Tshisekedi sets bold water access targets for DRC by 2035

During a high-level gathering in Chad’s capital, the Congolese leader highlighted the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s vast water potential, stressing the need to translate this resource into tangible benefits for its people. The discussion focused on ambitious national goals that could reshape public health and infrastructure across the nation.

Water and sanitation: a dual push for 2035

In addition to increasing potable water access to 60% by 2035, officials outlined plans to extend sanitation and hygiene services to 50% of the population within the same timeframe. These targets are designed to curb waterborne diseases and elevate living standards across urban and rural communities.

The government is also prioritizing social infrastructure, aiming for 80% coverage in schools and health facilities by 2035. This initiative seeks to improve educational and healthcare environments, ensuring safer, healthier conditions for students and patients alike.

« Ensuring reliable water, sanitation, and hygiene access in 80% of schools and health centers is not just a goal—it’s a necessity, especially in vulnerable settings where exposure to water-related risks is highest. »

Five pillars to redefine Africa’s water future

The President outlined a five-point strategy to overhaul the continent’s water sector, emphasizing public policy integration, stronger governance, accountability, and transparent infrastructure management. He underscored the importance of developing technically sound and financially viable projects to draw investment at scale.

At the heart of this vision lies the urgent need to cultivate a robust local water industry. The DRC leader called for onshore manufacturing of critical components—pipes, pumps, meters, treatment systems, irrigation tools, and digital solutions—to reduce import reliance, spur job creation, and catalyze industrial growth.

He argued that these efforts must be anchored in meticulous planning, where bankable, technically robust projects serve as the foundation for unlocking the capital required to modernize the continent’s water ecosystems. The proposed roadmap aligns with broader continental priorities: expanding access, enhancing governance, and building a self-sustaining water industry capable of driving sustainable development.