Water and sanitation appear to have moved decisively to the centre of Africa’s political agenda.
At the High-Level Side Event on “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063”, held on the margins of the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union, African leaders launched the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy on February 15, 2026 – marking a decisive step from political recognition to coordinated continental delivery.
The launch of the Vision and Policy signals a strategic shift: water and sanitation are no longer treated merely as sectoral challenges, but recognised as fundamental for economic transformation, climate resilience, regional integration and long-term prosperity.
A Continental Framework for Transformation
The Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy establishes a shared continental direction to:
- Secure sustainable water availability
- Ensure safe sanitation systems for allMmobilise climate-resilient investment
- Strengthen governance and accountability
- Advance transboundary cooperation.
The launch of the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy followed its endorsement during the Ordinary Session of the Heads of State and Government. The Vision and Policy become the basis for elaborating:
- The continental implementation framework aimed at advancing the goals of Agenda 2063; and
- The Africa’s Common Position and contribution to the UN 2026 Water Conference, accelerating global progress on SDG 6.
Anchored in eight strategic pillars – from universal access and sustainable water availability to resilient ecosystems, trusted data systems, human capital development and cooperative basin management – the Vision and Policy provide a coherent blueprint for delivery across sectors and borders.
Leaders Call for Investment, Implementation and Results
At the beginning of the launch of the Vision and Policy, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, who was represented by Moses Vilakati, AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (ARBE), described the moment as historic.
He said: “The decision by the Heads of State and Government to dedicate 2026 to water and sanitation marks a historic turning point to the African Continent. Investing in water and sanitation is not a cost. It is one of the highest returns on investments Africa can make. If we secure water and sanitation, we secure Africa’s economic transformation.”
Presenting the Action Framework for the 2026 Theme of the Year, Moses Vilakati, AU Commissioner ARBE, emphasised that the focus now is implementation.
“This Theme is designed to accelerate implementation,” he said, warning that “Africa is currently off track in achieving its water and sanitation commitments… The sector remains significantly under-financed.”
Commissioner Vilakati stressed that success will ultimately be measured by delivery “and by how many African citizens gain access to safe water, safe sanitation, and resilient services.”
Speaking on behalf of AMCOW, Dr Cheikh Tidiane Dièye, Minister for Hydraulic and Sanitation of Senegal and President of AMCOW, framed the Vision as transformative.
He said: “This is not merely a sectoral vision and policy. It is a continental strategy for prosperity, peace and resilience. Today, we are not simply launching a document – we are inaugurating a new era of continental determination.”
The official launch was led by Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, who was represented by Collins Nzovu, MP, Zambia’s Minister of Water Development and Sanitation.
The President recalled the mandate entrusted to him by the Assembly, saying: “Today, we fulfill that mandate.”
He described the Vision as: “not just a policy, but a transformative blueprint.” He also described water as Africa’s most vital strategic resource: “It is the lifeblood that sustains our people, the energy that powers our industries, and the common thread that binds our nations together”.
President Hichilema further underscored the urgency of water cooperation: “With 90% of our surface water crossing borders, cooperation is no longer an option, it is our only path to survival. The Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy serve as our “Common Position” integrating water into the African Peace and Security Architecture to ensure that our shared basins remain engines of regional integration rather than sources of conflict”.
In launching the vision, he also underscored the need to confront inaction and deal with the annual water investment gap in Africa estimated at $30 billion and called on every leader, partner and citizen of Africa to embrace the Vision and Policy.
The European Union supports this continental ambition through Blue Africa Action, co-funded with the Government of Germany and implemented in partnership with the African Union Commission and AMCOW. The initiative contributed to the development of the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy and continues to support its implementation.
From Lessons to Leadership
The Africa Water Vision 2063 & Policy builds on lessons from the Africa Water Vision 2025 and continental monitoring mechanisms, including AMCOW’s WASSMO reporting process. These assessments have highlighted both progress and persistent gaps – reinforcing the need for stronger accountability and accelerated implementation.
A Call to Collective Delivery
With its endorsement, the Africa Water Vision 2063 & Policy now sets a clear direction for Member States, Regional Economic Communities and partners to translate political commitment into measurable impact. Clearly, African leaders are convinced that securing water and sanitation means securing Africa’s future.