Addis ababa: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will on Thursday depart for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to attend the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU), scheduled for 14-15 February 2026. The summit follows the 48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council from 11-12 February. The president is expected to return to Namibia on 16 February, State House said in a statement on Wednesday.
According to Namibia Press Agency, during the summit, AU leaders will discuss key continental issues, including peace and security, the outcomes of the 2025 G20 Summit, progress on the implementation of Agenda 2063, institutional reforms within the continental body, and the reform of the United Nations Security Council.
The assembly will also launch the AU Theme of the Year 2026: '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 promoting inclusive growth, social development, and climate resilience across the continent.
In the statement, press secretary Jonas Mbambo noted that the theme aligns with Namibia's Vision 2030 and the sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), and is expected to yield tangible benefits, particularly for communities still facing sanitation challenges.
The summit will further reflect on Agenda 2063 flagship initiatives, such as silencing the guns, amid continued concerns over unconstitutional changes of government in parts of Africa. The discussions are expected to reinforce the need for sustained multilateral engagement and peaceful, inclusive solutions to conflicts.
On the margins of the summit, Mbambo said that Nandi-Ndaitwah will hold several bilateral meetings with Heads of State, development partners and international organisations to advance Namibia's development, trade and investment priorities under the Eighth Administration. Confirmed engagements include meetings with Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmound Ali Yousouf, Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund Mafalda Duarte, and Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, according to Mbambo.