Chad to host the African Water Forum in 2026

N’Djamena will become the epicenter of continental water governance next year when it hosts the African Water Forum from July 15 to 16, 2026. The two-day gathering will convene policymakers, experts, and development partners to address Africa’s most pressing hydrological challenges.

a strategic platform for water security in the Sahel

The Minister of Finance, Budget, Economy, Planning, and International Cooperation recently outlined Chad’s pivotal role in shaping Africa’s water future. Speaking at a press briefing, he emphasized that the country’s vast hydrological assets—including Lake Chad, the Chari and Logone rivers, and transboundary aquifers like the Nubian Sandstone Basin—position it as a natural leader in regional water management.

« Chad’s water resources are not just national treasures; they are lifelines for millions across the Sahel. Our shared basins and aquifers demand collective action to turn challenges into opportunities for sustainable development. »

The Minister highlighted three critical pressures facing Chad’s water sector: rapid population growth, the accelerating impacts of climate change, and the urgent need to modernize aging infrastructure. These realities underscore why N’Djamena was chosen as the host city—its central location and hydrological significance make it an ideal venue to drive continental solutions.

from dialogue to action: what the forum aims to achieve

The African Water Forum is designed to move beyond discussions and deliver tangible outcomes. Key objectives include:

• National Water Compacts: Countries participating in the Forum will be encouraged to adopt binding agreements that outline clear water security targets—such as expanding access to clean drinking water, improving sanitation, and enhancing irrigation for food security.
• Accountability Mechanisms: A robust monitoring framework will be established to ensure participating nations and partners remain committed to their pledges, with regular progress reviews and transparent reporting.
• Regional Collaboration: The Forum will prioritize cooperation on shared water systems, particularly the Lake Chad Basin and the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer, fostering joint projects and policy alignment among riparian states.

The government’s commitment to these goals is reflected in its alignment with the Water Forward initiative—a holistic water strategy that prioritizes people, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. This approach is directly aligned with the national development priorities outlined in the President’s policy agenda.

partnerships for long-term impact

Collaboration with international partners, particularly the World Bank, will be central to implementing Chad’s water agenda. A new project currently under development with the Bank is expected to provide critical funding and technical support, reinforcing the country’s ability to meet its water security objectives.

« Water is the foundation of progress. Without it, there can be no food security, no economic growth, and no lasting peace. This Forum is our opportunity to turn vision into action—for Chad, for Africa, and for future generations. »

As the host nation, Chad is not only preparing to welcome delegates from across the continent but is also positioning itself as a proactive leader in Africa’s water revolution. The 2026 African Water Forum could mark a turning point in how the continent addresses one of its most vital yet threatened resources.