By Abdullahi Lukman
As Africa marks its Water Week, civil society organisations and environmental justice advocates have raised strong objections to the role of international financial institutions in promoting water privatisation on the continent.
The fifth edition of the Africa Week of Action Against Water Privatisation, taking place from October 13 to 18, is being organised under the theme “Public Water for Climate Resilience.”
It is convened by the Our Water Our Right Africa Coalition (OWORAC) in partnership with the Africa Make Big Polluters Pay (MBPP) Coalition.
At a press briefing held in Lagos last Monday, stakeholders criticised the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank for allegedly pushing African governments toward adopting privatised models of water supply under the guise of economic reform.
Speaking at the event, Executive Director of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Akinbode Oluwafemi, said the campaign against water privatisation is not only about access to essential services, but also about environmental justice and resisting economic models that prioritise profit over people.
“This is not just about water. It’s about justice, equity, and dismantling systems that profit from people’s basic needs,” Oluwafemi said.
“The IMF and World Bank are imposing a model they know will not serve African communities — especially in the face of worsening climate impacts.”
He added that this year’s campaign is particularly significant as it features the participation of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation, Pedro Arrojo-Agudo.
Oluwafemi said Arrojo-Agudo’s presence affirms the global relevance of the struggle to keep water in public hands.
Campaigners argue that water privatisation often leads to higher tariffs, reduced access for poor communities, and weakened public accountability.
They say such outcomes are particularly damaging in a region facing severe climate-related challenges, including droughts, floods, and deteriorating infrastructure.
The coalition is instead calling for increased public investment in water systems that are democratically governed and designed to build long-term climate resilience.
The Week of Action includes public forums, advocacy campaigns, and community outreach activities in several African countries.
Organisers say their goal is to pressure governments to reject privatisation policies and adopt sustainable, equitable approaches to water management.