Ethiopia to Advance Nat'l Interests at African Union, Italy-Africa Summits: Spokesperson

Addis Ababa, February 5, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopia has made full preparations to advance its national interests at the upcoming 39th African Union Summit and the Italy-Africa Summit that will take place in the capital city, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Nebiat Getachew said.

The Spokesperson briefed journalists today on the general arrangements made for the 39th African Union Summit and the Italy-Africa Summit.

The Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union will be held from 11–12 February, and the Summit on 14–15 February. The Italy-Africa Summit will take placed on 13 February, 2026.

According to Nebiyat, Ethiopia has made comprehensive logistical arrangements and is prepared for active engagement at both diplomatic and economic levels.

The spokesperson emphasized the importance of both summits for fostering political and economic diplomacy.

Accordingly, Ethiopia is preparing to actively participate in the summits on issues that promote its national interests, and enhance conference tourism that reflects Ethiopian culture and values by providing special hospitality for the participants.

He added that this year, as in the past, 179 young volunteers were recruited for the African Union Summit, demonstrating the principle that every citizen is a diplomat for his or her country.

The Spokesperson explained that this youth volunteer activity is being carried out in line with the Youth Volunteer Service Framework established by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, calling on all Ethiopians to extend their usual cooperation to ensure the success of summits.

Furthermore, Nebiat stated that Ethiopia has made full preparations in terms of logistics, protocol, and security.

Recalling that the theme of the year’s AU summit is “Assuring sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063,” he said Ethiopia has carried out many activities in line with this theme.

Ethiopia has made significant progress in water cooperation and remains committed to transforming the Nile Basin Cooperation Framework into a Commission, the Spokesperson noted.

Ethiopia has connected its neighbors through renewable energy, carried out water conservation efforts that have restored and enhanced water resources, and made significant contributions with the Green Legacy Initiative.