By Cecilia Chiluba/Zambia/Lusaka
Zambia has led the official launch of the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy, as the Continent grapples with an annual investment gap of approximately US$30 billion needed to achieve water and sanitation goals.
Zambia’s President, Hakainde Hichilema launched the policy during a High-Level Side Event held at the African Union (AU) Complex in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The event, held on the sidelines of the AU Summit, focused on Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by his Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Eng. Collins Nzovu, President Hichilema, said the unveiled Africa Water Investment Outlook Report, provides the framework to mobilize the public and private capital necessary to turn water into an engine of inclusive growth.
The President reminded delegates that in February 2025, during the 38th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly, leaders entrusted Zambia with the mandate under Assembly Decision 931(XXXVIII) to lead the development of a post-2025 water agenda for Africa.
“Today, we fulfill that mandate. We gather to launch not just a policy, but a transformative blueprint, the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy. This vision, which I had the privilege of co-authoring the Foreword with my brother, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, is our collective answer to a continent-wide challenge,” he said.
“It is the cornerstone of our African Union Theme for 2026: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”
The Head of State emphasized that water remains Africa’s most vital strategic resource, essential for sustaining livelihoods, powering industries, and strengthening regional integration.
He however, cautioned that climate change poses an existential threat, with recurring droughts and floods undermining food security and economic stability.
President Hichilema stressed that with about 90 percent of Africa’s surface water crossing national borders, transboundary cooperation is critical.
“The Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy serves as our Common Position, integrating water into the African Peace and Security Architecture to ensure that our shared basins remain engines of regional integration rather than sources of conflict,” President Hichilema noted.
He further underscored Zambia’s global role, noting that the country will serve as Co-Chair, alongside Finland, of the Interactive Dialogue on Water for Cooperation at the upcoming UN Water 2026 Conference in Abu Dhabi.
President Hichilema expressed gratitude to Senegal and the United Arab Emirates as co-hosts of the global conference.
“In this regard, the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy is not just for us; it is Africa’s contribution to the global dialogue. By speaking with one voice today in Addis Ababa, we ensure that the African agenda for transboundary and international water cooperation and climate resilient water security become the global benchmark in December,” he remarked.
The Zambian leader called on African leaders, development partners and citizens to embrace the Vision through bold investment, inclusive governance and collective action.
