The Chadian Minister of State for Finance, Tahir Hamid Nguilin, alongside the World Bank’s Resident Representative in Chad, Farouk Mollah Banna, held a press briefing on May 22 to unveil details about the upcoming African Water Forum titled From Vision to Action, scheduled for July 15–16, 2026, in N’Djamena.
Chad to host landmark continental water dialogue
Minister Nguilin expressed pride as he announced Chad’s role as host of a pivotal pan-African gathering. « Organizing the African Water Forum on our soil is a historic moment for Chad, » he stated, highlighting the event’s potential to shape the continent’s water security agenda.
Water abundance meets rising challenges
The minister underscored Chad’s vast hydrological resources, including the iconic Lake Chad, major rivers like the Chari and Logone, and additional bodies of water such as Lakes Fitri, Léré, and Iro. He also noted the country’s shared basins, including the Nubian Aquifer and several transboundary systems that sustain the Sahel.
Yet, despite these natural advantages, Chad faces pressing water-related hurdles—climate change impacts, rapid population growth, and underdeveloped water infrastructure. Nguilin emphasized that these challenges necessitate urgent, collective action, positioning Chad as a key voice in continental discussions on hydrological resilience.
World Bank pledges $160 million investment
Farouk Mollah Banna, the World Bank’s Resident Representative, revealed an upcoming $160 million water sector project. « The initiative is designed to strengthen Chad’s water governance and expand access to clean water, » he noted, adding that the proposal will be presented to the Bank’s board just before the forum.
Forum aims to drive actionable solutions
The two-day event will convene policymakers, technical experts, and development partners from across Africa to develop tangible strategies for improving water management. Discussions will focus on sustainable infrastructure, cross-border cooperation, and climate-resilient water policies.