 to submit nominations for two key Commissioner positions. These roles are instrumental in shaping the AU’s economic, trade, tourism, industrial, educational, and scientific policies, making the selection process highly competitive.

The two positions up for grabs are:

1. African Union Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Minerals (ETTIM)
2. African Union Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (ESTI)

As part of the nomination process, only candidates whose names are submitted by the Regional Dean will be considered in the pre-selection process, which is handled by a Panel of Eminent Africans—a body responsible for vetting and shortlisting potential leaders based on their qualifications, experience, and vision for the continent’s future.

Selection Process and Requirements

Candidates interested in these prestigious positions must submit their applications to their respective Member States, including:

• A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing their professional background and leadership experience.
• A vision statement outlining their strategies for driving Africa’s transformation and tackling pressing challenges such as economic diversification, intra-African trade, technological advancement, industrialization, and educational reform.

These submissions will undergo rigorous scrutiny before the Central Region finalizes its nominations. The AU Commission, through this process, aims to ensure that Africa’s top leadership positions are occupied by individuals capable of driving the continent’s socio-economic growth and technological evolution.

The Significance of the 2025 Elections

The 2025 AU Commission elections come at a critical juncture for Africa. With the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the growing push for industrialization, and the increasing role of science and technology in development, the next Commissioners for ETTIM and ESTI will play a pivotal role in shaping Africa’s economic and innovation landscape.

Moreover, tourism, trade, and education are key drivers of sustainable growth, and these Commissioners will be expected to lead initiatives that foster:

• Stronger intra-African trade and investment
• A competitive tourism industry that positions Africa as a global destination
• Technological innovation and scientific research that empower youth and entrepreneurs
• Educational reforms that enhance skills development for the future workforce

With the deadline fast approaching, AU Member States in the Central Region must finalize their candidates to ensure strong, capable, and visionary leadership in these strategic sectors.

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining who will take the lead in Africa’s next phase of economic, industrial, and technological transformation under the African Union framework.