By Abdullahi Lukman
African ministers responsible for water have adopted the Africa Water Vision and Policy 2063, setting a long-term framework to strengthen water security and sanitation across the continent in support of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
The vision and policy were approved at the 14th Session of the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) General Assembly held on September 29, 2025, in Dakar, Senegal.
The document outlines a 38-year roadmap aimed at ensuring equitable and sustainable use of water resources, expanding access to safe sanitation and protecting African ecosystems.
Developed under AMCOW’s leadership in collaboration with the African Union Commission, the vision positions water as a central driver of economic development, poverty reduction, food security, climate resilience and regional integration.
It also establishes Africa’s common position ahead of the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, with the goal of accelerating progress on Sustainable Development Goal 6.
The policy is the result of an extensive, member state–led consultation process launched after the 13th AMCOW General Assembly in 2023.
Sub-regional ministerial meetings held across East, West, Southern, Central and North Africa in early 2025 helped build consensus, alongside continent-wide stakeholder engagement during the Pan-African Conference on Implementation and Partnership in Zambia.
Further political momentum was generated during the African Union Summit on Investment in the Water Sector in South Africa, where leaders highlighted the role of water investment in achieving Africa’s long-term development goals.
The African Union Commission played a central coordinating role, supported by development partners, regional institutions and civil society organisations.
Looking ahead, water and sanitation have been adopted as the African Union’s official theme for 2026, reinforcing the priority of the new vision.
The AU Assembly is expected to formally endorse the policy in February 2026, while AMCOW plans to develop an initial implementation plan covering 2026–2033 and mobilise financing to support delivery.
AMCOW said the Africa Water Vision 2063 will guide collective action by governments and partners to make water and sanitation a political and economic priority, supporting inclusive growth and sustainable development across the continent in the decades ahead.