Africa Takes a Leap Towards Universal Water and Sanitation Access
In a significant step towards achieving universal water and sanitation access, the African Development Bank Group and the African Water Facility are set to host a crucial side event at the 2025 Annual Meetings. The event, titled "Leveraging Water and Sanitation Investment in Africa – the Driving Role of the African Water Facility," will take place on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at the Sofitel Abidjan Hotel Ivoire in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. This gathering aims to highlight the vital role of the African Water Facility in supporting African countries in their quest for improved water and sanitation infrastructure.
The African Water Facility, a project preparation fund, has been instrumental in mobilizing financing for water and sanitation projects across Africa. Over the past 20 years, it has provided grants totaling €220 million, covering 148 projects and mobilizing €2.1 billion in downstream investment. These projects have had a profound impact, providing 11.3 million people with access to sanitation, improving water supply for 23.2 million people, and equipping 2 million hectares with irrigation. The Facility’s current project pipeline, valued at €90 million, is expected to benefit 15 African countries.
The side event will feature a panel discussion that will delve into critical aspects of achieving universal water and sanitation access. Experts will explore topics such as preparing bankable projects, the post-2025 African Water Vision and policy framework, evolving funding mechanisms, and private sector engagement in water and sanitation infrastructure delivery. The Africa Urban Sanitation Investment Initiative, an innovative partnership model, will also be showcased.
The event is expected to draw a diverse audience, including government representatives, regional organizations, donors, international institutions, water sector experts, policymakers, private sector stakeholders, and academia. As the African Water Facility looks to the future, its new 2026-2030 Strategy will be unveiled, outlining its vision for equitable water resource management to alleviate poverty, drive socioeconomic development, and enhance environmental protection.
As Africa continues to grapple with the challenges of water and sanitation, the African Water Facility’s work is more crucial than ever. With its proven track record and commitment to innovative solutions, the Facility is poised to play a driving role in achieving universal water and sanitation access across the continent. The 2025 Annual Meetings side event promises to be a pivotal moment in this journey, bringing together key stakeholders to explore new partnership opportunities and chart a course towards a water-secure future for Africa.
