Water forum ends with urgent call to action for lake Chad and africa
Under the banner « From vision to action », the African Water Forum concluded Thursday, July 16, 2026, in N’Djamena following two days of intensive discussions on Africa’s most pressing water access and sustainable resource challenges. Jointly organized by the Chadian government and the World Bank Group, the event drew African leaders, technical and financial partners, and water sector specialists from across the continent.
From promises to progress: a shared responsibility
Farouk Mollah Banna, representing the World Bank Group at the closing ceremony, emphasized the critical need to move beyond declarations and deliver tangible results for communities.
« The hopes of millions—secure, equitable access to water, food, and sustainable environments—rest on how faithfully we translate today’s commitments into ground-level realities, » he stated, urging a culture of discipline and focus in implementation.
Lake Chad at the center of continental priorities
Prime Minister Allah Maye Halina placed the Lake Chad Basin at the heart of Africa’s development agenda, framing its survival not as a local issue but as a continental imperative.
« The survival of Lake Chad is not a matter for riparian states alone—it is a cornerstone for peace, food security, and economic stability across Africa, » he declared. « It affects over 30 million lives today and will shape the future of generations. The time has come to elevate this crisis to the top of Africa’s—and the world’s—priorities. »
He stressed that restoring the lake’s ecosystem is vital for regional water supply, agriculture, and social cohesion, calling for coordinated international support and accelerated investment.
Commitments await translation into tangible change
With discussions concluded, forum organizers are now urging swift action to implement the resolutions adopted during the event. The focus is on turning policy and planning into measurable improvements in water access, sanitation, and ecosystem restoration across African nations.
