The African Union (AU) has launched its 2026 campaign focused on clean water and sanitation to advance the goals of Agenda 2063, aiming to strengthen water management and climate resilience across the continent. The initiative emphasizes sustainable water management and sanitation systems, prioritizing public health, community development, and economic growth. AU leaders have called on member states, civil society, and the private sector to collaborate in addressing water-related challenges while highlighting the critical roles of youth, women, and marginalized communities in driving progress.
Regional cooperation is a key focus of the campaign, as many of Africa’s rivers and lakes cross national borders, requiring joint solutions to ensure equitable access to water. The campaign also underscores the growing impact of climate change, particularly increasing droughts and flooding, and stresses that effective water and sanitation systems are essential for mitigating climate risks, protecting public health, and supporting economic stability. Member states are encouraged to expand access to sanitation services, especially in rural areas and underserved urban regions, to safeguard communities and livelihoods.
The campaign promotes the concept of water as a central driver of economic growth, job creation, and industrialization. Through integrated water resources management, linking energy, food, and environmental systems (WEFE), the AU positions water as a critical economic resource essential for Africa’s development.
Overall, the AU calls on all sectors of society, particularly member states, to work collaboratively to achieve Agenda 2063 objectives, ensuring access to clean water and sanitation as a cornerstone of Africa’s sustainable development and resilience-building efforts.
