Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini on Saturday represented His Majesty King Mswati III and the nation at the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Summit of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The high level gathering brought together African leaders to deliberate on peace, stability and sustainable development across the continent.
“We have just concluded a very productive day, which began with the opening ceremony of the 39th Ordinary Session of the AU Summit of Heads of State and Government, which we are attending on behalf of His Majesty the King and the Nation. The Summit brings together leaders from across our continent to deliberate on matters central to Africa’s peace, stability and sustainable development,” Dlamini said.
This year’s summit is convened under the theme “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.” Leaders are grappling with persistent droughts, climate variability, strained water infrastructure and limited access to safe sanitation in many African communities.
Dlamini said the theme speaks directly to the realities faced by countries such as Eswatini and others across the continent.
“We must strengthen cooperation, invest in resilient water systems, and accelerate innovation to ensure that no African child, woman or man is left behind. Water security is not only a development imperative; it is a matter of dignity, public health and economic transformation,” he said.
On the sidelines of the summit, the Prime Minister held bilateral meetings with several Heads of State, including President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, President William Samoei Ruto of Kenya and President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço of Angola.
During these engagements, he conveyed a special message from His Majesty King Mswati III in his capacity as Champion of Resource Mobilisation for the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States ahead of the 11th OACPS Summit of Heads of State and Government scheduled for March 2026 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.
The Prime Minister also received a courtesy visit from Dr Robinson Tanyi, President of the African Indigenous Governance Council and King of the Tinto Mbu in Cameroon. Tanyi extended well wishes to His Majesty following Eswatini’s successful hosting of the inaugural Traditional Leaders Conference in September 2025.
In addition, Dlamini held talks with Professor Jeffrey Sachs, President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, focusing on pathways to sustainable development and practical strategies aligned to Africa’s Agenda 2063.
“As we continue with the proceedings of the Summit, we remain steadfast in advancing Eswatini’s interests while contributing meaningfully to Africa’s shared vision under Agenda 2063. Together, we will pursue practical solutions that uplift our people and secure a sustainable future for generations to come,” he said.
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