African Water Facility asks African governments to fund more of their own water projects
A new 2026–2030 strategy seeks €75–120 million for project preparation and $300 million for urban sanitation.
Cairo — The African Development Bank Group has launched the African Water Facility's 2026–2030 strategy, calling on African countries and private investors to put more money into water and sanitation.
The facility, set up by the African Ministers' Council on Water and managed by the bank, pays for the feasibility studies, designs and other groundwork that turn water projects into ones lenders will finance. The strategy was presented on 27 October at Cairo Water Week, at an event co-chaired by Egypt and Senegal.
What it needs
- €75–120 million over five years for the facility's core work.
- $300 million to capitalise the African Urban Sanitation Investment Initiative.
- Bigger contributions from African governments, alongside donors and the private sector.
"Africa's water security cannot depend on external financing alone," said Hani Sewilam, Egypt's water minister and chair of the facility's governing council.
The strategy supports the African Union's Africa Water Vision 2063.
Source: African Development Bank via AllAfrica, 30 October 2026.
