Water is a fundamental staple for life and development. But the warming planet threatens water quality and quantity faster than anyone has ever imagined, placing present and future generations at stake. 

Africa takes on a greater mission to advance water security and community resiliency through the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy, under the leadership of the African Union Commission and the African Ministers’ Council on Water. This blueprint values water as a strategic asset in pursuing continental security and advancing economic power. It is anchored on eight long-term aspirations and policy actions: promote universal access to safely managed water, increase the productivity of water use, leverage blue economy, foster good water governance systems, recognize water basins as a natural asset, manage water-related disaster risks, raise human capital development in the water sector, and invest in integrated water information systems. 

These eight pillars of the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy recognize water both as a resource and an investment. With only half of the region’s population having access to safe water and just 45 percent able to access basic sanitation and hygiene services, the policy stands as a critical framework for advancing sustainable and equitable water security across the continent. It places water, sanitation, and management as core elements in achieving well-being, social inclusion, and human development. Key provisions center on a shared vision of mobilizing public and private investments in the water sector, which is critical to financing safe and sustainable sanitation and hygiene services. 

Recognizing water not only as a basic human necessity but also as a powerful driver of development pipelines and economic growth, the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy will invest in the region’s coastal, marine, and inland aquatic ecosystems to unlock blue economy opportunities and nature-based solutions initiatives. These efforts are expected to promote inclusive growth, strengthen food security, enhance regional value chains, build climate resilience, and generate employment across the region.

Regional leadership governing the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy ensures that implementation of these pillars is grounded on environmental integrity principles and sustainable production practices. Locally-led ecosystem stewardship positions indigenous knowledge and community realities as central to realizing the policy’s long-term ambitions. This approach aims to unlock local knowledge to foster long-term conversation commitments and reduce vulnerabilities, leading to more sustainable and socially just outcomes.