African Leaders Endorse and Launch the Africa Water Vision 2063 & Policy at 39th AU Summit
By RCN Ghana · 18 February 2026
From Political Elevation to Continental Action under the 2026 AU Theme of the Year
Water and sanitation have moved decisively to the centre of Africa’s political agenda.
At the High-Level Side Event on “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063” , held on the margins of the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union, African leaders launched the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy on 15 th February 2026– marking a decisive step from political recognition to coordinated continental delivery.The launch of the Vision and Policy signals a strategic shift: water and sanitation are no longer treated merely as sectoral challenges, but recognised as fundamental for economic transformation, climate resilience, regional integration and long-term prosperity.
A Continental Framework for Transformation
The Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy establishes a shared continental direction to:
secure sustainable water availability
ensure safe sanitation systems for all
mobilise climate-resilient investment
strengthen governance and accountability
advance transboundary cooperation
The launch of the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy followed its endorsement during the Ordinary Session of the Heads of State and Government. The Vision and Policy become the basis for elaborating:
(i) The continental implementation framework aimed at advancing the goals of Agenda 2063; and
(ii) The Africa’s Common Position and contribution to the UN 2026 Water Conference, accelerating global progress on SDG 6.
Anchored in eight strategic pillars – from universal access and sustainable water availability to resilient ecosystems, trusted data systems, human capital development and cooperative basin management – the Vision and Policy provide a coherent blueprint for delivery across sectors and borders.
Leaders Call for Investment, Implementation and Results
At the beginning of the launch of the Vision and Policy, H…
Water and sanitation have moved decisively to the centre of Africa’s political agenda.
At the High-Level Side Event on “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063” , held on the margins of the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union, African leaders launched the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy on 15 th February 2026– marking a decisive step from political recognition to coordinated continental delivery.The launch of the Vision and Policy signals a strategic shift: water and sanitation are no longer treated merely as sectoral challenges, but recognised as fundamental for economic transformation, climate resilience, regional integration and long-term prosperity.
A Continental Framework for Transformation
The Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy establishes a shared continental direction to:
secure sustainable water availability
ensure safe sanitation systems for all
mobilise climate-resilient investment
strengthen governance and accountability
advance transboundary cooperation
The launch of the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy followed its endorsement during the Ordinary Session of the Heads of State and Government. The Vision and Policy become the basis for elaborating:
(i) The continental implementation framework aimed at advancing the goals of Agenda 2063; and
(ii) The Africa’s Common Position and contribution to the UN 2026 Water Conference, accelerating global progress on SDG 6.
Anchored in eight strategic pillars – from universal access and sustainable water availability to resilient ecosystems, trusted data systems, human capital development and cooperative basin management – the Vision and Policy provide a coherent blueprint for delivery across sectors and borders.
Leaders Call for Investment, Implementation and Results
At the beginning of the launch of the Vision and Policy, H…
