The Chadian government has confirmed the upcoming African Water Forum, scheduled for 15–16 July 2026 in N’Djamena, signaling a major continental effort to strengthen water security across Africa.
In a joint press briefing on 22 May, Tahir Hamid Nguilin, Minister of State and Minister of Finance, and Farouk Mollah Banna, the World Bank’s Resident Representative in Chad, outlined the significance of this high-level event.
Minister Nguilin emphasized Chad’s central role in Africa’s water landscape, highlighting the country’s vast hydrological assets. He noted that Chad is home to the Lake Chad basin, major rivers such as the Chari and Logone, and other critical water bodies like Lakes Fitri, Léré, and Iro, along with seasonal rivers including the Barh Aouk and Batha. He also underscored the nation’s shared responsibility in managing transboundary water basins such as the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer, which supports multiple countries across the Sahel.
However, he acknowledged persistent challenges: shifting climate patterns, rapid population growth, and aging water infrastructure. These pressures, he stressed, make Chad’s hosting of the forum not just timely, but essential. “By inviting Africa’s top water experts and decision-makers to N’Djamena, we are placing water security at the heart of national and regional policy,” he said.
Farouk Mollah Banna, representing the World Bank in Chad, announced a new financial commitment aimed at transforming the country’s water sector. He revealed that a $160 million initiative is currently under preparation and will be submitted for board approval just two weeks before the forum. “This investment reflects our shared belief in Chad’s potential to become a model for sustainable water management in the Sahel,” he stated.
The African Water Forum “From Vision to Action” will bring together ministers, development partners, technical experts, and civil society representatives. Together, they will explore innovative strategies to improve water governance, enhance infrastructure resilience, and ensure equitable access to clean water across the continent.
