The 39th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government opened on 14 February 2026 in Addis Ababa, bringing together leaders from across Africa.
This summit has been anchored around the theme of water security and sanitation, officially named the AU’s Theme of the Year 2026: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063”.
Water security is now a flagship issue for the AU, recognized as fundamental to economic development, health, climate resilience, food security, stability, and peace across the continent.
African leaders are calling for unified action on sustainable water management and sanitation, stressing that water is not just a social service but a catalyst for development and regional cooperation.
The summit’s focus reflects a strategic shift, treating water not as a sectoral issue but as an enabling foundation for industrialisation and human capital development.
President Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi was elected Chairperson of the African Union for 2026, taking over from Angola’s João Lourenço.
Leaders highlighted the importance of peace and security, institutional reform, and continental solidarity alongside the water agenda. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa urged action to address conflicts in the region.
The opening ceremony featured remarks by prominent figures including United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, underscoring global interest in African priorities such as sustainable development and peace.
Across Africa, millions lack access to reliable water and safe sanitation, impeding health, livelihoods, and economic potential—especially amid climate change pressures.
By placing water security at the center of the AU’s agenda, leaders aim to link it directly to broader goals like Agenda 2063, the AU’s long-term blueprint for inclusive growth, resilience, and integration.
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