On May 22, Tahir Hamid Nguilin, Minister of State and Minister of Finance, alongside Farouk Mollah Banna, the World Bank’s Resident Representative in Chad, addressed the media about the upcoming African Water Forum From Vision to Action. Scheduled for July 15–16, 2026, in N’Djamena, this continental event will bring together key stakeholders to tackle pressing water challenges across Africa.
Nguilin expressed pride in Chad’s role as host, emphasizing the nation’s critical role in regional hydrology. « Chad is a water-rich nation, » he stated, highlighting the Lake Chad, major rivers like the Chari and Logone, and vital lakes such as Fitri, Léré, and Iro. He also underscored Chad’s shared transboundary basins, including the Nubian Aquifer, which sustains millions across the Sahel.
Despite its abundant resources, Chad faces mounting pressures: climate change, rapid population growth, and aging water infrastructure threaten stability. The Minister stressed that these issues demand urgent, coordinated action, positioning Chad as a leader in continental water security discussions.
Farouk Mollah Banna, representing the World Bank, announced a $160 million water sector project in the pipeline. « The initiative will be presented to the Board two weeks before the forum, » he confirmed, signaling a major financial commitment to Chad’s water resilience.
The forum will convene policymakers, technical partners, and water experts to devise actionable strategies for sustainable water governance. By hosting this event, Chad reaffirms its dedication to securing Africa’s most vital resource for future generations.
