How AFDB’s 8 Billion Commitment Is Improving Water and Sanitation

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has invested over $8 billion in water and sanitation projects across 40 African countries over the past decade, benefiting more than 92 million people.

This announcement came during the West Africa Sub-Regional Consultation Workshop on the Post-2025 Africa Water Vision and Policy in Abuja, where Nigeria’s Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working with the African Union Commission (AUC), AfDB, and other partners to advance sustainable water solutions.

AfDB’s Role in Shaping Africa’s Water Future

Speaking at the event, Emily Kilongi, AfDB’s Principal Water and Sanitation Engineer (representing Mtchera Johannes Chirwa, Director of the Water Development and Sanitation Department), emphasized the bank’s ongoing financial support for critical water infrastructure.

AfDB currently manages an active portfolio of $6 billion, funding 121 water and sanitation projects across the continent. The bank has played a key role in shaping Africa’s water policies through initiatives such as:

• African Water Facility
• Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Initiative (RWSSI)
• Multi-Donor Water Partnership Program (MDWPP)

These programs have now been consolidated under the African Water Facility, which continues to drive investments in the sector.

Chirwa highlighted AfDB’s support for the Pan-African Water Sector Monitoring and Reporting System (WASSMO), a tool designed to track progress and improve accountability in water governance. He also noted that AfDB’s 2026-2030 Action Plan will align with insights from this consultation, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to Agenda 2063—the African Union’s long-term development strategy.

Nigeria’s Commitment to Water Security

Nigeria’s Water Minister, Prof. Joseph Utsev, acknowledged that while Africa initially aimed for equitable water use by 2025, progress has fallen short. According to WASSMO, the continent remains off track in achieving its water vision.

Represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Richard Pheelangwah, Utsev reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to improving water security through initiatives like:

• Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) – A World Bank-backed program expanding WASH services.
• National WASH Policy – A collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and other stakeholders to align water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services with global best practices and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Road Ahead: Post-2025 Africa Water Vision

With the 2025 deadline for Africa’s Water Vision approaching, stakeholders at the workshop focused on developing a comprehensive, action-driven framework for the future. Utsev emphasized that the post-2025 Africa Water Vision and Policy must align with the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and Agenda 2063 to build a climate-resilient Africa.

He also expressed appreciation to AMCOW, the African Union Commission, AfDB, and development partners for their efforts in advancing water and sanitation reforms across the continent.

The workshop’s outcomes will be reviewed at the ministerial level and incorporated into Africa’s broader water security strategy.