Opening Remarks: Moussa Batraki Outlines the Priorities
The 11thth Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) opened on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Sipopo International Conference Center in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. The closing ceremony was presided over by the President of Equatorial Guinea and incoming Chair of the Summit of Heads of State and Government, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo. In his opening remarks, OECPS Secretary General Moussa Batraki called for transforming the OECPS into a stronger and more influential organization on the occasion of its 50th anniversary.
The world is undergoing profound geopolitical, climatic, and technological changes. In light of this, the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) must no longer merely react, but anticipate and take action. This is the essence of the key takeaway from the opening statement by Moussa Batraki, the organization’s secretary-general, delivered to the political leaders of member countries during the opening ceremony of the11th Summit of Heads of State and Government, taking place on March 27, 28, and 29, 2026, in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.
“This half-century of history is not just an achievement to celebrate; above all, it is a responsibility to uphold,” he emphasized. Fifty years after its founding, the Organization, which brings together 79 states across three continents, stands at a turning point. The Secretary-General called on leaders to transform the OEACP so that it can effectively respond to current challenges. To achieve this, he outlined four priority areas.
The first priority mentioned: political relevance
Moussa S. Batraki emphasized the need to transform the OEACP into a strategic platform capable of projecting “a united voice of the South” in major international forums. Against a backdrop of geopolitical realignments and the questioning of traditional multilateralism, the organization must evolve from a mere consultative body into an influential actor capable of collectively defending its members’ interests in the face of global imbalances.
Second key focus area: diverse partnerships
The Secretary-General called for the modernization of policy instruments, with more operational South-South and triangular cooperation. He urged the development of balanced partnerships that are less reliant on traditional models, and called for exploring new alliances that integrate economic, political, and strategic dimensions. The goal is clear: to move from often merely formal cooperation to concrete and effective mechanisms.
Third pillar: Engaging women, young people, and the private sector
Moussa S. Batraki emphasized the importance of placing communities at the heart of collective action. He particularly highlighted the need to further involve women and young people—the true driving forces of the organization—as well as the private sector, as a catalyst for the creation of decent jobs and inclusive growth. This mobilization must lead to tangible results: food security, a just energy transition, climate resilience, and social inclusion.
Fourth driver of transformation: the integration of digital technology and innovation
The Secretary-General called for the “smart integration” of digital technologies, innovation, and knowledge. In a world marked by rapid technological change, the OEACP must modernize its tools to better support its member states in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, promote knowledge sharing, and accelerate sustainable development.
A new momentum
Throughout his remarks, Moussa S. Batraki paid tribute to the President of Equatorial Guinea, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, “for his unwavering support and enlightened leadership,” which made it possible to host this historic summit in Malabo. He also expressed his deep gratitude to the Heads of State and Government for the trust placed in him since he took office on March 4, 2025, while speaking emotionally about the challenges facing his country, Chad.
“This Malabo Summit should not be seen as an end in itself, but rather as an opportunity for a new beginning,” the Secretary-General concluded. He called on leaders to make informed decisions that will strengthen the unity, credibility, and capacity for action of the OEACP, in order to transform its human, cultural, and economic assets into concrete drivers of sustainable prosperity for its peoples. With this speech, Moussa Batraki laid the groundwork for an ambitious vision. It is now up to the Heads of State and Government to translate these guidelines into concrete actions over the coming months.