N’Djamena is set to become the epicenter of Africa’s water challenges and solutions next summer. The African Water Forum, themed « From Vision to Action », will convene on July 15 and 16, 2026, bringing together policymakers, experts, and partners to address the continent’s most pressing hydrological issues.
The announcement was made during a press briefing led by the Minister of Finance, Budget, Economy, Planning, and International Cooperation. During the event, he highlighted Chad’s strategic role in regional water security, emphasizing the country’s vast aquatic resources—from the shrinking Lake Chad to the mighty Chari and Logone rivers, alongside transboundary aquifers like the Nubian Sandstone.
Chad’s water challenges and opportunities
The Minister underscored Chad’s unique position in Africa’s water landscape, despite facing severe climate pressures. « As a Sahelian nation, we are acutely aware of the water crisis—from climate change to rapid population growth and fragile infrastructure. That’s why Chad is stepping up as a leader in this continental dialogue, » he stated.
The Forum is not just a platform for discussion but a call to action. Chad’s government is prioritizing three key areas: expanding access to clean drinking water and sanitation, boosting agricultural irrigation to secure food supplies, and sustainably managing shared water resources with neighboring countries in the Lake Chad Basin and Nubian Sandstone aquifer systems.
« Water is life, but it is also the foundation of development, peace, and resilience for our communities. This Forum reflects our commitment to turning Chad into a model of water security in Africa, » he added.
Strengthening partnerships for water security
The Minister also acknowledged Chad’s renewed collaboration with the World Bank, which is preparing a landmark project to align with the country’s long-term water strategy. This initiative, inspired by the President’s political agenda and the « Water Forward » principles—water for people, food, and the planet—aims to transform Chad’s water sector.
Beyond national efforts, the Forum seeks to deliver tangible outcomes: national water compacts for participating countries and accountability mechanisms to ensure commitments are met. « Chad is ready to lead not just as the host nation, but as a proactive force in Africa’s water transformation, » the Minister concluded.