The Economic Commission for Africa has called for urgent and coordinated action to address water and sanitation challenges across Africa.

ECA’s executive secretary, Claver Gatete, made the call at a high-level session on clean water and sanitation during the 12th Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, monitored virtually.

He said water must be treated not only as a basic human need but also as critical economic infrastructure.

“Water is life, but it is also economic infrastructure that underpins health, food systems, energy and industrialisation,” he said.

According to him, Africa has recorded progress since 2015, with nearly 300 million people gaining access to basic drinking water.

He said that close to 190 million people had also gained access to basic sanitation over the period.

Mr Gatete, however, said significant gaps remained, with only about 40 per cent of Africans having access to safely managed drinking water.

The ECA executive secretary said that just 30 per cent had access to safely managed sanitation services, adding that over 200 million people still practised open defecation in 2024.

He warned that water insecurity was becoming a systemic risk affecting food systems, energy security and economic growth.

Mr Gatete said weak water and sanitation services were straining health systems and undermining productivity, adding that rapid urbanisation and climate change were worsening the situation across the continent.

According to him, Africa requires about $64 billion annually to achieve water security and universal sanitation. He said current investment levels remained far below what was needed.

Mr Gatete outlined key priorities, including integrating water into economic planning and strengthening financing mechanisms.

He also called for climate-resilient solutions, improved data systems and coordinated large-scale implementation.

He stressed the importance of cooperation on transboundary water resources to promote regional integration and stability.

Mr Gatete reaffirmed the commitment of the ECA to support member states, saying that the goal is to transform water into a driver of inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Moses Vilakati, African Union’s commissioner for agriculture and rural development, highlighted progress in expanding access to water. He, however, reiterated that persistent challenges existed in rural areas and informal settlements.

Christopher Mutasa of the African Development Bank called for stronger public-private partnerships to improve water infrastructure. 

Other stakeholders stressed the need for coordinated action to accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 6. They said water security was essential to achieving Africa’s development aspirations.

(NAN)