The minister of water resources and sanitation, Joseph Utsev, has stressed that sustained political will remained critical to achieving meaningful water security and universal access to sanitation in Africa.

Mr Utsev disclosed this when he received a delegation from the African Union Commission and the African Ministers’ Council on Water to strengthen regional coordination for achieving water and sanitation access.

The delegation was led by Nyambe Nyambe, director of sustainable environment and blue economy, African Union Commission, and Nelson Gomonda, officer-in-charge, AMCOW secretariat.

Mr Utsev, in a statement on Wednesday, described the sector as critical to public health, economic growth, climate resilience and regional integration across Africa.

According to him, the theme elevates water and sanitation as key enablers of Africa’s development aspirations under Agenda 2063.

Mr Utsev said water security is central to Africa’s transformation, warning that without it, achieving food security, industrialisation and climate resilience would remain difficult.

The minister announced that Nigeria would host the 2026 West Africa Sub-regional Meeting in Abuja from April 21 to 23. He said the meeting would convene member states and stakeholders to develop the 2026-2033 implementation plan for the Africa Water Vision 2063 and policy.

According to him, the plan will focus on high-impact initiatives to deliver quick wins, attract investment and strengthen regional cooperation.

Mr Nyambe commended Nigeria for hosting the AMCOW Secretariat since 2002, describing the country as a key supporter of continental water governance. He said AMCOW played a vital role in shaping Africa’s water policy, leading to the adoption of the Africa Water Vision 2063 in Addis Ababa.

Mr Nyambe also praised the minister’s leadership in positioning water and sanitation within Africa’s broader development agenda. He said the 2026-2033 plan would prioritise catalytic initiatives to accelerate progress towards a water-secure and sanitation-resilient continent.

The African Ministers’ Council on Water provides political leadership and policy direction for water and sanitation across Africa.

Working with the African Union Commission, it supports member states in strengthening governance, mobilising investment and advancing sustainable water management.

The meeting is expected to boost regional coordination as Africa works to close water and sanitation gaps and achieve universal access.

(NAN)