Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has departed for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to attend the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU), scheduled for February 14 and 15, 2026.
In a statement issued by State House on February 12, 2026, President Samia will also take part in key engagements on the margins of the summit, underscoring Tanzania’s growing diplomatic and continental role.
Ahead of the main Assembly, the President is expected to participate in the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) meeting on February 13.
The session will be hosted by Kenya’s President, Dr William Samoei Ruto.
She will later attend a State Dinner hosted in her honour by Ethiopian Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali.
During the summit, President Samia is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with several leaders.
They include Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, Comoros President Azali Assoumani, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, and former African Development Bank Group President Dr Akinwumi Adesina.
The discussions will focus on strengthening political dialogue, deepening economic cooperation, and advancing shared development priorities.
The Assembly will convene under the theme: Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.
The theme reflects the collective resolve of African countries to enhance water security, promote public health, and accelerate inclusive and sustainable development.
Tanzania is concluding its two consecutive terms on the African Union Peace and Security Council, covering the period from 2022 to 2026.
During this tenure, the country made substantive contributions to continental peace, stability, conflict prevention, and post-conflict reconstruction efforts.
In line with established rotational arrangements, the Assembly will formally announce the African Union leadership for 2026.
Burundi is expected to assume the chairmanship of the Union.
Tanzania has been designated as Second Vice-Chairperson of the Assembly Bureau, representing the Eastern Region, a role that reflects continued confidence in the country’s leadership and commitment to continental integration.
President Samia has also been proposed for appointment as the African Union Champion for Maternal and Child Health.
The proposed designation, expected to be endorsed by the Assembly, highlights Tanzania’s longstanding commitment to strengthening health systems, promoting family well-being, and advancing human capital development.
The African Union Assembly is the organisation’s highest decision-making body.
It is mandated to adopt binding resolutions and provide strategic political direction on key continental priorities, including peace and security, economic integration, institutional reform, and the implementation of Agenda 2063.
