Today, the African Union Commission (AUC) joins Member States, Regional Economic Communities, civil society, the private sector, and millions of Africans across the continent and in the diaspora to commemorate Africa Environment Day – Wangari Maathai Day, reaffirming its commitment to a green, resilient, and prosperous Africa. Established in 2012, this day honors the legacy of professor Wangari Maathai, Africa’s first woman Nobel Peace Laureta and a global environmental champion.

This year’s commemoration aligns with the AU’s 2026 theme of the year, focusing on sustainable water availability and safe sanitation to achieve Agenda 2063 goals. Africa faces severe climate challenges including droughts, floods, and land degradation that threatened biodiversity, livelihoods, and food security, disproportionately impacting women, youth, and vulnerable communities.

In this context, Africa Environment Day – Wangari Maathai Day serves as a powerful reminder that environmental protection, climate action, water availability, safe sanitation, peace, and prosperity are inseparable. It calls upon all stakeholders to accelerate the implementation of continental and global commitments, including:

• Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, particularly its Aspirations1 (Environmentally sustainable climate and resilient economies and communities) for a prosperous, environmentally sustainable, and climate-resilient continent.

•  The Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy - a strategic continental framework that would ensure water security and safe sanitation. https://au.int/sites/default/files/documents/46011-doc-EN-Africa_Water_Vision_2063_and_Policy.pdf

• The African Union Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy and Action Plan (2022–2032). https://au.int/en/documents/20220628/african-union-climate-change-and-resilient-development-strategy-and-action-plan

• Ongoing initiatives such as the Great Green Wall, the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative (AFR100), Green Recovery Action Plan, AU Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, and other flagship programmes advancing nature-based solutions, green jobs, and sustainable livelihoods.

On the 2026 Africa Environment Day, the African Union calls upon Member States to:  Strengthen policy and legal framework, scale up investment in Sustainable Water and Safe Sanitation and resilience building, empower women and youth as leaders in environmental governance, promote education, awareness, and indigenous knowledge systems, and deepen partnerships at continental and global levels.

Marking the Commemoration of the 2026 Africa Environment Day-Wangari Maathai Day, H.E. Mosses Vilakati, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (ARBE) at the African Union Commission said that “Across our continent, communities are already on the frontline of climate change, yet they are also at the forefront of solutions – restoring degraded lands, protecting our forests, innovating in clean energy, and building green enterprises. “The African Union stands with them. We are committed to turning Africa’s immense natural wealth into a foundation for shared prosperity, especially for our women and young people”, he reaffirmed.

About Africa Environment Day

Africa Environment Day Wangari Maathai Day was established by the African Union to raise public awareness on environmental challenges facing the continent. In 2012, the AU Assembly decided to simultaneously celebrate the Day in honour of the late Professor Wangari Maathai, in recognition of her exceptional contribution to sustainable development, democracy, and peace. The Day is commemorated annually across the continent on 3rd March.

For further information :

Mr. Harsen Nyambe, Director, Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy (SEBE)  Directorate | African Union Commission ; E-mail : NyambeH@africanunion.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

For media enquiries:

Mr.  Molalet Tsedeke I Information and Communications Directorate I African Union Commission I Tel: 0911-630631 I Email: molalett@africanunion.org   

​Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africanunion.org IWeb: www.au.int | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram