Addis Ababa: Held under the banner “Ensuring sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063,” the high-level gathering places water security and sanitation at the heart of Africa’s long-term development blueprint. Leaders are expected to deliberate on practical steps to secure reliable water resources as part of advancing African Union’s strategic vision under African Union Agenda 2063.

Beyond water sustainability, discussions are set to address the escalating climate change crisis and its direct impact on economic growth and social stability across the continent. Member states will explore strategies to mitigate environmental risks while protecting development gains.

Security concerns are also high on the agenda, particularly in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa regions, where instability and conflict continue to challenge governance and humanitarian conditions. Leaders are expected to review coordinated approaches aimed at strengthening regional peace and crisis response mechanisms.

Financing remains one of the summit’s most pressing challenges. Member states are calling for increased contributions and stronger financial independence for the Union to reduce reliance on external funding. Enhancing financial sustainability is seen as crucial to enabling faster and more effective implementation of continental initiatives.

Reforming the working mechanisms of African Union institutions will also be revisited. Proposals focus on improving efficiency, cutting bureaucracy, and accelerating response times to emerging crises across the continent.

Ahead of the summit, Addis Ababa hosted the African-Italian Summit, aimed at reinforcing strategic bilateral relations between African nations and Italy.