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Cabinet officials

African Ministers Highlight Multibillion-Dollar Opportunities in Water Sector

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

African Ministers of Water converged at the AU Africa Water Investment Programme (AU-AIP) Water Summit 2025 to showcase the vast investment potential in the water sector. The Ministers presented various bulk water projects, including dam constructions, climate-resilient financing, and nationwide water supply programs. Zimbabwe's Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Jongwe Masuka, highlighted the country's 10,600 dams built to date, emphasizing the high investment potential.

Key Takeaways:

  • Zimbabwe has the highest density of dams in Africa, with 10,600 dams built to date, presenting vast investment potential.
  • The country's "Infrastructure 6.0" model integrates hydroelectricity generation, irrigation, potable water, fisheries, tourism, and wastewater management.
  • The Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency (ZIDA) and Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) will handle world investors in the water sector to fast-track government water projects.
  • Malawi's Climate Resilient WASH Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Financing Strategy has shifted from reactive funding to proactive planning, boosting investor confidence and unlocking new financing.
  • Côte d'Ivoire's Water for All program, valued at 1,320 billion CFA francs (US$2.3 billion), aims to guarantee fair and sustainable access to drinking water for all populations.
  • The program also includes strengthening storage capacity, increasing drinking water production, and implementing 450,000 social water connections over three years.

Statistics:

  • 10,600 dams built in Zimbabwe to date.
  • 1,320 billion CFA francs (US$2.3 billion) valuation of Côte d'Ivoire's Water for All program.
  • 450,000 social water connections to be implemented over three years as part of the Water for All program.
  • Eight regions and an autonomous district in Côte d'Ivoire covered by the Integrated Development and Adaptation Programme for Climate Change in the Niger River Basin.

Sources:

  • AU-Africa Water Investment Programme (AU-AIP) Water Summit 2025.
  • Zimbabwes Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Jongwe Masuka.
  • Malawis Minister of Water and Sanitation, Abida Sidik Mia.
  • Cote dIvoires Water and Forests Minister, Laurent Chagba.
  • SAnews.gov.za

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