Placing water and sanitation at the center of Africa’s development and climate agenda.
The African Union (AU) has declared 2026 as the Year of “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”
This theme elevates water and sanitation to a continental political priority, recognizing them as catalysts for economic transformation, climate resilience, public health, food security, and regional stability. The theme was launched during the 39th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly in Addis Ababa on 14 February 2026. Despite progress, millions of Africans still lack safe water and sanitation, undermining health, productivity, and human dignity. Climate change is intensifying water stress through droughts, floods, and hydrological disruptions. The 2026 Theme responds to this urgent challenge by placing water and sanitation at the center of Africa’s development and climate agenda.
This presents a significant opportunity to drive transformative, climate resilient, and people centered investments in water and sanitation. It reinforces Africa’s commitment to sustainable development, equity, and resilience, ensuring that no one is left behind on the pathway to Agenda 2063.
Strengthen Political Leadership: Reaffirm water and sanitation as critical enablers of industrialization, health, peace, food systems, and climate resilience. Secure and consolidate political will at the highest levels (Heads of State and Government) to elevate the value attached to water and drive implementation of the new Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy.
Shift the Narrative and Raise the Profile of Water: Promote a new narrative that highlights water’s central role in economic growth, job creation, and industrialization. Strengthen the business case for water investments and position water more prominently in national and regional development planning.
Mobilize Investment and Finance: Support Member States in accessing resources to expand climate resilient water and sanitation services.
Improve Governance and Policy Alignment: Provide a continental roadmap through the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy, enhancing coherence, coordination, and accountability. Improve sector governance to enhance financing and investment prospects
Endorse a New Strategic Framework: Secure adoption of the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy at the 39th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly in February 2026. This new Vision and Policy will serve as the strategic framework for achieving inclusive and climate resilient water security post 2025, directly aligned with Agenda 2063.
Promote Integrated and Regional Approaches: Advance water energy food nexus strategies, Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), and cooperation on transboundary water systems. Foster stronger collaboration between water and related sectors—such as agriculture, energy, climate change, and peace and security.
Build Capacity and Innovation: Strengthen data systems, knowledge sharing, and the adoption of innovative technologies for water security and sustainable sanitation.
Elevate Africa’s Voice Globally: Position Africa to shape global water governance ahead of major multilateral events, including the UN Water Conference 2026. Ensure that the processes and outcomes of the 2026 Theme feed into and align with the UN 2026 Water Conference. Present a unified African position to accelerate implementation of SDG 6, in line with Agenda 2063 goals of environmentally sustainable and climate resilient economies and communities, and priority areas including biodiversity, conservation, sustainable natural resource management, water security, and climate resilience.
Call to Action
A unified continental call to accelerate progress toward Agenda 2063 and SDG 6:Water as a Human Right: “Every African deserves access to clean water and safe sanitation—this is not a privilege, but a right.”
Water Security for Economic Transformation: “Water is the engine of Africa’s industrialization, agriculture, and energy future.” Sustainable water systems require investment; leaders should frame water as a priority for both national budgets and partners’ finance.
Climate Resilience & Adaptation: “Securing water means securing Africa against climate shocks.” Droughts and floods threaten water availability which require resilience strategies.
Pan African Solidarity: “Water unites us across borders—our rivers, lakes, and aquifers are shared lifelines.” Promote regional cooperation, cross-border water governance, and collective responsibility.
Youth & Innovation: “Africa’s young innovators will lead the way in water technology and sanitation solutions.” Link water security to job creation and technological advancement. Emphasize issues of inequalities as rural and marginalized communities often face the greatest water insecurity.
Equity & Inclusion: Ensure rural and marginalized communities are prioritized.
Key Initiatives
Information highlighting continental programs/initiatives:
National Climate-Resilient Water Investment Programs
Financing and Investment
Regional Cooperation on Transboundary Water
Innovation & Digital Solutions
WASH
Member States Spotlight
Interactive map of Africa.
Countries showing:National initiatives linked to the theme
Success stories
News & Updates
Latest press releases, announcements, and event highlights.
Upcoming conferences, summits, and workshops.
Multimedia gallery (photos, videos).
Resources
AGENDA-2063-The Africa We Want!
Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy: Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063
Africa Water Investment Outlook Report 2025
AU Guidelines for Developing Climate Resilient Water Investment Programs
AU Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy and Action Plan (2022-2032)
Africa Regional Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction
The Great Green Wall Initiative (GGWI)
Programme of Action for the Implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 in Africa
Strategic Intervention Axis of the new GGWI Strategy
Contacts
For further information, please contact:Dr Jihane El Gaouzi, Head, Sustainable Environment Division, Agriculture Rural Development Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, AUC| e-mail elgaouzij@AfricanUnion.org
Mrs. Wynne Musabayana | Head of Communication | Information and Communications Directorate, African Union Commission | email: MusabayanaW@africanunion.org
Media contact:Ms. Esther Azaa Tankou | Head, Media and Information Division, Communication Adviser, Permanent Observer Mission to the UN | Information and Communications Directorate | E-mail: yamboue@africanuinon.org , Tel: +251911361185 / +1 3478127195 (WhatsApp)
Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communication Directorate (ICD), African Union Commission | E-mail: GamalK@africanunion.org
Mr. Molalet Tsedeke | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission Tel: +251-911-630 631 | E-mail: MolaletT@africanunion.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Shift the Narrative and Raise the Profile of Water: Promote a new narrative that highlights water’s central role in economic growth, job creation, and industrialization. Strengthen the business case for water investments and position water more prominently in national and regional development planning.
Mobilize Investment and Finance: Support Member States in accessing resources to expand climate resilient water and sanitation services.
Improve Governance and Policy Alignment: Provide a continental roadmap through the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy, enhancing coherence, coordination, and accountability. Improve sector governance to enhance financing and investment prospects
Endorse a New Strategic Framework: Secure adoption of the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy at the 39th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly in February 2026. This new Vision and Policy will serve as the strategic framework for achieving inclusive and climate resilient water security post 2025, directly aligned with Agenda 2063.
Promote Integrated and Regional Approaches: Advance water energy food nexus strategies, Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), and cooperation on transboundary water systems. Foster stronger collaboration between water and related sectors—such as agriculture, energy, climate change, and peace and security.
Build Capacity and Innovation: Strengthen data systems, knowledge sharing, and the adoption of innovative technologies for water security and sustainable sanitation.
Elevate Africa’s Voice Globally: Position Africa to shape global water governance ahead of major multilateral events, including the UN Water Conference 2026. Ensure that the processes and outcomes of the 2026 Theme feed into and align with the UN 2026 Water Conference. Present a unified African position to accelerate implementation of SDG 6, in line with Agenda 2063 goals of environmentally sustainable and climate resilient economies and communities, and priority areas including biodiversity, conservation, sustainable natural resource management, water security, and climate resilience.
Call to Action
A unified continental call to accelerate progress toward Agenda 2063 and SDG 6:Water as a Human Right: “Every African deserves access to clean water and safe sanitation—this is not a privilege, but a right.”
Water Security for Economic Transformation: “Water is the engine of Africa’s industrialization, agriculture, and energy future.” Sustainable water systems require investment; leaders should frame water as a priority for both national budgets and partners’ finance.
Climate Resilience & Adaptation: “Securing water means securing Africa against climate shocks.” Droughts and floods threaten water availability which require resilience strategies.
Pan African Solidarity: “Water unites us across borders—our rivers, lakes, and aquifers are shared lifelines.” Promote regional cooperation, cross-border water governance, and collective responsibility.
Youth & Innovation: “Africa’s young innovators will lead the way in water technology and sanitation solutions.” Link water security to job creation and technological advancement. Emphasize issues of inequalities as rural and marginalized communities often face the greatest water insecurity.
Equity & Inclusion: Ensure rural and marginalized communities are prioritized.
Key Initiatives
Information highlighting continental programs/initiatives:
National Climate-Resilient Water Investment Programs
Financing and Investment
Regional Cooperation on Transboundary Water
Innovation & Digital Solutions
WASH
Member States Spotlight
Interactive map of Africa.
Countries showing:National initiatives linked to the theme
Success stories
News & Updates
Latest press releases, announcements, and event highlights.
Upcoming conferences, summits, and workshops.
Multimedia gallery (photos, videos).
Resources
AGENDA-2063-The Africa We Want!
Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy: Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063
Africa Water Investment Outlook Report 2025
AU Guidelines for Developing Climate Resilient Water Investment Programs
AU Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy and Action Plan (2022-2032)
Africa Regional Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction
The Great Green Wall Initiative (GGWI)
Programme of Action for the Implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 in Africa
Strategic Intervention Axis of the new GGWI Strategy
Contacts
For further information, please contact:Dr Jihane El Gaouzi, Head, Sustainable Environment Division, Agriculture Rural Development Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, AUC| e-mail elgaouzij@AfricanUnion.org
Mrs. Wynne Musabayana | Head of Communication | Information and Communications Directorate, African Union Commission | email: MusabayanaW@africanunion.org
Media contact:Ms. Esther Azaa Tankou | Head, Media and Information Division, Communication Adviser, Permanent Observer Mission to the UN | Information and Communications Directorate | E-mail: yamboue@africanuinon.org , Tel: +251911361185 / +1 3478127195 (WhatsApp)
Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communication Directorate (ICD), African Union Commission | E-mail: GamalK@africanunion.org
Mr. Molalet Tsedeke | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission Tel: +251-911-630 631 | E-mail: MolaletT@africanunion.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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