The African Water Forum, a continental gathering of key stakeholders, will take place in N’Djamena on July 15-16, 2026, marking a pivotal moment for water resource discussions across Africa.
The announcement was made during a press briefing by the Minister of Finance, Budget, Economy, Planning, and International Cooperation. The event, themed “From Vision to Action”, will bring together policymakers, development partners, and experts to address the continent’s water challenges and opportunities.
Chad’s strategic role in Africa’s water security
In his address, the minister highlighted Chad’s unique position as a water-rich nation, home to critical water bodies such as Lake Chad, the Chari and Logone rivers, Fitri Lake, and numerous other reservoirs. These resources are shared not only within Chad but also with neighboring countries through transboundary basins like the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer and the Lake Chad Basin.
« As a Sahelian nation, we face immense water-related challenges—climate pressure, rapid population growth, and infrastructure vulnerabilities. Hosting this forum underscores our commitment to turning these challenges into opportunities for sustainable development, peace, and resilience, » he emphasized.
Water as a driver of development and stability
The government outlined its priorities for the forum, focusing on three key areas:
- Universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation, particularly for vulnerable communities, to improve public health and social equity.
- Enhancing irrigation systems to bolster food security and reduce dependency on unpredictable rainfall.
- Sustainable management of shared water resources, including cross-border cooperation with neighboring countries in the Lake Chad Basin and Nubian Sandstone Aquifer region.
The minister also underscored the importance of international partnerships, particularly with the World Bank, which has reaffirmed its support for Chad’s water sector. A new project under development will align with the government’s long-term vision, inspired by the President’s political agenda.
From commitments to action: what to expect
The forum aims to translate discussions into tangible outcomes, including:
- National water pacts for participating countries, outlining clear commitments and timelines.
- Monitoring mechanisms to ensure accountability among stakeholders.
- A shared roadmap for addressing Africa’s water crisis, with Chad positioned as a leader in regional water governance.
The government expressed confidence that the event will foster collaboration, innovation, and decisive action to secure water for present and future generations.
