KEY POINTS

• Shettima is representing Nigeria at the AU summit in Ethiopia, where leaders will discuss development priorities and regional cooperation.
• The summit’s main focus is improving water access and sanitation across Africa as part of long-term continental goals.
• Nigeria has reportedly secured major continental financial roles, including hosting the African Monetary Institute and Central Bank.

Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has arrived in Addis Ababa to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.

His arrival was confirmed in a statement released by presidential media aide Stanley Nkwocha, noting that the summit’s main meetings will take place on February 14 and 15, 2026. Shettima is also scheduled to participate in the AU General Assembly session and several high-level engagements alongside African leaders.

On arrival at Bole International Airport, Shettima was received by Ethiopia’s Minister of Innovation and Technology Belete Mola and the country’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs Berhanu Tsegaye. Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar and other senior officials were also present to welcome him.

Members of Nigeria’s diplomatic delegation, including senior foreign ministry staff and embassy officials, joined the reception, underscoring the importance Abuja attaches to the summit and its outcomes.

Focus of the 2026 AU Summit

This year’s summit carries the theme: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.” Leaders are expected to deliberate on strategies to expand access to clean water, strengthen sanitation infrastructure, and improve environmental sustainability across the continent.

Beyond water and sanitation, discussions will also cover broader development priorities tied to Africa’s long-term transformation blueprint, with emphasis on infrastructure, public health, climate resilience, and economic integration.

In addition to plenary sessions, Shettima is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with political and business leaders from across Africa.

These talks are aimed at deepening Nigeria’s diplomatic ties, boosting trade partnerships, and strengthening regional cooperation on security and development.

Briefing journalists, Tuggar described the launch of the Regional Partnership for Democracy as a strategic step toward reinforcing democratic culture on the continent. He added that Nigeria is already gaining diplomatic advantages from its participation.

According to Tuggar, Nigeria has secured confirmation as host of the African Monetary Institute and the African Central Bank, and has also been nominated to serve on the bank’s board.

These developments, he said, signal growing confidence in Nigeria’s leadership role within Africa’s economic architecture.