African countries lose up to $200 billion annually due to insufficient investment in the water and sanitation sector. Nearly 418 million people still lack access to safe drinking water, and more than 700 million lack access to adequate sanitation. Experts say that to achieve universal access to water and sanitation by 2023, African governments must adopt integrated and inclusive planning that focuses on vulnerable populations.
The data is alarming: nearly 418 million Africans still lack access to safe drinking water, and 779 million lack basic sanitation services. According to UNICEF, if current trends continue, the vast majority of African Union member countries will not achieve the goal of universal access to water, sanitation, and hygiene by 2030. With only five years left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the time for rhetoric is over, and urgent action is now.
This is an important moment, not only for Africa, but also for the global movement for access to safe water for all. It’s truly gratifying to see so many people gathered here to discuss the water situation on our continent.
Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa
According to experts, to achieve universal access to water and sanitation, African governments must adopt integrated and inclusive planning, focused on vulnerable populations. It is crucial to strengthen resource management through scientific research and regional cooperation, develop innovative financing mechanisms combining public funds, private investment, and international aid, and establish effective governance based on technical training and community monitoring.
The AIP is not just a framework. It is a transformative platform to mobilize the estimated $30 billion needed annually to close Africa’s water investment gap. It aligns unprecedentedly with our National Development Plan, climate adoption priorities, and the country’s commitment to achieving the National Union’s Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring access to clean water and health for all by 2030.
Mswati III, King – Eswatini
Currently, investments in the water sector in Africa are between $10 billion and $19 billion per year, well below the $30 billion needed to meet the continent’s needs by 2030. This financing gap must be addressed through increased advocacy, but above all through concrete and coordinated actions, if Africa is to achieve its water access goals.
Under South Africa’s G20 presidency, the future is a divine moment, a moment in which water security, economic development, poverty alleviation, and climate resilience must advance together, hand in hand. Africa faces an annual investment gap of €3 billion. This issue is not simply a discussion; it is a mobilization, a real commitment, supporting climate resilience, sanitation projects, and ensuring that water becomes an engine of sustainable development and prosperity across the continent.
Jibril Abdirashid Haji Abdi, Deputy Prime Minister – Somalia
Achieving universal access to safe drinking water in Africa by 2030 is a colossal, but achievable, challenge. It requires urgent, coordinated, and large-scale action, ranging from mobilizing financing to concrete reforms, technological innovation, and regional cooperation. Time is running out, and only strong political commitments and determined implementation will make it possible to meet this vital challenge, experts warn.
