N’Djamena to host African water forum in 2026

The African Water Forum will convene in N’Djamena, Chad, on July 15 and 16, 2026, bringing together key stakeholders to address continental water challenges.

Chad’s strategic role in continental water governance

The Chadian government has formally announced its commitment to hosting the African Water Forum under the theme ‘From Vision to Action’. Speaking at a press briefing, the Minister of Finance, Budget, Economy, Planning, and International Cooperation emphasized Chad’s pivotal position in water resource management across the Sahel.

Chad is home to critical water sources including the Lake Chad basin, the Chari and Logone rivers, and several lakes such as Fitri, Léré, Iro, Bahr Aouk, Batha, and Bitéha. The country also shares the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System and multiple transboundary basins that sustain neighboring regions.

The minister highlighted the urgent challenges facing the Sahel, including climate pressures, rapid population growth, and underdeveloped water infrastructure. ‘These realities demand bold solutions,’ he stated. ‘By hosting this forum, Chad is taking a leadership role in shaping Africa’s water future.’

A national and continental commitment to water security

The government has outlined a multi-pronged strategy to strengthen water access, sanitation, and agricultural resilience. Key priorities include:

• Expanding access to safe drinking water and sanitation for all communities, with special focus on vulnerable groups
• Enhancing irrigation systems to bolster food security
• Promoting sustainable management of shared water resources, including the Lake Chad basin and the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer
• Implementing the Water Forward initiative, aligned with the national development plan and the President’s policy agenda

The initiative’s guiding principles—water for people, for food, and for the planet—reflect Chad’s integrated approach to water governance.

Partnership with global institutions

The minister confirmed renewed collaboration with the World Bank, which is preparing a new project to support Chad’s long-term water sector vision. ‘This partnership is a testament to our shared commitment to turning water challenges into opportunities for growth,’ he noted.

The forum is expected to yield tangible outcomes, including national water compacts for participating countries and accountability mechanisms to ensure follow-through on commitments. Chad is poised to lead not only as host but as a driving force in Africa’s water transformation.