N’Djamena hosts key water summit amid Africa’s growing water crisis

N’Djamena has been chosen to host the African Water Forum, an initiative jointly organized by the Chadian government and the World Bank under the Water Forward program. Over two days, heads of state, finance and water ministers, agriculture and energy leaders, along with regional institution representatives and private sector stakeholders, will convene to address critical issues such as water security, climate resilience, and access to safe drinking water. The event’s theme, “From Vision to Action”, signals a commitment to turning policy into tangible solutions.

Diplomatic momentum for water security

Anna Bjerde, World Bank Managing Director of Operations, will co-chair the forum alongside Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno. Beyond high-level discussions, the summit aims to finalize the WASH+ Investment Roadmap, advance national water management agreements, and mobilize public, private, and blended financing to accelerate sector investments. With over 400 million Africans still lacking basic access to safe water and more than 700 million without proper sanitation, the urgency is undeniable.

A regional crisis with global implications

Without significant investment, water scarcity could slash GDP by up to 6% in some African nations—even higher in Sahelian countries. Conversely, improved water governance is framed as a catalyst for agricultural growth, energy security, public health, and regional stability. For Chad, this summit arrives at a pivotal moment: in June, the World Bank approved a $160 million (over 92 billion FCFA) grant to expand potable water access and bolster climate resilience in vulnerable provinces, particularly those hosting over 1.3 million Sudanese refugees. “In a context where water scarcity deepens community tensions over shared resources, this initiative will restore access to water and rebuild hope,” stated Farouk Mollah Banna, World Bank Resident Representative in Chad.

Chad’s push for international funding

The forum aligns with Chad’s broader strategy to attract global financing. In late 2025, the government unveiled its national water development program in Abu Dhabi, securing over $20 billion in commitments from international partners. Since then, authorities have engaged with major donors, including the World Bank, French Development Agency, European Union, and World Food Programme, to fund hydraulic infrastructure and enhance climate resilience. These efforts reflect Chad’s proactive role in addressing a crisis that transcends its borders.

Continent-wide ambitions for water security

The African Water Forum represents the first major milestone for the World Bank’s Water Forward initiative, launched in April 2026. This program seeks to strengthen continental water security by fostering cooperation among governments, technical partners, financial institutions, and the private sector. Beyond drinking water and sanitation, the initiative aims to integrate irrigation, energy production, food security, and cross-border water basin management—critical components given that nearly 90% of Africa’s water resources are shared by multiple countries.