The African Union Southern Africa Regional Office (AU-SARO) Ambassador to Malawi, Hilda Suka-Mafudze, has urged African countries to strengthen regional cooperation in addressing climate-related challenges threatening the continent’s development.

Suka-Mafudze made the remarks during the 2026 Africa Day commemorations held at the Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe.

She said the “water-climate nexus” remains a major concern affecting food security, energy production, and livelihoods across Africa.

According to Suka-Mafudze, countries such as Malawi and Zimbabwe remain highly vulnerable to droughts and other climate change shocks, stressing the need for sustainable mechanisms to manage the environment and adapt to changing conditions.

She further said the African Union is calling for collective action from African leaders to safeguard the continent’s future from climate and resource crises.

In her remarks, Minister of Natural Resources Patricia Wiskes said this year’s theme highlights the importance of water in achieving agricultural transformation, industrialization, and sustainable urban development in Malawi and across Africa.

Wiskes added that water remains essential in supporting Malawi’s energy sector and overall economic growth.