Chad lake basin summit urges urgent action on water security

Under the banner of ‘From Vision to Action’, the African Water Forum concluded its two-day deliberations in N’Djamena this past Thursday, marking a pivotal moment for addressing water access challenges and sustainable water resource management across the continent. The event, jointly hosted by the Chadian government and the World Bank Group, brought together heads of state, technical partners, and hydrology experts to confront pressing water scarcity issues.

From promises to progress: turning commitments into measurable change

As discussions drew to a close, Farouk Mollah Banna, representing the World Bank Group, underscored the critical need to move beyond declarations toward tangible outcomes that directly benefit communities.

« Ensuring that every African family has fair, reliable, and expanded access to clean water, food security, and environmental stewardship hinges entirely on our ability to convert today’s commitments into real-world impact, » he emphasized.

Lake Chad’s survival: a continental call for coordinated action

Allah Maye Halina, Prime Minister of Chad, elevated the Lake Chad basin crisis to the forefront of Africa’s development agenda. His remarks highlighted that preserving this vital ecosystem extends far beyond the interests of bordering nations, framing it as a cornerstone for peace, economic growth, and food security.

« The survival of Lake Chad is not just a regional matter—it is a lifeline for over 30 million people. This basin underpins stability, economic progress, and food resilience across vast stretches of West and Central Africa. Now is the time to elevate Lake Chad’s protection to a shared priority for the continent and the international community, » the Prime Minister declared.

The forum’s organizers expressed confidence that the resolutions adopted during these sessions will swiftly transition from policy papers to on-the-ground initiatives, delivering tangible benefits to African populations grappling with water insecurity.