President Hichilema To Champion Water and Sanitation at AU Summit in Addis Ababa

President Hakainde Hichilema is set to champion sustainable water and sanitation solutions as he joins fellow African leaders at the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Themed "Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve Agenda 2063," the summit addresses one of the continent's most pressing development challenges — ensuring reliable access to clean water and safe sanitation for all.

During the Assembly, President Hichilema and his counterparts will review progress on key continental priorities, including peace and security, regional integration, and sustainable development. Leaders will also engage in discussions on institutional reforms within the African Union and explore ways to amplify Africa's collective voice on global platforms, particularly through coordinated engagement with the G20.

President Hichilema has long maintained that peace and stability are prerequisites for meaningful economic transformation — a message he is expected to reinforce throughout the proceedings.

Beyond the main Assembly, the Zambian leader will take part in high-level sideline engagements covering digital health systems, gender equality, child survival, and the strengthening of Africa's health security frameworks.

The summit's outcomes are anticipated to shape continental policy direction on improving access to clean water, sanitation, and inclusive development — priorities that align closely with Zambia's own development agenda.

The details were confirmed in a statement issued to ZNBC News by State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka.