President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will represent Namibia at the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government, set for 14–15 February 2026 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She arrives on 12 February, following the 48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council on 11–12 February.
Leaders will address critical issues like peace and security, 2025 G20 outcomes, Agenda 2063 progress, AU institutional reforms, and UN Security Council changes. The Summit launches the AU’s 2026 Theme of the Year: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of 2030.”
This theme stresses water security and sanitation’s role in fostering inclusive growth, social progress, and climate resilience directly aligning with Namibia’s Vision 2030 and NDP6. It promises tangible gains in underserved areas while linking water access to stability amid ongoing continental conflicts. Discussions will revisit Agenda 2063 flagships like Silencing the Guns, tackling unconstitutional government changes through multilateral, peaceful approaches.
On the sidelines, President Nandi-Ndaitwah has lined up key bilaterals to bolster ties and Namibia’s development, trade, and investment goals under the Eighth Administration, including:
– The AU Commission Chairperson her first official meeting as Head of State.
– Ms. Mafalda Duarte, Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund, advancing Namibia’s regional hub bid.
– Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, delivering a message from King Mswati III, OACPS Resource Mobilisation Champion.
The President departs Windhoek on Thursday, 12 February 2026 and returns on Monday, 16 February.
