Boosting co-operation on African water issues and preparations for the 2026 UN Water Conference was the core of talks held on Sunday between Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Swailem and Senegalese Minister of Water and Sanitation Cheikh Tidiane, who also serves as president of the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW).
The discussions took place ahead of the ninth edition of Cairo Water Week (CWW 2026), which opened in Cairo today.
Swailem lauded the existing co-ordination between Egypt and Senegal, highlighting Senegal’s role as AMCOW president in building consensus on the Africa Water Vision 2063. He stressed the importance of building on this co-operation to advance joint African action in the water sector.
The two ministers discussed ways to support the implementation of the Africa Water Vision 2063 and its action plan, emphasising the need for continued consultation among African countries to ensure that the continent’s priorities are reflected and to promote water security and sustainable development.
The meeting also reviewed efforts to strengthen governance and institutional performance within AMCOW. Swailem stressed the importance of preserving the council’s specialised technical role and enhancing co-ordination with the African Union Commission and relevant regional institutions to improve the implementation of water programmes and projects.
Discussions also covered preparations for the 2026 UN Water Conference, which Senegal will co-chair. Both sides underscored the importance of co-ordinating an African position that reflects the continent’s priorities and links the conference’s outcomes to the Africa Water Vision 2063 and its implementation framework.
The ministers also highlighted the importance of discussions during Cairo Water Week in strengthening African co-ordination on water issues and advancing shared development goals.
