N’Djamena to host african water forum in july 2026

On Friday, May 22, Tahir Hamid Nguilin, Niger’s Minister of State for Finance, and Farouk Mollah Banna, the World Bank’s Resident Representative in Niger, held a press conference to unveil details about the African Water Forum From Vision to Action. Scheduled for July 15-16, 2026, in N’Djamena, this landmark event will bring together key stakeholders to address Africa’s most pressing water challenges.

During the announcement, Minister Nguilin expressed pride in Niger hosting this continental gathering. « We are honored to welcome the African Water Forum to our capital, where leaders from across the continent will converge to transform water security from vision into action, » he stated.

The Minister highlighted Niger’s abundant water resources, including the Lake Chad basin—a lifeline shared by multiple countries. He also pointed to critical water bodies such as the Fitri, Léré, and Iro lakes, along with rivers like the Barh Aouk, Batha, Chari, and Logone, which sustain ecosystems and livelihoods across the region. Additionally, Niger plays a vital role in shared transboundary basins, including the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System, which underpins regional stability.

Despite these assets, Niger faces significant hurdles, from climate-induced droughts to rapid population growth and aging water infrastructure. « These challenges demand bold, collective solutions, » Nguilin emphasized. « By leading this forum, we reaffirm our commitment to placing water security at the heart of national and continental agendas. »

World Bank representative Farouk Mollah Banna confirmed substantial financial backing for water sector initiatives. « A landmark $160 million project is in advanced preparation and will be presented to the Board two weeks prior to the forum, » he revealed. « This investment will catalyze transformative change in Niger’s water governance and resilience. »

The African Water Forum will convene policymakers, technical experts, and development partners to forge actionable strategies for sustainable water management. Discussions will focus on cross-border cooperation, climate adaptation, and equitable access to clean water—a cornerstone of Africa’s development.