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African leaders have adopted “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063” as the African Union’s theme for 2026.
The decision was taken at the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government held on February 14, 2026, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where leaders recognised water and sanitation as central to Africa’s long-term development and public health agenda.
In a communiqué issued after the summit, the AU said the 2026 theme reflects the urgent need to prioritise sustainable water management and safe sanitation systems as a pathway to achieving the health, economic, and environmental aspirations outlined in Agenda 2063.
Central to the new focus is the adoption of the Africa Water Vision 2026, which envisions an Africa with equitable and sustainable management of water resources to support poverty reduction, socio-economic development, regional cooperation and environmental protection.
The initiative is expected to strengthen integrated water resource management within the Water, Energy, Food and Ecosystems (WEFE) nexus framework.
The AU’s Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (ARBE) has been tasked with championing the implementation of the 2026 theme in line with Assembly decisions.
Leaders noted that climate change has intensified water-related challenges across the continent, with more frequent droughts and flooding threatening livelihoods and food systems.
According to the World Health Organisation, waterborne diseases remain a leading cause of mortality in Africa, further showcasing the need for improved access to safe water and sanitation facilities.
The AU said member states are being encouraged to strengthen water governance, expand infrastructure investments and promote community participation in water and sanitation projects, particularly in rural and underserved urban areas.
The continental body stressed that water security is not only an environmental concern but also an economic imperative. It noted that three out of four jobs in Africa are water-dependent, while poor hygiene and sanitation account for a significant proportion of illnesses that undermine labour productivity.
The AU is currently developing an inclusive implementation strategy for 2026, with a focus on innovation and the active participation of youth, women and marginalised communities.
The strategy aims to showcase water as a driver of economic growth, job creation and industrialisation, while accelerating investment in water infrastructure across the continent.
By placing water and sanitation at the centre of its 2026 agenda, the AU said it seeks to galvanise governments, civil society, and the private sector to act collectively to advance sustainable development and improve the quality of life for millions of Africans.
