The Chad government, in partnership with the World Bank, is set to host the African Water Forum in N’Djamena, a high-stakes event centered on the theme “From Vision to Action.” Over two days, the summit will convene African heads of state, finance and water ministers, agricultural and energy leaders, regional institution representatives, multilateral development banks, and private sector stakeholders to address critical issues of water security, climate resilience, and access to clean water.

Diplomatic momentum for water security in Africa

Among the key participants is Anna Bjerde, World Bank Managing Director of Operations, who will co-chair the discussions alongside Chad’s President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno. The forum aims to finalize the WASH+ investment roadmap, advance national water management agreements, and mobilize public, private, and blended financing to accelerate sector investments. This gathering marks a pivotal moment in Africa’s fight against water scarcity, with Chad positioned as a regional leader in addressing these challenges.

Water poverty: a continental emergency

According to the World Bank, over 400 million Africans lack access to basic drinking water services, while more than 700 million are without proper sanitation. Without substantial investment, water scarcity could slash GDP growth in affected African nations by up to 6%, with Sahelian countries facing even steeper economic losses. Conversely, improved water management is framed as a catalyst for agricultural growth, energy security, public health, and regional stability.

The timing of the forum is particularly significant for Chad. Earlier this year, the World Bank approved a $160 million (over 92 billion FCFA) funding package to expand access to clean water and bolster climate resilience in Chad’s most vulnerable regions—including areas hosting over 1.3 million Sudanese refugees. “In a context where water and natural resource pressures fuel community tensions, this initiative will restore access to water and instill hope for the future,” stated Farouk Mollah Banna, World Bank Country Representative for Chad.

Mobilizing global funds for sustainable water solutions

The forum aligns with a broader strategy to secure international financing. In late 2025, Chad unveiled its national water development program in Abu Dhabi, securing over $20 billion in commitments from global partners. Since then, authorities have intensified talks with major donors, including the World Bank, the French Development Agency (AFD), the European Union, and the World Food Programme (WFP), to fund hydraulic infrastructure and strengthen the country’s resilience against climate change impacts.

A continental shift in water governance

The stakes extend far beyond Chad. The World Bank intends for this forum to serve as the inaugural African milestone for its Water Forward initiative, launched in April 2026. The initiative seeks to enhance water security across the continent by fostering greater collaboration among governments, technical and financial partners, and the private sector. Its scope goes beyond drinking water and sanitation, incorporating irrigation, energy production, food security, and cross-border water cooperation—critical areas since nearly 90% of Africa’s water resources span multiple countries.