N’Djamena is set to become the epicenter of continental water discussions next year, as the African Water Forum takes center stage on July 15 and 16, 2026. The high-profile event will convene policymakers, development partners, and water experts to tackle Africa’s most pressing hydrological challenges.

During a press briefing, the Minister of Finance, Budget, Economy, Planning, and International Cooperation outlined the significance of this gathering. « The African Water Forum: From Vision to Action » will bring together global leaders at the Palais des Congrès in N’Djamena, with the World Bank’s resident representative in Chad confirmed as a key participant.

The Minister emphasized Chad’s strategic position in Africa’s water landscape, highlighting the nation’s vast hydrological wealth. « From the shrinking but resilient Lake Chad to the mighty Chari and Logone rivers, our country holds vital freshwater ecosystems that sustain millions across the Sahel, » he noted. Additional resources include the Fitri, Léré, and Iro lakes, along with transboundary aquifers like the Nubian Sandstone Basin, which nourish vast regions beyond Chad’s borders.

« As a Sahelian nation, we face a triple threat: climate-induced water scarcity, rapid population growth, and underdeveloped infrastructure, » he explained. « By hosting this Forum, Chad is stepping forward as a proactive leader in shaping Africa’s water future. »

The government’s priorities for the event include securing commitments for universal access to clean water, enhancing agricultural irrigation to bolster food security, and promoting sustainable management of shared water basins. A landmark partnership with the World Bank is also in the pipeline, designed to align with Chad’s long-term water security goals.

The initiative, Water Forward, encapsulates these ambitions: « Water for people, water for food, water for the planet. » This framework mirrors the President’s national development agenda, emphasizing water as the backbone of economic growth, social stability, and environmental resilience.

Delegates can expect concrete outcomes, including national water compacts and accountability frameworks to ensure follow-through. Chad’s role extends beyond hosting—it will champion Africa’s hydrological transformation, driving collaborative solutions for a water-secure future.