Staff Reporter
PRESIDENT Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will attend the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where African leaders will deliberate on peace and security, institutional reforms, Agenda 2063 and global governance issues, while also launching the AU’s 2026 Theme of the Year on water security and sanitation.
The summit will take place from 14 to 15 February 2026 and follows the 48th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council scheduled for 11 to 12 February 2026. President Nandi-Ndaitwah is expected to arrive in Ethiopia today (12 February) and return to Namibia on 16 February.
Photos: Namibian Presidency/Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation-Namibia
Meanwhile, the Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, is participating in the 48th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council from 11 to 12 February 2026 in Addis Ababa, ahead of the leaders’ summit. The summit held under the theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”
Key issues on the summit agenda include peace and security on the continent, the outcomes of the 2025 G20 Summit, progress on Agenda 2063, reforms within the African Union, and the reform of the United Nations Security Council.
The Assembly will also launch the AU Theme of the Year 2026, titled “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of 2030.” The theme underscores the importance of water security and safe sanitation in driving inclusive growth, social development and climate resilience across Africa. It aligns with Namibia’s Vision 2030 and the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) and is expected to deliver practical benefits, particularly for communities still facing sanitation challenges.
The theme further highlights the link between water security and peace at a time when parts of the continent continue to experience instability. Leaders are also expected to reflect on Agenda 2063 flagship initiatives such as Silencing the Guns, amid ongoing concerns about unconstitutional changes of government in some regions.
On the margins of the summit, Namibia has arranged several bilateral engagements with heads of state, development partners and international organisations to strengthen diplomatic ties and advance the country’s development, trade and investment priorities under the Eighth Administration.
Confirmed bilateral engagements include meetings with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, marking President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s first official meeting with the AU Commission Chair as Head of State; Mafalda Duarte, Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund, as part of Namibia’s bid to host a regional hub; and Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini of the Kingdom of Eswatini, who will deliver a special message from King Mswati III, Champion of Resource Mobilisation of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS).
