Addis Ababa, May 25, 2026 (FMC) — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for renewed global commitment to Africa’s development, emphasizing the need for stronger cooperation to address water, energy, and climate-related challenges across the continent.
In his Africa Day 2026 message, the UN chief highlighted Africa’s resilience, strengths, and growing global influence, noting that generations of Africans have overcome the legacy of slavery and colonialism while building unity and purpose out of adversity.
He said Africa’s shared determination continues to drive key development priorities, including the expansion of continental free trade, renewable energy development, innovation, and sustainable growth aimed at strengthening peace, stability, and prosperity.
Guterres stressed that this year’s Africa Day theme, focusing on water and sanitation, underscores a critical development challenge, describing these services as fundamental to public health, human dignity, and economic opportunity.
He warned that millions of people across Africa still lack access to safe water and sanitation due to limited investment, weak infrastructure, and the intensifying impacts of climate change, with women and youth among the most affected.
The UN Secretary-General called for stronger domestic resource mobilization, improved governance, and sustained investment in the water and sanitation sector.
He also urged greater global solidarity to support African countries through expanded access to financing, debt relief mechanisms, and strengthened public-private partnerships.
Guterres further emphasized the need for significant investment in Africa’s electrification and transition to renewable energy, saying it is essential to powering water and sanitation systems, reducing vulnerability to global oil market volatility, and advancing global climate goals.
He reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to working with African countries in building a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future for all.