By Abdullahi Lukman
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has launched a new five-year strategy aimed at strengthening investment in water and sanitation infrastructure across Africa, calling on governments to increase domestic funding and attract greater private-sector participation.
The 2026–2030 African Water Facility Strategy, unveiled during Cairo Water Week in Egypt, outlines a funding requirement of between €75 million and €120 million over five years for the Facility, alongside $300 million to capitalise the African Urban Sanitation Investment Initiative.
The strategy seeks to address funding gaps in the preparation of water and sanitation projects, improve access to investment and accelerate the development of infrastructure needed to strengthen water security across the continent.
The launch took place on October 27, 2026, during a high-level Advocacy and Call for Support Event co-chaired by Egypt and Senegal at Cairo Water Week, held from October 25 to 29.
The African Water Facility, established by the African Ministers’ Council on Water and managed by the AfDB, supports African countries in preparing viable water and sanitation projects capable of attracting financing.
Its activities include funding feasibility studies, technical designs and other preparatory work required to make projects financially viable and ready for implementation.
Speaking at the launch, Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation and Chair of the African Water Facility Governing Council, Prof. Hani Sewilam, said African countries must take greater responsibility for financing their water and sanitation priorities rather than depending primarily on external assistance.
He explained that the new strategy would provide a practical framework for translating the African Union’s Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy into investment-ready projects capable of attracting public and private funding.
Similarly, Mtchera Johannes Chirwa, Director of the AfDB’s Water Development and Sanitation Department, said adequate project preparation was essential to securing financing and ensuring successful implementation.
He noted that feasibility studies, technical designs and financial arrangements were necessary to give investors confidence before construction could commence.
The strategy also prioritises stronger private-sector involvement, encouraging businesses to contribute funding, technology and technical expertise to water and sanitation development across Africa.
As part of efforts to mobilise international support, the German Water Partnership is expected to issue a statement endorsing the strategy. The organisation comprises more than 300 companies, associations, research institutions and other stakeholders with expertise in the water sector.
Its support is expected to strengthen opportunities for collaboration involving German technology, private investment and technical knowledge in African water projects.
The strategy aligns with the African Union’s Africa Water Vision 2063 and the AfDB’s Four Cardinal Points strategic priorities, particularly efforts to mobilise African capital, develop resilient infrastructure and strengthen competitive value chains.
Meanwhile, an AfDB delegation led by Michel N’Guessan, Chief Water Development Officer, participated in the International Water, Waste and Infrastructure Exhibition and Conference in Cairo from October 26 to 28.
The delegation engaged private-sector representatives and other stakeholders on potential financing arrangements, technological solutions and partnership opportunities for water and sanitation projects.
Cairo Water Week brought together African governments, development partners, financial institutions, philanthropic organisations and private investors to discuss strategies for improving water security and strengthening cooperation across the continent.
The AfDB said its participation in the event also formed part of preparations for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference and the 2027 World Water Forum.
