Addressing heads of state, water experts, and international donors in N’Djamena, the Congolese leader spotlighted his nation’s vast untapped water resources. Yet he emphasized that this potential must translate into tangible benefits for citizens through robust infrastructure and service delivery.
Ambitious national goals to transform water access
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has set a clear timeline to expand access to clean drinking water to 60% of its population by 2035. Alongside this milestone, the government aims to provide basic sanitation and hygiene services to 50% of Congolese households within the same period. These targets, outlined during the high-level forum, are designed to curb waterborne diseases and elevate living standards nationwide.
Beyond households, Kinshasa is prioritizing public institutions. By 2035, 80% of schools and health facilities will have reliable access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services. This initiative seeks to create safer learning environments for children and improve healthcare delivery across the country.
Ensuring every school and health center has access to clean water, proper sanitation, and hygiene facilities is not just a goal—it’s a necessity. These institutions serve some of our most vulnerable populations and must be protected.
Mobilizing collective action to close the infrastructure gap
To meet these objectives, the DRC government is rallying support from all stakeholders. Public funding alone cannot bridge the infrastructure deficit, so Kinshasa is encouraging private investment and international partnerships. The goal is to unlock the capital needed to modernize water networks, expand treatment plants, and extend distribution systems to underserved communities.
A five-point roadmap for Africa’s water future
The Congolese president proposed a continental strategy to strengthen the water sector. His five pillars include:
- Policy integration: Aligning national water strategies with regional frameworks to ensure consistency and scalability.
- Institutional strengthening: Building transparent, accountable governance structures to manage water resources efficiently.
- Project readiness: Developing technically sound and financially viable projects to attract private and international investors.
- Domestic industry development: Fostering local manufacturing of water infrastructure components—piping, pumps, meters, treatment systems, irrigation tools, and digital solutions—to reduce import dependency and spur job creation.
- Financial mobilization: Structuring bankable projects that meet global funding criteria while addressing Africa’s unique water challenges.
The head of state highlighted the urgency of building a local water industry. He called for the production of essential equipment—pipes, pumps, meters, treatment systems, irrigation solutions, and digital tools—within Africa. This shift would not only cut costs but also catalyze industrial growth and create millions of jobs across the continent.
In his closing remarks, President Tshisekedi framed water access as both a development imperative and an economic opportunity. His vision combines expanded coverage, stronger governance, and a thriving domestic water industry—laying the groundwork for sustainable progress in Africa’s water sector.
