Chad to host the African Water Forum in 2026
N’Djamena will welcome the African Water Forum on July 15-16, 2026, bringing together leaders to address the continent’s pressing water challenges.
The Minister of Finance, Budget, Economy, Planning, and International Cooperation held a press briefing to announce the African Water Forum: From Vision to Action, scheduled for July 15-16, 2026, in N’Djamena, with the World Bank’s Resident Representative in Chad in attendance.
In his address, the minister highlighted Chad’s abundant water resources, including Lake Chad, major rivers like the Chari and Logone, as well as lakes Fitri, Léré, Iro, and water systems such as the Batha, Bahr Aouk, and Bitéha. He also pointed to the shared Nubian Sandstone Aquifer and transboundary basins that sustain the region.
« As a Sahelian nation, we face unique water challenges exacerbated by climate pressures, rapid population growth, and fragile infrastructure. That’s why Chad is stepping forward to lead this continental dialogue, » he emphasized.
The Forum reflects both international trust in Chad and the government’s commitment to prioritizing water security. Water is not merely a natural resource; it is the foundation of development, peace, and community resilience.
The administration is prioritizing universal access to clean drinking water and sanitation, expanding irrigation to safeguard food production, and sustainably managing shared water resources with neighboring nations in the Lake Chad Basin and Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System.
Discussing the partnership with the World Bank, the minister acknowledged the institution’s renewed dedication to Chad. A new project in development represents a significant milestone aligned with the country’s long-term water sector vision.
The Water Forward initiative—anchored in the principles of water for people, food, and the planet—guides the national development plan, inspired by the President’s policy agenda.
Delegates anticipate tangible outcomes from the Forum, including national water compacts for participating countries and accountability mechanisms to ensure commitments are honored. Chad is poised to lead not only as host but as a proactive force in Africa’s water transformation.
