Vice President Kashim Shettima has left Abuja for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 2026 African Union summit.
The event is the 39th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government, set for February 14-15, 2026, following the 30th General Assembly.
NewsQuest reports that the summit has the theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” and targets water management, sanitation, and long-term continental development.
Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communication to the Vice President Stanley Nkwocha said Shettima will attend high-level side events and bilateral meetings to boost Nigeria’s diplomatic, economic, and strategic ties in Africa.
The summit covers AU institutional reforms, G20 reports from South Africa, Peace and Security Council appointments, and conflicts in Sudan, South Sudan, and the Sahel.
Nkwocha said “While in Addis Ababa, the Vice President will join other African leaders at the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of AU Heads of State and Government, as well as the 30th General Assembly, scheduled to hold on February 14 and 15, 2026, respectively.
“On the margins of the Summit, Senator Shettima will participate in high-level side events and hold bilateral engagements with political and business leaders aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic, economic, and strategic partnerships across the continent.”
Other topics at the summit include climate change committees, AfCFTA progress, Africa CDC updates, and the AU Commission Chairperson’s annual report.
Vice President Shettima departed Abuja on Thursday accompanied by cabinet ministers and senior officials, with a return planned after his engagements.
