VP Shettima Attends Opening Of 39th AU Summit

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | February 15, 2026

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Saturday joined other leaders from across Africa and beyond at the opening of the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The high-level gathering, hosted at the headquarters of the , brought together presidents, prime ministers, diplomats and development partners to deliberate on critical issues affecting the continent’s growth and integration.

At the summit, the President of the Republic of Burundi, , formally assumed office as the new Chairman of the African Union for 2026. He succeeded the outgoing Chairman, , who handed over leadership after steering the continental body through the previous year.

In his remarks, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, , underscored the importance of unity among African leaders in advancing the continent’s socio-economic transformation. Speaking on the summit’s theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” he called for stronger collaboration to address water security challenges and improve sanitation infrastructure as key pillars of development.

Prime Minister Abiy emphasized that sustainable water management and sanitation systems are central to achieving the aspirations of Agenda 2063, the African Union’s strategic framework for inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Also addressing the gathering, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, , expressed appreciation for the enduring partnership between the United Nations and Africa. He described the relationship as one built on solidarity and mutual support, noting the “unwavering, decisive support of the African Group in the UN on issue after issue, initiative after initiative, in the shared struggle for justice and equality.”

The outgoing AU Chairperson, President Lourenço of Angola, highlighted achievements recorded during his tenure. He stated that under his leadership, and with the cooperation of member states, the AU made notable progress in promoting inclusive economic growth, expanding critical infrastructure, and strengthening human capital development across the continent.

Beyond the keynote addresses by leaders representing regional blocs and development partners, the plenary session witnessed the formal assumption of office by President Ndayishimiye as Chairperson of the African Union, marking a new chapter in the organization’s leadership and its drive toward deeper integration and sustainable development in Africa.
Vice President Shettima’s presence at the summit reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to continental cooperation and its continued engagement in advancing shared African priorities.