Lusaka, Zambia – 6th October 2025–The Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Hon. Eng. Collins Nzovu, MP, joined his counterparts from across the continent at the 14th Ordinary Session of the Governing Council of the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW), held on 29th September 2025 in Dakar, Republic of Senegal.
The high-level session brought together Ministers responsible for Water, Environment, and Sanitation in Africa, alongside the African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Sustainable Environment, and Blue Economy (AUC-DARBE), to deliberate on key actions to advance Africa’s water and sanitation agenda.
A major outcome of the meeting was the adoption of the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy (AWVP63) — a transformative continental framework envisioning “A water secure and resilient Africa with safe sanitation for all.” The Vision serves as Africa’s strategic roadmap for achieving inclusive, sustainable, and climate-resilient water security, in alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 – The Africa We Want, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Ministers commended the inclusive and member state-led process that guided the development of the Vision and Policy, and expressed special appreciation to the Republic of Zambia for successfully hosting the Third African Implementation and Partnerships Conference on Water (PANAFCON-3) in Lusaka, which reached consensus on the Vision’s statements and policy goals. Zambia’s leadership in this process was recognized as pivotal to shaping the final framework.
The session also approved several key implementation instruments, including:
- The AMCOW Strategic Operational Plan (2026–2030),
- The AMCOW Business Plan (2026–2030),
- The AMCOW Triennial Work Programme and Budget (2026–2028), and
- The Strategic Programme on Groundwater for Water Security and Resilience in Africa (2026–2033).
In a bid to enhance AMCOW’s financial sustainability, the Governing Council endorsed a gradual increase in Member States’ annual statutory contributions from US$10,000 to US$25,000, effective from the 2027 financial year. Member States were also urged to settle outstanding arrears and ensure timely future payments to strengthen AMCOW’s institutional capacity.
Further, the Council tasked the AMCOW Secretariat, working closely with the African Union Commission (AUC) and development partners, to submit the adopted Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy for endorsement by the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government in February 2026.
The Ministers appealed to His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia and His Excellency President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal to champion the presentation and endorsement of the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy at the AU Assembly. Once endorsed, the Vision will serve as Africa’s Common Position and contribution to the United Nations 2026 Water Conference, aimed at accelerating global progress on SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation for All.
The Governing Council further committed to convening an International Conference on Financing the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy on the margins of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Annual Meetings in 2026, as part of efforts to mobilize resources for implementation.
In his remarks, Minister Nzovu reaffirmed Zambia’s unwavering commitment to the African water agenda and to regional cooperation under AMCOW. He emphasized that the adoption of the Africa Water Vision 2063 marks a defining moment for the continent’s collective effort to ensure sustainable access to water and sanitation for all Africans.
“Zambia takes great pride in contributing to the development of this transformative Vision. Our continent has demonstrated unity of purpose and determination to achieve water security, resilience, and sustainable development for future generations,” said Hon. Nzovu.
The Minister also extended Zambia’s gratitude to the Government and people of Senegal for their warm hospitality and to all partners who continue to support Africa’s water and sanitation programmes.
The Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy stands as Africa’s new compass — a commitment to equitable water access, environmental sustainability, and human dignity across the continent.
Issued by:
Prince Chiyuni
Principal Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation
Lusaka, Zambia
Email: prince.chiyuni@mwds.gov.zm
