ADDIS ABABA, March 23 (Xinhua) -- African officials on Monday issued a united call for inclusive and sustainable access to water as a cornerstone for Africa's development, emphasizing that ensuring continental water security underpins food security and peace.
They made the call during a high-level webinar hosted by the African Union (AU) under the theme "Water and Gender: Where Water Flows, Equality Grows," in connection with the annual World Water Day 2026 commemorative event, bringing together African ministers, AU leadership, and representatives of development partners.
Experts and policymakers at the webinar said that this year's edition of the annual World Water Day, which is marked every year on March 22, converged with the AU's strategic decision by elevating water security as a continental priority. Earlier this year, the AU designated water and sanitation as the theme of the year.
Addressing the webinar, Moses Vilakati, AU commissioner for agriculture, rural development, blue economy and sustainable environment, said that water scarcity and inadequate sanitation continue to undermine economic growth and human dignity across Africa, with millions of women and girls still walking long distances daily to collect water.
"When we invest in water, we invest in women and girls, and in the entire community. Too many still walk long distances to fetch water. This must change. Water is life, dignity, and the foundation of health, education, resilience, and opportunity for all Africans," he said.
According to the AU, despite recent progress, millions of Africans still lack safe water and sanitation, undermining health, productivity, and human dignity. Climate change is worsening water stress through intensified droughts, floods, and hydrological disruptions.
Senegalese Minister of Water and Sanitation Cheikh Tidiane Dieye, for his part, underscored the strategic imperative of ensuring active participation of women and youth in the development and implementation of continental policies.
"Water is a strategic asset. Let us leverage it for Africa's economic transformation and climate resilience. The inclusion of women and youth is not an option, it is imperative to eradicate poverty and boost economic growth in Africa," said Dieye, who is also the president of African Ministers' Council on Water.
Prudence Ngwenya, director of the women, gender, and youth directorate at the AU Commission, said "across our continent, millions of women and girls continue to walk long distances for a basic necessity that should be within easy reach."
"Water shapes life, opportunity, and dignity. When women and girls have equitable access to it, entire nations thrive," Ngwenya said.
According to the United Nations, the World Water Day aims to celebrate the importance of water, while raising awareness for the 2.1 billion people across the globe who are living without access to safe water. ■