N’Djamena to host African water forum in july 2026

Tahir Hamid Nguilin, Chad’s Minister of State for Finance, and Farouk Mollah Banna, the World Bank’s Resident Representative in Chad, briefed the press on Friday, May 22 about the African Water Forum « From Vision to Action, » scheduled for July 15–16, 2026, in N’Djamena.

In a statement laced with national pride, the Minister of State confirmed Chad’s role as the host of this pivotal continental gathering. « We stand with immense pride as the government of Chad announces the organization of the African Water Forum: From Vision to Action, to be held on our soil in N’Djamena on July 15 and 16, 2026, » Tahir Hamid Nguilin declared.

The minister underscored Chad’s abundant water resources, describing the country as a « land of water. » He highlighted the nation’s vast aquatic assets, including Lake Chad, major rivers, and lakes such as Fitri, Léré, and Iro, alongside water systems like Barh Aouk, Batha, Chari, and Logone. Additionally, he noted Chad’s shared watersheds—including the Nubian Basin and multiple transboundary basins—that sustain the broader subregion.

However, Chad faces pressing water-related challenges, driven by climate change, rapid population growth, and the vulnerability of hydraulic infrastructure. For the Minister of State, these issues make the country’s participation in continental discussions on water security not just relevant but essential.

« This is precisely why Chad has positioned itself at the forefront of this continental dialogue. Hosting the forum is a testament to the trust placed in us by our partners and our government’s commitment to prioritizing water security as a cornerstone of national development, » he emphasized.

Farouk Mollah Banna, the World Bank’s Resident Representative in Chad, unveiled a substantial financial commitment to support the water sector. « The World Bank is currently preparing a landmark water sector project worth $160 million, which will be reviewed by the board two weeks before the forum, » he announced.

The African Water Forum will convene institutional leaders, technical and financial partners, and continental experts to explore actionable solutions for improving water governance across Africa.