By Tosin Kolade
Stakeholders across West Africa have commenced deliberations in Abuja on a new implementation plan to drive water security and sanitation under the Africa Water Vision 2063.
The meeting is convened under the framework of the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria, with the aim of aligning regional priorities with Agenda 2063.
The consultation is focused on developing the first implementation plan covering 2026 to 2033 under the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy.
It is also expected to define actionable priorities, financing frameworks, and institutional mechanisms for accelerating water and sanitation delivery across West Africa.
Declaring the session open on Tuesday, Nigeria’s Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, said Africa was at a defining moment in its water and development journey.
“It is with great honour and a deep sense of responsibility that I join you this morning at this opening session of the Western Africa Sub-Regional Ministerial and Technical Advisory Committee consultation,” Utsev said.
He noted that Nigeria was privileged to host the consultation as host of the AMCOW Secretariat and a key partner in Africa’s water agenda.
Utsev said the Africa Water Vision 2063, launched at the 39th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, provides “a bold, transformative and forward-looking framework” for the continent.
He warned that Africa was facing increasing pressure on water resources due to rapid urbanisation and climate variability.
“Yet Africa remains richly endowed with water assets, human capacity and innovative potential capable of driving inclusive growth and sustainable development,” he said.
The minister stressed that the next implementation phase would focus on measurable results between 2026 and 2033.
“This consultation provides West Africa a unique opportunity to articulate its priorities and contribute meaningfully to shaping the first implementation plan,” Utsev added.
He said the plan would strengthen water supply, sanitation services and climate resilience across the region.
“We remain resolute in our commitment to advancing water security, sanitation and climate resilience in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
Earlier, Dr Mukaila Babarinde, the Chairman of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), said the meeting marked a critical step in translating policy into action.
“This consultation is a significant milestone in our collective efforts to advance water security and climate-resilient water resources management,” Babarinde said.
He urged delegates to ensure that the implementation plan is practical, inclusive and evidence-based.
“Our technical expertise must guide the development of a roadmap that is responsive to national and regional realities,” he added.
Also speaking, AMCOW official, Mr Nelson Gomonda, described the adoption of the Africa Water Vision 2063 as a historic achievement.
“This is the first time since 2008 that water and sanitation have been elevated to such a high level on the continental agenda,” Gomonda said.
He said the framework would help Africa speak with one voice ahead of global events such as the 2026 UN Water Conference.
“We believe this is the moment to roll up our sleeves and intensify implementation efforts across the continent,” he said.
Gomonda also urged member states to develop national implementation plans to ensure ownership and accountability.
In his remarks, Mr Kouassi Alexis, Director, Water Resources Management Centre, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said the region was committed to supporting the vision.
“ECOWAS will spare no effort in supporting the implementation of this vision and its associated policies,” he said.
He noted that the regional body was reviewing its 2008 water policy to address emerging challenges.
“We are currently undertaking a review of this strategic instrument to deliver a more responsive tool by 2027,” he added.
Alexis also announced that ECOWAS would host a regional water forum in Abidjan ahead of the global water conference.
From the African Union Commission, Dr Nyambe Nyambe said the consultation was critical for shaping Africa’s water future.
“We convene at a critical juncture in Africa’s development trajectory,” he said.
Nyambe warned that informal settlements and fast-growing cities were facing severe water and sanitation deficits.
“Access to clean water and sanitation remains uneven and insufficient across many urban areas,” he said.
He stressed that water was essential for industrialisation, agriculture and food production.
“If Africa is to industrialise, we need water. If we are going for agricultural revolution, we need water,” he said.
He also raised concerns over pollution and the need to protect groundwater resources.
“We must ensure that water resources are protected from pollution and properly managed to avoid conflicts,” Nyambe added.
Stakeholders at the meeting emphasised that climate change, population growth and infrastructure gaps remain major constraints to water access.
They called for stronger financing mechanisms, improved governance structures and increased private sector participation.
Delegates also stressed the need for transboundary cooperation in managing shared water resources across West Africa.
The consultation is expected to produce a draft implementation plan for submission to AU policy organs later in the year.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Africa Water Vision 2063 is a strategic framework guiding continental water policy under the African Union (AU).
It builds on the earlier Africa Water Vision 2025, expanding the horizon to 2063 to align with the AU’s Agenda 2063.
The vision promotes equitable, sustainable management of Africa’s water resources to drive development, peace, and resilience.(NAN)
Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu
