By Awyetu Asabe Hope
The President of the Pan-African AU Agenda 2063 Diplomatic Mission, Steven Ben-Joel, has urged African countries to prioritise sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems, describing them as central to the continent’s development.
Speaking at a news conference in Abuja on April 14, Ben-Joel said access to clean water and sanitation remains critical to achieving African Union’s Agenda 2063 goals.
He noted that the 2026 African Day, scheduled for May 23–25, would focus on the theme:
“Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation System to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.
According to him, millions across Africa still lack safe drinking water and adequate sanitation, a gap that continues to undermine health, education, productivity and human dignity.
Ben-Joel called on governments, development partners and the private sector to scale up investment, innovation and collaboration, while also empowering local communities to take ownership of sustainable solutions.
The three-day celebration in Abuja is expected to attract over 5,000 participants and will combine policy dialogue with cultural activities.
It will also feature the launch of the 2026 Africa Day Essay Competition for primary and secondary school students.
In her remarks, Director General Elizabeth Emeka-Onwuchekwa emphasised that Africa’s development rests on collective responsibility, urging citizens to translate the vision of Agenda 2063 into tangible outcomes.
Meanwhile, Philip Nwachukwu was inaugurated as chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the event.
The Agenda 2063 framework, adopted by the African Union, outlines a 50-year plan (2013–2063) aimed at transforming Africa through inclusive growth, job creation and sustainable development.
