In February 2026, the African Union declared water and sanitation a top continental priority by adopting “Ensuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063” as its official theme for the year. The decision, finalized during the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, elevates these issues beyond sectoral concerns, framing them as essential to economic transformation, climate resilience, and regional stability.
The theme’s adoption coincided with the launch of the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy, a strategic framework designed to unify member states around shared goals. These include securing water availability, ensuring safe sanitation for all, mobilizing climate-resilient investment, and strengthening transboundary cooperation. With 90% of Africa’s surface water crossing borders, leaders emphasized that collaboration is not optional but vital for survival and peace.
Outgoing AU Chair H.E. João Lourenço called water access a moral and strategic necessity, while incoming Chair H.E. Évariste Ndayishimiye anchored the agenda at the highest leadership level. H.E. Hakainde Hichilema, President of Zambia, described the new policy as a transformative blueprint and noted the urgent need to close Africa’s $30 billion annual water investment gap.
The European Union, through its Blue Africa Action initiative—co-funded with Germany—supported the development of this framework and continues to back its implementation in partnership with the African Union Commission and AMCOW.
As Commissioner H.E. Moses Vilakati stressed, the focus now shifts to delivery: success will be measured by how many African citizens gain access to safe water and sanitation, ensuring the vision becomes a lived reality across the continent.
