Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Addis Ababa, leading a South African delegation to the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly. The summit, which commenced today, February 14, 2026, is focused on addressing the critical issue of sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems across the continent, designated as the AU’s theme for 2026.
The two-day summit aims to tackle interconnected crises related to water insecurity, poor sanitation, and the escalating impacts of climate change. This year’s focus aligns with the broader Agenda 2063, a strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation of Africa. President Ramaphosa’s presence underscores South Africa’s commitment to collaborative solutions for continental challenges, particularly concerning access to essential resources like water.
South Sudan Peace Process a Key Focus
Beyond the overarching theme of water security, President Ramaphosa is scheduled to address the African Union Ad-Hoc High-Level Committee on South Sudan, known as the C5. South Africa currently chairs this committee, which plays a crucial role in overseeing the implementation of the peace agreement in South Sudan. According to a statement from the Presidency, the C5 will also host a “C5 Plus Summit” to consolidate efforts towards lasting peace in the region.
The President’s involvement in the South Sudan peace process highlights the ongoing efforts to stabilize the country and foster sustainable development. South Africa, alongside other members of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), is actively working to support the implementation of the peace agreement and address the root causes of conflict.
Investment in Water Infrastructure
A key component of the summit agenda is the AU AIP Water Investment Summit, a side event designed to connect member states with potential investors and financial institutions. This summit builds on the momentum generated by the Africa Water Summit held in Cape Town last year, which showcased a range of investment project pipelines. The goal is to secure funding for critical water infrastructure projects across the continent.
South Africa will participate in the investment summit, seeking to attract funding for its own water infrastructure initiatives and contribute to the broader continental effort to improve water access, and sanitation. The need for investment is particularly pressing given the increasing challenges posed by climate change and population growth.
Fresh AU Chair Elected, Water Security Prioritized
The 39th AU Summit also saw the election of a new Chair of the Union for the year 2026. Addressing the Assembly, Chairperson of the AU Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, emphasized the importance of water as a collective good that promotes both development and peace. He also stressed the need for accelerated political and economic integration under Agenda 2063, as well as institutional reform and financial self-reliance for the Union.
Youssouf highlighted the mounting geopolitical turbulence and the resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government across parts of the continent, underscoring the urgency of addressing these challenges collectively. The election of the new chair and the prioritization of water security signal a renewed commitment to tackling the continent’s most pressing issues.
President Ramaphosa’s participation in the summit underscores South Africa’s dedication to pan-African solutions and its commitment to addressing the challenges of water scarcity and sanitation. The outcomes of the summit are expected to shape the continent’s approach to water management and sustainable development in the years to come.
As the summit progresses, further discussions are anticipated on strategies to mobilize resources, strengthen institutional capacity, and promote innovative solutions for water security. The focus on financial independence within the AU also suggests a shift towards greater self-reliance and reduced dependence on external funding.
What remains to be seen is how effectively the commitments made at the summit will translate into concrete action on the ground. The success of the AU’s water security agenda will depend on the collective efforts of member states, investors, and development partners.
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