Council of Ministers

Overview / Role

• Responsible for implementing guidelines laid down by the Summit.
• Periodically monitors and evaluates whether OACPS’ objectives are being met.
• Coordinates key ministerial-level sectoral meetings (e.g., Trade Ministers, Culture Ministers).

Composition / Structure

• Consists of one government representative (minister or designated official) from each Member State.
• Bureau of the Council: 9 members – 6 regional reps (one per region), plus President (current), outgoing President, and incoming President.
• Ministerial sectoral committees (sub-meetings): e.g., Trade Ministers Committee (MTC), Culture Ministers, Environmental Ministers, Education Ministers, etc.

Meetings / Frequency

• Meets twice a year in ordinary sessions.
• It can also hold special sessions on the President’s advice, after consulting all Bureau members.

Powers / Decisions

• Its acts may take the form of decisions, resolutions, or recommendations.
• Sets and reviews the modalities for implementing Summit policy.

Key Historical Notes / Milestones

• The 119th session was held from 23–25 May 2025 in Brussels under the Chair of Senator Pholile Dlamini-Shakantu.
• At that session, major priorities included institutional reform, financial sustainability, implementation of the Samoa Agreement, and inter-regional cooperation.
• Launched OACPS’ 50th anniversary celebrations at the 119th session.

Contact / Secretariat

• Secretariat: Place Charles Rogier 16, Brussels. Email: info@acp.int.
• The Secretariat supports the Council of Ministers in administrative and technical matters.