Water forum in N’Djamena ends with call for urgent action

Two days of intense discussions on water access and sustainable management in Africa came to a close on Thursday, July 16, 2026, as the African Water Forum wrapped up in N’Djamena. The event, held under the theme “From Vision to Action,” was jointly organized by the Chadian government and the World Bank Group, bringing together African leaders, technical and financial partners, and water sector experts.

Turning promises into tangible progress

At the closing session, Farouk Mollah Banna, representing the World Bank Group, emphasized the critical need to move beyond commitments and deliver real results for communities across the continent.

“The well-being of millions hinges on our ability to turn the pledges made here into reliable, equitable access to water, food, and sustainable livelihoods,” he stated. “The success of this forum will be measured not by the words spoken, but by the actions taken on the ground.”

Lake Chad’s survival named continental priority

Allah Maye Halina, Chad’s Prime Minister, placed the preservation of the Lake Chad basin at the center of Africa’s development agenda. Speaking passionately about the shared stakes, he warned that the lake’s decline is not just an environmental crisis—it threatens peace, food security, and economic stability across the region.

“The survival of Lake Chad is not a matter for its neighboring countries alone,” he declared. “More than 30 million people rely on its waters for their daily lives. If we fail to act now, we risk instability, hunger, and displacement on a scale that will affect us all. This is a call to every African leader and international partner: Lake Chad must become a priority for the continent and the world.”

Next steps: From words to action

Organizers and participants left the forum with a shared sense of urgency. The recommendations emerging from N’Djamena are expected to drive immediate, practical measures—ensuring that water access, sanitation, and ecosystem preservation translate into measurable benefits for communities.

With high expectations from local populations and global stakeholders, the challenge now is to ensure these discussions lead to lasting change.