The African Development Bank’s (AfDB’s) representatives today opened high-level talks with governments, heads of business and development partners to explore ways to channel more investment into Africa’s water and sanitation infrastructure, as well as to discuss necessary policy reforms.
The bank joined leading global stakeholders in calling for universal water security for Africans during the UN 2023 Water Conference which opened today in New York, United States, as part of the activities to mark the 2023 World Water Day.
The three-day conference will assess progress and evaluate additional steps to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goal 6 – to ensure universal access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030- the achievement of which in Africa is seen as a significant challenge.
Speaking on the bank’s commitment to improved water and sanitation system and its priorities at the event, its Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development, Dr. Beth Dunford, said: “The Bank aims to increase water security for Africa by fostering equitable, sustainable use, and improved management of water resources for poverty alleviation, socio-economic development, regional cooperation and the environment.
“On World Water Day, the time is right to bring Africa’s voice and African solutions to the world’s highest-level United Nations gathering on water”, Dunford added.
At the conference, she spoke on water, sanitation and hygiene services in Africa during a roundtable session co-hosted by King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and other government leaders.
Over the past few years, the bank has invested approximately $5.2 billion on water supply and sanitation projects over the past decade. As a result, 44 million people have gained access to improved water supply and sanitation services.
The bank, which prioritizes securing water security for socio-economic transformation through water, food, and energy ecosystems, plans to invest about $6.4 billion in the sector over the next five years. This is projected to benefit an additional 54 million Africans.
The bank’s delegation to the conference includes Osward Chanda, Director for Water Development and Sanitation, and Mtchera Johannes Chirwa, Coordinator of the African Water Facility. The facility, hosted by the African Development Bank, provides grants and technical assistance to support innovative water projects throughout Africa.
Members of the delegation will also participate in plenary sessions, panel discussions, side events and other conference activities.
