The African Water Forum 2026, themed “From Vision to Action,” will take place in N’Djamena on July 15–16, bringing together key stakeholders to address the continent’s pressing water challenges.

Ahead of the event, the Chadian Minister of Finance, Budget, Economy, Planning, and International Cooperation held a press briefing to outline the country’s pivotal role as host and its water security ambitions.

Chad’s water riches and shared basins

The minister highlighted Chad’s abundant hydrological assets, including the Lake Chad basin, major rivers like the Chari and Logone, and bodies of water such as Lakes Fitri, Léré, Iro, and Bahr Aouk. He also emphasized the country’s shared Nubian Sandstone Aquifer and transboundary basins that sustain the wider Sahel region.

« As a Sahelian nation, we face unique water challenges—climate pressures, rapid population growth, and underdeveloped infrastructure. Hosting this forum underscores our commitment to turning these challenges into opportunities for dialogue and action,» the minister stated.

Water as a pillar of development and peace

The government is prioritizing water security through three core pillars: expanding access to clean drinking water and sanitation for all, including marginalized communities; boosting irrigation to safeguard food production; and sustainably managing shared water resources with neighboring countries in the Lake Chad and Nubian Sandstone basins.

The upcoming Water Forward initiative, aligned with the President’s national development agenda, reflects a long-term vision centered on water for people, agriculture, and the planet. This initiative is set to receive renewed support from partners, including a new project under development with the World Bank.

From dialogue to action: what to expect

Organizers anticipate the forum will produce tangible outcomes, including National Water Compacts for participating countries and accountability mechanisms to ensure commitments are honored. Chad, as host, is positioned not only as a facilitator but as a champion of Africa’s water transformation.