Under the banner « From vision to action », the African Water Forum drew to a close this Thursday, July 16, 2026 in N’Djamena, wrapping up two days of intense discussions on Africa’s most pressing water access and sustainable resource management challenges. Jointly hosted by the Chadian government and the World Bank Group, the event brought together heads of state, technical and financial partners, and water sector experts from across the continent.
Closing the forum, World Bank envoy Farouk Mollah Banna underscored the urgent need to move from pledges to tangible results on the ground.
« Meeting the people’s expectations for broader, more reliable and equitable access to water, food and a healthy planet hinges entirely on how swiftly and seriously the commitments made here are turned into real actions in the field, » he told delegates.
The Chadian Prime Minister, Allah Maye Halina, placed the Lake Chad Basin at the top of Africa’s priority agenda, stressing that safeguarding this shared ecosystem is far more than a regional concern—it is a continental imperative touching peace, development and food security for millions.
« The survival of the Lake Chad Basin is no longer a choice; it is a vital necessity. The lake’s future is not just a matter for the bordering nations; it shapes the economic stability, food security and safety of over 30 million people. Now is the moment to elevate the Lake Chad Basin to the top of Africa’s—and the world’s—priority list, » the Prime Minister declared.
Organizers now urge swift follow-through, urging all stakeholders to convert the forum’s recommendations into immediate, impactful actions for Africa’s people.
