The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC), the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) and partners, supported consultations with African Member States on the First Implementation Plan (2026–2033) of the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy, and Africa’s Common Position and priorities for the global water agenda.
The three-day consultations provided a platform for Member States to review the objectives, thematic priorities, flagship initiatives and financing requirements of the First Implementation Plan (FIP). Structured around four pillars—Economy and Society; Diplomacy and Peace; Sustainability and Resilience; and Innovation, Capacity and Information—the Plan seeks to translate the ambitions of the Africa Water Vision 2063 into practical actions.
Led by Dr Callist Tindimungaya, the Task Team presented the proposed priorities and budget estimates for each pillar. Member States provided constructive feedback, calling for a more concise, inclusive and realistic Plan, clearer institutional roles and responsibilities, stronger governance and integrated approaches, and a better balance between ambition and implementation capacity. Mobilizing domestic and international financing was also highlighted as essential to delivering the Plan.
ECA contributed technical and policy inputs throughout the engagements, supporting continental coordination, consensus-building and alignment between Africa’s water commitments and development priorities. This engagement reflects ECA’s strategic role in advancing the Africa Water Vision 2063 and positioning water as a strategic asset for economic transformation, regional integration and sustainable development.
The consultations also advanced Africa’s Common Position ahead of the 2026 United Nations Water Conference and the 11th World Water Forum. A unified African position is critical to strengthening the continent’s voice in global water discussions and advancing shared priorities, including water security, safe sanitation and sustainable financing.
The consultations reaffirmed the commitment of Member States and partners to ensuring that the First Implementation Plan is practical, implementable and grounded in Africa’s priorities. ECA will continue working with the AUC, AMCOW, the African Development Bank and other partners to support the Plan’s finalization and implementation, while advancing a coordinated African voice in global water processes.
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