Why 2026 must be the year of action
Abdelmonem Fawzi
Across Africa, over 400 million people grapple with water scarcity, a crisis intensified by climate change, inadequate infrastructure, rapid population growth, and recurring droughts.
In regions like the Horn of Africa, chronic dry spells have dried up vital sources, while poor sanitation compounds the problem.
The consequences are devastating: widespread health risks from waterborne diseases, collapsed agriculture leading to food insecurity, and stalled economic progress that traps communities in poverty.
Water access is a powerful catalyst for transformation. Safe, reliable water improves public health, boosts school attendance (especially for girls who no longer spend hours fetching water), enhances productivity, and lays the foundation for escaping poverty.
Ending the water crisis in a single community often marks the first real step towards broader development and dignity.
While poverty in Africa stems from multiple sources, including political instability, conflicts, and environmental pressures, one of the most overlooked drivers remains the lack of clean drinking water.
For millions, this daily struggle perpetuates a cycle of hardship.
The encouraging reality is that this is a solvable challenge. With focused commitment, Africa can turn the tide.
Pivotal year for water security
The African Union (AU) has placed water at the forefront by declaring 2026 the year of “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063”.
This theme aligns perfectly with Agenda 2063, the continent’s blueprint for an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa.
At the 39th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government, held February 14–15, 2026, in Addis Ababa, leaders are set to adopt the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy.
This landmark framework envisions “a water-secure and resilient Africa with safe sanitation for all”.
It positions water and sanitation as strategic enablers of inclusive growth, poverty eradication, food security, industrialization, climate resilience, and regional integration.
The AU’s 2026 action plan includes developing the First Implementation Plan (FIP 2026–2033) to guide progress towards the Vision by 2063.
Additional efforts involve mobilizing financing through an international conference on the sidelines of the African Development Bank’s Annual Meeting, and raising awareness at key events, such as the 12th African Regional Forum for Sustainable Development (focused on Water and Development), the Africa Water & Sanitation Systems Leadership Symposium in Kigali, and regional preparations for the 11th World Water Forum.
This continental push gains global momentum through synergies with the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, co-hosted by Senegal and the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi from December 2–4, 2026.
Bringing together governments, UN agencies, NGOs, private sector players, and indigenous communities, the conference aims to accelerate SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation for all) and elevate water on the international agenda.
By centring the Africa Water Vision in these discussions, the AU seeks to rally member states and partners to prioritize water politically and economically.
Navigating trans-boundary challenges
Water security also demands addressing potential conflicts over shared resources.
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), inaugurated in September 2025, exemplifies both opportunity and tension.
For Ethiopia, the dam – Africa’s largest hydroelectric project – has dramatically boosted energy capacity to nearly 10 GW, powering homes, industries, and even exports to neighbours, while advancing self-reliance and Agenda 2063 goals.
For downstream Egypt, however, the GERD raises legitimate concerns about Nile water security, especially during droughts, given Egypt’s near-total dependence on the river.
Unilateral actions, including irregular releases observed in late 2025, have heightened fears of reduced flows and imposed new realities.
Sudan, amid its own challenges, has seen mixed impacts, including recent floods.
Over a decade of AU-led talks have yet to yield a binding agreement. Egypt seeks firm legal guarantees, particularly for drought management, while Ethiopia views the dam as essential for development.
Past proposals, like minimum downstream releases during dry periods, offered compromise, but stalled amid mistrust.
Resolution requires good-faith dialogue between Egypt and Ethiopia, focusing on practical steps: real-time data sharing, coordinated drought responses, and limits on unilateral actions. Credible third-party mediation could also rebuild trust and stabilize channels.
With the GERD operational, turning friction into co-operation could model equitable trans-boundary governance for Africa’s shared rivers, transforming potential conflicts into mutual benefits.
Call for collective action
Africa’s water future hinges on unity. All member states, institutions, partners, and stakeholders in the water and sanitation sector must collaborate with determination and solidarity.
By making water and sanitation a top political and socio-economic priority, the continent can drive inclusive growth, sustainable prosperity, and resilience.
The year 2026 is a turning point. With the Africa Water Vision 2063 as a guiding compass, and global events strengthening the call, Africa has the tools to secure water for all.
The time for courageous, collective action is now. A water-secure Africa is within reach and it will unlock the brighter future the continent deserves.
