Chad to host African Water Forum in N’Djamena, addressing continental water challenges

A significant announcement emerged from N’Djamena on May 22, as Tahir Hamid Nguilin, Minister of State and Minister of Finance, alongside Farouk Mollah Banna, the World Bank’s Resident Representative in Chad, briefed the press. They confirmed Chad’s readiness to host the pivotal African Water Forum, themed “From Vision to Action,” set for July 15 and 16, 2026.

Minister Nguilin conveyed the Chadian government’s immense pride in organizing this continental gathering. “It is with profound satisfaction that we announce today that Chad will be the venue for the African Water Forum: From Vision to Action, on July 15 and 16, 2026, right here in N’Djamena,” he declared.

He underscored Chad’s inherent wealth in aquatic resources, describing the nation as a true “country of water.” Minister Nguilin pointed to the vast expanse of Lake Chad, numerous significant rivers, and other vital lakes such as Fitri, Léré, and Iro. He also cited the Barh Aouk, Batha, Chari, and Logone river systems, in addition to Chad’s participation in the Nubian Basin and various other transboundary water systems crucial for irrigating the sub-region.

Despite this natural endowment, Chad grapples with pressing water-related challenges. These include the severe impacts of climate change, rapid demographic expansion, and the vulnerability of existing hydraulic infrastructure. For the Minister of State, these critical issues fully validate Chad’s proactive participation in continent-wide dialogues focused on ensuring water security.

“Chad’s determination to be at the forefront of this continental dialogue stems precisely from these realities,” he affirmed. “Hosting this forum signifies the trust bestowed upon us by our partners and reflects our government’s unwavering commitment to elevate water security to the pinnacle of our national agenda.”

On behalf of the World Bank, Resident Representative Farouk Mollah Banna revealed substantial financial backing earmarked for Chad’s water sector. He announced, “The World Bank is currently preparing a crucial project for the water sector, valued at 160 million dollars, which will be submitted to the Board of Directors two weeks prior to the forum.”

This upcoming African Water Forum is poised to convene a diverse array of institutional stakeholders, technical and financial collaborators, and experts from across the continent. Their collective aim will be to deliberate and forge tangible solutions for enhancing the governance of Africa’s vital water resources.