The African Water Facility continued consultations for the development of its 2026–2030 strategy during the 3rd Pan-African Implementation and Partnership Conference on Water (PANAFCON-3), held from 27 to 29 May 2025 at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, Zambia.
Organised by the African Ministers’ Council on Water and convened under the theme “Assuring Inclusive and Climate-Resilient Water Security and Sanitation for the Africa We Want,” PANAFCON-3 brought together a broad range of participants, including African ministers responsible for water and sanitation, civil society organisations, private sector actors, development partners, and academia. The objective of the conference was to consolidate input toward formulating and advancing the post-2025 Africa Water Vision and Policy, fully aligned with Agenda 2063 and emphasising water as a strategic economic and security asset crucial for inclusive growth, climate resilience, and social transformation.
The African Water Facility took the opportunity to engage the conference’s participants, who are essential to shaping its 2026–2030 strategy. To ensure inclusive and well-rounded input, the Facility’s team had previously identified 78 parties from diverse sectors. Over the course of the three-day conference, the team and its consultants consulted with 28 institutions and over 40 individuals. These discussions generated valuable reflections and insights, which will be compiled into a comprehensive stakeholder engagement report.
In addition to the strategy consultations, the African Water Facility reflected on its achievements since its establishment in 2004 as a project preparation fund. It shared key milestones, highlighting its role in supporting African governments through grants and technical assistance to achieve water and sanitation goals. To date, the Facility has invested €205 million in grants, supported 148 projects across the continent, and improved access to water and sanitation services for an estimated 42 million people.
This ongoing engagement process shows the African Water Facility’s commitment to inclusivity, transparency, and alignment with Africa’s evolving water and sanitation priorities. The 2026–2030 strategy aims to build on this strong foundation, scaling up ready-to-invest projects, supporting innovation, and mobilising increased financing for climate-resilient water and sanitation infrastructure.