President Hichilema to lead country’s delegation to AU summit focused on water, sanitation

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema will attend the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) from February 14–15 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Foreign Affairs Minister Mulambo Haimbe said on Thursday. Haimbe said the Assembly, the AU’s highest decision-making body, will convene under the theme: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.” The theme aims to strengthen political leadership, mobilize resources, and position Africa’s water and sanitation agenda globally. “This is in line with the decision of the Assembly at its 38th Ordinary Session, which called on President Hichilema to provide leadership and inspire action to implement the outcomes of the 3rd African Implementation and Partnership Conference on Water (PANAFCON-3) held in Lusaka,” Haimbe said.

As the AU Champion on ending child marriage, Hichilema will also host a high-level breakfast side event to launch the 2025 report of the African Union Champion on Ending Child Marriage in Africa. He is also expected to attend the 35th Summit of the Forum of Heads of State and Government of the Africa Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), among other engagements. Haimbe said the President’s participation highlighted Zambia’s commitment to advancing continental objectives, including safe water and sanitation, economic integration, sustainable development, and lasting peace and security.

The AU Summit will be preceded by the 48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council, comprising ministers of foreign affairs or their representatives, from February 11–12. President Hichilema is expected to return to Zambia after concluding his engagements. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.