Continental platform discusses water security... Chad hosts the African Water Forum 2026

Written by Ziad Abdel Fattah:

The capital hosts Chadian N'Djamena, July 15-16, 2026, «African Water Forum» events, under the theme «From Vision to Implementation,» in a step that reflects the continent's shift towards practical action on one of the most dangerous strategic challenges, which is the water file.

Chad was chosen to host the forum due to its location in the heart of the Sahel region and its status as one of the countries most affected by the water crisis and the repercussions of climate change. It faces escalating challenges, including the shrinking of Lake Chad, recurring droughts, seasonal floods, rapid population growth, and refugee influxes, all of which increase pressure on limited water resources.

Increasing importance of the water file

The forum serves as a continental platform for discussing water security issues, amid growing concerns about water scarcity in Africa. Estimates indicate that hundreds of millions of people still lack access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation services, alongside the increasing impacts of climate change on water resources.

The forum focuses on moving water files from theoretical discussions to actual implementation by accelerating projects and enhancing regional cooperation.

Multiple strategic objectives

The forum aims to achieve several key objectives, most notably promoting the concept of water security as part of national security, attracting international funding from major institutions such as the World Bank, development banks, and investment funds, as well as encouraging private sector participation in water projects.

It also focuses on supporting the implementation of projects on the ground, enhancing cooperation between countries that share water resources, especially rivers, lakes, and groundwater, in addition to employing modern technologies, such as artificial intelligence, satellites, and early warning systems, in water resource management.

The interest extends to supporting the agricultural sector by improving the efficiency of irrigation systems, confronting the repercussions of climate change, including drought, desertification, and floods, in addition to unifying African positions in preparation for international forums concerned with water and sustainable development.

Key issues on the agenda

The forum discusses a range of vital topics, including the future of Lake Chad, shared river management, water desalination, wastewater reuse, smart city issues, the energy-water nexus, food security, financing infrastructure projects, innovation in water resource management, and regional cooperation in the Sahel.

Broad international participation

The forum is expected to witness high-level participation including heads of state and government, ministers of water, environment, agriculture, and energy, as well as representatives of international financial institutions, water experts, technology companies, and the private sector.

Delegations are expected from a number of influential African countries, including Egypt, Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, Ethiopia, Morocco, South Africa, and Senegal, as well as countries from the Sahel, West Africa, and Central Africa.

Special importance for Egypt

The forum holds particular importance for Egypt, given that the issue of water is considered a strategic priority. Egypt's participation is expected to focus on sustainable water resource management, water reuse, seawater desalination, the development of irrigation systems, and enhancing technical cooperation with African countries in the field of water security.

Expected outputs

The forum is expected to result in the announcement of new partnerships, the signing of memorandums of understanding, and the launch of regional projects, in addition to the announcement of innovative financing programs and initiatives to expand drinking water and sanitation services, as well as the development of an African roadmap to enhance water security on the continent.