African leaders have the power to achieve water security and sustainable sanitation for all by 2030, according to a report by the international high-level panel on water investments for Africa.
The report, released on World Water Day during the United Nation’s water conference in New York this week, outlines three pathways to secure an additional $30 billion investment to achieve water security and sanitation on the continent by 2030.
Currently, between $10 and $19 billion is invested each year, while $50 billion annually is required to achieve the goal. The report proposes a five-point action plan for governments and global leaders to support the implementation of the three pathways, including enhanced political leadership, new funding sources, and strengthened institutional regulation.
Macky Sall, president of Senegal, stated: “$10 to 19 billion is invested each year in Africa, while at least $30 billion per year is required to achieve the goal by 2030. There is therefore a need to close the gap by intensifying advocacy and, above all, action.”
Mark Rutte, prime minister of Netherlands, added: “Now the real work begins: developing the programs, creating the conditions, getting investors ready to step in. The UN 2023 Water Conference is the place to connect those dots.”
Meanwhile, Jakaya Kikwete, former president of Tanzania, stressed the importance of water security and sustainable sanitation for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. “If we don’t achieve water security and sustainable sanitation on the African continent, we will fail at all of the Sustainable Development Goals.”
The report also notes that every $1 invested in climate-resilient water and sanitation returns at least $7 in societal and economic gains, including improvements in health, education, energy, food security, gender equality, and sustainable development goals.
