N’Djamena is set to become the global epicenter for water diplomacy as the African Water Forum convenes, co-hosted by the Chadian government and the World Bank under the Water Forward initiative. Over two days, the capital will welcome heads of state, finance and water ministers, agricultural and energy leaders, regional institution representatives, multilateral development bank officials, and private sector executives. The central focus? Tackling water security, building climate resilience, and expanding access to clean drinking water across the continent.
The forum, themed “From Vision to Action”, aims to finalize the WASH+ investment roadmap, advance national water management agreements, and secure critical funding—both public and private—to fast-track water infrastructure projects. Leading the charge is Anna Bjerde, World Bank Managing Director of Operations, who will co-chair the event alongside Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno.
Water scarcity affects over 400 million africans
This gathering couldn’t come at a more urgent moment. The World Bank warns that water scarcity remains one of Africa’s most pressing challenges: over 400 million people lack reliable access to safe drinking water, while 700 million are denied basic sanitation. Without substantial investment, water shortages could slash GDP growth by up to 6% in some African nations—and even more in Sahelian countries. Conversely, smarter water management could unlock agricultural growth, bolster energy security, enhance public health, and foster regional stability.
For Chad, the timing of this summit is pivotal. Just months ago, the World Bank approved a $160 million (over 92 billion FCFA) package to expand potable water access and strengthen climate resilience in vulnerable regions, including areas hosting over 1.3 million Sudanese refugees. “In a context where water and natural resource pressures fuel community tensions, this initiative will restore access to water and reignite hope for the future,” noted Farouk Mollah Banna, the World Bank’s Resident Representative in Chad.
The forum also aligns with Chad’s broader push to secure international funding. In late 2025, the government unveiled its national water development program in Abu Dhabi, securing commitments exceeding $20 billion from global partners. Since then, authorities have intensified negotiations with major donors, including the World Bank, Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the European Union, and the World Food Programme (WFP), to fund hydraulic infrastructure and climate adaptation projects.
A continental strategy for water security
The stakes extend far beyond Chad’s borders. The World Bank intends this forum to mark the first major African milestone for its Water Forward initiative, launched in April 2026. The plan seeks to enhance water security continent-wide by fostering stronger collaboration among governments, technical and financial partners, and the private sector. The goal? Expand water policies beyond basic access and sanitation to include irrigation, energy production, food security, and cross-border cooperation—especially critical given that nearly 90% of Africa’s water resources span multiple nations.
