Zambia’s Vice President, Dr. W.K. Mutale-Nalumango, delivered a powerful statement at the Future of Investment roundtable during the ongoing World Governance Summit. He emphasized that water security is central to Zambia’s economic stability, rural development, and climate resilience. The Vice President highlighted that a One Government Approach allows Zambia to integrate water governance across key sectors, including health, agriculture, energy, environment, finance, and local government. By decentralizing water management, the country ensures that solutions are locally driven and responsive to community needs. This approach demonstrates Zambia’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive water policies.
During his address, Dr. Mutale-Nalumango called for stronger global action on water governance. He urged the international community to move beyond fragmented voluntary commitments toward a binding global framework. This shift, he explained, is essential to address the growing water challenges facing Zambia, Africa, and the world. He noted that sustainable water management is not only an environmental necessity but also a driver of economic growth and social stability. Zambia’s leadership in this area sets an example for other countries confronting similar challenges.
The Vice President also presented Zambia’s Water Investment Programme as a model for effective national water planning. The programme has already secured US$1.82 billion in domestic investment, with an additional US$3.98 billion opportunity for international partners. This initiative aligns with Africa’s call for US$30 billion annually to close the continental water gap. At the same time, it contributes to addressing the global US$1 trillion shortfall required to meet Sustainable Development Goal 6. By demonstrating the effectiveness of coordinated national investment, Zambia reinforces the importance of both domestic and international collaboration.
Dr. Mutale-Nalumango stressed that Zambia’s water strategy supports broader sustainable development goals. He noted that secure water systems improve health outcomes, strengthen agricultural productivity, and enhance energy reliability. Integrating water governance into financial planning ensures that resources are efficiently allocated to high-impact projects. Decentralization allows local authorities to tailor solutions to the specific needs of communities, reducing inefficiencies and increasing accountability. This holistic approach positions Zambia as a leader in practical, results-oriented water governance.
Zambia calls on the global community to join in securing a water-resilient future. Dr. Mutale-Nalumango emphasized that international partnerships are crucial to scaling successful programmes like the Water Investment Programme. Collaborative action can help close funding gaps, strengthen governance frameworks, and deliver tangible results for communities. Zambia’s model demonstrates that national commitment, when paired with global support, can drive meaningful progress on water security. The Vice President’s address underscores the country’s determination to lead Africa and the world toward a sustainable and water-secure future.