The Tchad is set to become the center of continental discussions on water security next year, with the announcement of the African Water Forum 2026—scheduled for July 15-16 in N’Djamena. The event, themed From Vision to Action, was unveiled during a press briefing on May 22, led by Tahir Hamid Nguilin, Tchad’s Minister of State for Finance.
During the event, Minister Nguilin highlighted Tchad’s pivotal role in the continent’s water landscape, emphasizing the nation’s abundant hydrological resources. « Tchad is truly a land of water, » he declared, citing the Lake Tchad, major river systems like the Chari, Logone, and Barh Aouk, as well as lakes such as Fitri, Léré, and Iro. He also underscored Tchad’s shared watersheds, including the Nubian Basin and transboundary basins that sustain neighboring regions.
Yet, despite these natural advantages, Tchad faces pressing challenges: climate change impacts, rapid population growth, and aging water infrastructure. These pressing issues, he noted, make the African Water Forum not just timely but essential for shaping continental strategies to secure Africa’s water future.
« Hosting this forum reflects our government’s unwavering commitment to prioritizing water safety on the national agenda, » Nguilin emphasized. « It’s also a testament to the confidence our partners have placed in Tchad as a leader in regional water governance. »
Adding weight to the initiative, Farouk Mollah Banna, the World Bank’s Resident Representative in Tchad, announced a $160 million financing package dedicated to the water sector. Scheduled for board review just two weeks before the forum, this project aims to bolster Tchad’s water infrastructure and align with the continent’s broader water security goals.
The African Water Forum 2026 will convene policymakers, technical partners, financial backers, and water experts from across Africa. Together, they’ll explore actionable solutions for sustainable water resource management—a critical step toward resilience in the face of growing climatic and demographic pressures.
