Participants Ahead of 39th AU Summit Call for Urgent Water Action, Stronger Continental Unity

Addis Ababa, February 13, 2026 (ENA)—As Africa prepares for the 39th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, participants are calling for urgent, concrete action to tackle the continent’s water crisis, emphasizing that unity and cooperation are essential for sustainable development.

The 2026 AU Theme of the Year is: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”

Dr. Ogho Okiti of Nigeria’s Ministry of Finance warned that Africa is “not in a very good place” regarding water sustainability, citing persistent gaps in access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and irrigation.

“We are not in a good place because the gap is so huge,” he said, stressing that the summit must deliver tangible outcomes, not “just another talk shop.”

He called for decisive steps to expand water access for drinking, agriculture, and sanitation across the continent.

Maki Moghrabi, a press writer and African international relations specialist, described the summit as timely and essential.

“The theme of the summit is based on water and the right of African people to have pure water. That is a big issue for Africa,” he said, noting the paradox that millions lack reliable water access despite abundant surface and underground resources.

“How can countries in Africa live surrounded by water and water underground and still the water is not available? This summit is dealing with that issue.”

Both Okiti and Moghrabi emphasized that continental cooperation is critical, not only for water security but also for broader development, trade, and peace.

“In terms of knowledge, investment, capital flows, and trade — we really, really need each other,” Okiti said. “Partnership across the continent is not an option anymore; it is the only viable path forward.”

Moghrabi added that cooperation must be a permanent pillar of every AU summit.

 “Yes, now the theme is water, but without cooperation, nothing will happen,” he said, underscoring the link between stability, peace, and sustainable development.

As leaders convene in Addis Ababa, the challenge remains turning dialogue into actionable policies that expand water access, strengthen continental unity, and drive sustainable growth across Africa.

Beyond water, Moghrabi noted that leaders are also expected to address peace and security concerns, recognizing that sustainable development depends on stability across the continent.

As the 39th AU Summit continues in Addis Ababa, participants say the challenge will be turning discussions into concrete policies that expand water access, strengthen cooperation, and promote sustainable growth across Africa.