29/07/2026
PRESS RELEASE: HONOURABLE DR. PHENYO BUTALE TO PARTICIPATE AT THE 49TH ORDINARY SESSION OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF THE AFRICAN UNION
GABORONE: 27th July 2026: Honourable Dr. Phenyo Butale, Minister of International Relations, will represent Botswana at the 49th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union (AU), scheduled to take place on 27th โ 29th July 2026, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The Session will be convened under the AUโs 2026 theme, โAssuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.โ Deliberations will focus on addressing water and sanitation challenges in Africa, and exploring collective efforts towards sustainable water governance, improved access to safe water, adequate sanitation and hygiene services across the continent.
The 49th Ordinary Session will also receive progress reports from various committees of the Executive Council, including the report of the Committee on African Candidatures within the International System. The Candidatures Committee, which is chaired by Honourable Dr. Phenyo Butale, plays a critical role coordinating Africaโs representation in international organisations by facilitating consensus building and supporting the endorsement of candidates who advance the continentโs interests within the United Nations system and other international intergovernmental organisations.
On the margins of the Session, Minister Butale is also expected to hold a series of high-level bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening cooperation with particular countries and advancing Botswanaโs economic diplomacy objectives, as well as identifying new opportunities for trade and investment and strategic partnerships. These engagements will help boost the countryโs competitiveness and attractiveness as a key investment destination.
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