Hon. Haimbe Urges Continental Unity on Water and Sanitation at AU Executive Council
Zambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, MP, has called for a unified African approach to water and sanitation governance, describing water as a strategic resource central to the continent’s development and security.
Hon. Haimbe is attending the 48th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Executive Council, which officially opened today in Addis Ababa under the theme of Water and Sanitation. The theme aligns closely with key development priorities across Africa, including public health, food security, energy generation and sustainable economic growth.
Speaking on the margins of the meeting, the Minister said the focus on water security resonates strongly with Zambia’s national development agenda, particularly in light of recent climate-related challenges.
“The theme of this Executive Council speaks directly to the wellbeing of the Zambian people. Water is not merely a social good; it is a strategic resource that underpins food production, energy security and economic development,” Hon. Haimbe said.
He noted that prolonged droughts have significantly affected Zambia’s agricultural output and hydroelectric power generation, leading to energy shortfalls. As a country heavily reliant on hydropower, reduced water levels have had far-reaching economic and security implications.
“The drought we have experienced has impacted both food security and energy supply. When water levels decline, energy production is compromised, and this quickly becomes a broader economic and security concern,” he explained.
Hon. Haimbe emphasised the importance of enhanced continental cooperation in the management of Africa’s water resources. He urged AU Member States to support the adoption of the proposed continental water policy and to work towards a harmonised African framework.
“While recognising the diverse circumstances of individual Member States, it is vital that Africa adopts a common position on water resources. A unified policy framework will promote coordination, sustainability and shared progress across the continent,” he said.
In his formal statement to the Executive Council, the Minister noted that the development of the Africa Water Vision 2063 and its accompanying policy framework followed due process, with Member States fully involved and taking ownership of the outcome. Although non-binding, he said the framework serves Africa’s collective interests and is consistent with the African Union’s 2026 theme.
He further revealed that His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema is expected to brief the AU Assembly on the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy, as mandated at the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly. The framework was developed during the Third Pan-African Implementation and Partnership Conference on Water (PANAFCON 3), held in May 2025.
Hon. Haimbe highlighted that flexibility in implementation would allow countries to adapt the policy to their national contexts while remaining aligned with a shared continental vision for sustainable water governance.
He also underscored water’s critical role in achieving the African Union’s Agenda 2063, noting its potential to drive industrialisation, reduce poverty, boost agricultural productivity and improve livelihoods.
The Minister reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to working closely with fellow AU Member States to strengthen water resource management and to promote policies that enhance resilience to climate-related shocks, including drought.
The 48th AU Executive Council meeting continues over the next two days, with its outcomes expected to shape discussions at the forthcoming AU Summit.
Hon. Haimbe is accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Etambuyu Anamela Gundersen, Zambia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, His Excellency Mr Albert Muchanga, and other senior government officials.
