Vice President Kashim Shettima recently departed from Abuja to attend the upcoming 2026 African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he will represent President Bola Tinubu. The summit is focused on sustainable water management and safe sanitation systems, aligning with the broader goals of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 framework. This event is significant as it gathers leaders from across Africa to address crucial developmental issues that impact the continent.

The theme of the summit, "Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063," emphasizes the importance of water management and sanitation as foundational elements for sustainable development. The goals set within Agenda 2063 are designed to elevate the socio-economic conditions across African nations, and discussions at the summit will aim to establish commitments and frameworks to achieve these objectives. As such, it serves not only to address immediate needs but also to strategize for long-term growth in these critical areas.

Shettima's participation in the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of AU Heads of State and Government and the 30th General Assembly signifies Nigeria's continued engagement with continental issues. The Vice President will be collaborating with other leaders to forge a united approach towards addressing the challenges on the continent related to water sustainability and health, enhancing Nigeria's diplomatic relationships and influence within the African Union.