President Hakainde Hichilema has described the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy as a transformative blueprint addressing the continent’s water challenges. He highlighted that the Vision forms a key part of the African Union’s 2026 theme, “Assuring sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063.” Water, he noted, remains Africa’s most vital strategic resource, sustaining communities, powering industries, and uniting nations. However, he warned that climate change poses an existential threat, with droughts and floods undermining food security and regional stability. His remarks were delivered by Minister of Water Development and Sanitation Collins Nzovu during a launch dinner at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
President Hichilema stressed the importance of regional cooperation, noting that 90 percent of Africa’s surface water resources are transboundary. He explained that the Vision and Policy offer a unified continental approach, integrating water management into Africa’s peace and security framework. Shared water basins, he said, must serve as engines of regional integration rather than sources of conflict. The President emphasized that effective cooperation will enhance economic development, strengthen regional ties, and protect ecosystems. He called on African nations to adopt a collective approach to managing shared water resources for sustainable growth.
The President highlighted the cost of inaction, citing a US$30 billion annual investment gap required to achieve sanitation goals. He urged African governments to pursue bold investments, inclusive governance, and coordinated action to ensure safe water and sanitation systems across the continent. President Hichilema emphasized that failure to act would exacerbate public health risks and undermine economic progress. He noted that investments in water infrastructure and sanitation are critical to achieving the goals of Agenda 2063. Coordinated planning and funding, he added, will secure a water-resilient Africa for current and future generations.
Zambia, under President Hichilema, has reaffirmed its commitment to water cooperation beyond Africa. The country serves as co-chair with Finland for the interactive dialogue on water cooperation at the upcoming United Nations Water 2026 Conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. He urged African countries to present a unified voice, ensuring that Africa’s agenda on transboundary and climate-resilient water security becomes a global benchmark. President Hichilema emphasized that coordinated representation is essential for securing international support, financing, and partnerships. Zambia’s leadership role reflects the country’s dedication to advancing sustainable water management and regional collaboration.
The launch of the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy signals a decisive step toward sustainable water management across the continent. President Hichilema’s call for collective action, investment, and governance aims to transform water resources into a driver of peace, prosperity, and resilience. By addressing climate threats and promoting shared management of water basins, African nations can enhance food security, strengthen regional integration, and achieve safe sanitation for all. The Vision represents a long-term commitment to securing Africa’s most vital resource, ensuring that water availability and sanitation systems meet the needs of generations to come.