Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi departed Nairobi on Tuesday for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, ahead of the 48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union (AU), scheduled for February 11 and February 12, 2026.
The session precedes the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, slated for February 14 and 15.
Mudavadi, who also serves as Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, said the summit presents a critical opportunity for African leaders to tackle water scarcity and sanitation challenges, key elements in achieving the continent’s long-term development goals under Agenda 2063.
“The theme of this year’s Summit—Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems—is very timely and forward-looking,” Mudavadi said.
“It builds on the outcomes of the second African Climate Summit held last September in Addis Ababa and continues the work initiated during the first African Climate Summit in Nairobi in 2023.”
Experts have consistently warned that water-related climate impacts could pose serious risks to Africa’s economic growth.
According to World Bank projections, droughts, floods, and water pollution could reduce GDP growth by up to 6 percent across much of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East by 2050.
Highlighting the geopolitical significance of water, Mudavadi recalled a 2001 statement by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who warned that “Fierce competition for fresh water may well become a source of conflict and wars in the future, replacing oil.”
Annan had also emphasized that while water scarcity could spark tensions, it could simultaneously serve as a catalyst for cooperation among nations.
During his visit, Mudavadi is expected to hold bilateral meetings with leaders from across the continent to advance Kenya’s foreign policy priorities and regional engagement.
These engagements align with the leadership roles currently held by President William Ruto, including AU Champion for Institutional Reform, Chair of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC), and Chair of the East African Community (EAC).
“The African Union provides a vital platform for collaborative solutions to our most pressing challenges, from climate adaptation to institutional reform,” Mudavadi said.
“Kenya remains committed to promoting stability, sustainable development, and continental cooperation at every level.”
The Executive Council meeting in Addis Ababa will address pressing issues such as sustainable water management, climate change adaptation, and regional cooperation, ahead of the summit of African Heads of State and Government later this month.
