Brussels – The African Union marked Africa Day on 25 May 2026 in Brussels with a focus on one of the continent’s most pressing challenges, water and sanitation, bringing together African ambassadors, European partners and diaspora representatives to discuss the road ahead under Agenda 2063.
The celebration unfolded under the theme “Ensuring Sustainable Availability of Water and Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” and drew all African diplomats based in Brussels, members of the African diaspora and friends of the continent.
Among the speakers at the formal seminar that opened the day was Lesotho’s Ambassador to the BENELUX countries, Her Excellency Mantoetsi Mohatonyane, who used the platform to present her country’s progress and investment opportunities in water and sanitation management. 
Ambassador Mohatonyane pointed to the Metolong Dam Supply Programme, which expanded reliable water access and sanitation services to communities, and the Lowlands Water Supply Programme, which has improved water access for a large portion of Lesotho’s population while easing the burden on women and children in rural areas.
She also laid out Lesotho’s investment opportunities, covering hydropower development for clean energy production, the expansion of trout fisheries for export, tourism built around the country’s heritage and culture, and the establishment of data centres powered by the country’s clean energy resources.
The ambassador called for greater financing and capacity building, noting that despite the progress made, 25% of Lesotho’s population still lacks reliable water access and sanitation coverage stands at only 67%, gaps she said contribute directly to high child mortality rates from preventable diseases.
The seminar also featured perspectives from representatives of the Directorate-General for International Partnerships, the European External Action Service and the African diaspora.
The day closed with a gala dinner celebrating Africa’s cultures and shared vision for a prosperous future, with African music setting the tone for an evening of solidarity and cultural exchange among the continent’s diplomats and their guests.
