New Strategy calls for greater African contributions and privater participation to help prepare priority projects and secure funding for implementation
ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire, 24 October 2026 – The African Development Bank Group will debut its African Water Facility Strategy 2026-2030 at Cairo Water Week with a renewed call for African countries to contribute more resources and for private investors to play a great role in financing water and sanitation projects across the continent.
Established by the African Ministers’ Council on Water and managed by the African Development Bank, the African Water Facility helps African countries prepare water and sanitation projects that can attract financing. Its work includes feasibility studies, technical designs and other preparations needed to move projects towards construction and implementation.
The Bank returns to Cairo Water Week 2026, taking place from 25 to 29 October under the theme “Water as a Catalyst for Peace, Shared Prosperity, and a Sustainable Planet.” The African Water Facility Strategy 2026-2030 will be presented on Tuesday, 27 October, at a high-level Advocacy and Call for Support Event co-chaired by the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Republic of Senegal. The Facility’s strategy supports the implementation of the African Union’s “Water Vision 2063 and Policy.”
The Strategy also supports the African Development Bank Group’s Four Cardinal Points, including the priorities to unlock Africa’s capital and build resilient infrastructure and competitive value chains.
The Strategy identifies a core funding requirement of EUR 75–120 million over five years for the African Water Facility, alongside USD 300 million to capitalise the African Urban Sanitation Investment Initiative. The Strategy also calls for greater contributions from African countries, alongside continued support from development partners, and stronger private-sector participation in financing water and sanitation projects.
“Africa’s water security cannot depend on external financing alone. African countries must take a stronger role in financing the preparation of their own priority water and sanitation investments. The new African Water Facility Strategy provides a practical mechanism to turn the ambitions of the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy into well-prepared projects that can attract public and private investment,” said H.E. Prof. Dr Hani Sewilam, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Arab Republic of Egypt and Chair of the African Water Facility Governing Council.
“Before construction can begin, countries need the studies, designs and implementation arrangements that give financiers confidence to invest. African contributions to the Facility can help fund this essential preparation and move more projects towards implementation,” said Mtchera Johannes Chirwa, Director of the Water Development and Sanitation Department at the African Development Bank.
The Strategy also places great emphasis on private sector investment and cooperation with businesses that can provide financing, technology and technical expertise.The German Water Partnership - a network of more than 300 companies, associations, research institutions and other organizations - will issue a statement of support for the Strategy. The Partnership’s support highlights the potential for German expertise and private sector technology and investment to contribute to African water and sanitation projects.
Alongside the African Water Facility Strategy launch, the Bank’s Water Development and Sanitation Department delegation led by Michel N’Guessan, Chief Water Development Officer, will also participate in the International Water, Waste and Infrastructure Exhibition and Conference also held in Cairo from 26–28 October. The delegation will meet private sector actors and other leaders to discuss financing, technical solutions and opportunities for collaboration.
The Cairo event will provide a platform for African governments, development partners, financing institutions, philanthropies and private-sector actors to discuss how stronger African resource mobilisation and broader partnerships can support implementation of the Strategy and contribute to the continent’s wider water-security objectives.
The Bank’s participation in Egypt’s capital, will contribute to preparations for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference and the 2027 World Water Forum.
Strategy launch details
Date: Tuesday, 27 October 2026
Time: 11:30–13:00, Cairo time
Venue: Picasso 4, Triumph Luxury Hotel, New Cairo
Format: Hybrid
Online participation: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85242833803
Meeting ID: 852 4283 3803