AU Chairperson Commends Zambia’s Leadership at Opening of PANAFCON-3 in Lusaka
The Third African Implementation and Partnership Conference on Water (PANAFCON-3) officially opened in Lusaka on 27th, Zambia, with a resounding call for urgent and inclusive action to achieve climate-resilient water and sanitation access across the continent.
Representing the African Union Commission (AUC), H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson, conveyed his apologies for not attending in person and delivered a powerful message through a keynote speech read at the ceremony.
He expressed gratitude to President Hakainde Hichilema and the people of Zambia for hosting the event under the theme, “Assuring Inclusive and Climate-Resilient Water Security and Sanitation for the Africa We Want.”
In his address, H.E. Youssouf emphasized the urgent need for African nations to treat water as a fundamental driver of socio-economic development. “Africa cannot achieve Agenda 2063 or the Sustainable Development Goals without a reliable water supply,” he stated, highlighting the links between water access and critical areas such as agriculture, energy, public health, and industrialization.
Despite Africa’s rich water resources, the continent still has 400 million people without access to safe water and over 800 million lacking adequate sanitation. The Chairperson praised AU leaders for selecting “Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation” as the AU Theme for 2026 and urged swift action on the Africa Water Investment Programme to close the investment gap.
Delegates also learned that the AUC is preparing a new Africa Water Vision and Policy in collaboration with the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW). Regional consultations have led to a draft version, and inputs from PANAFCON-3 will help refine the final policy.
Youssouf commended President Hichilema’s leadership, particularly his role on the High-Level Panel on Water Investment and Zambia’s development of a national water investment programme launched in July 2022.
In a forward-looking announcement, the AUC confirmed that the Africa Water Investment Summit will be hosted by South Africa from August 13–15, 2025, as part of its G20 Presidency.
The opening ceremony was attended by high-level dignitaries, including UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, EU Commissioner Jozef Síkela, SADC Executive Secretary Elias M. Magosi, and representatives from the African Development Bank and UNECA.
The conference runs until May 29 and aims to generate actionable policy recommendations, promote investment, and solidify continental commitment to water and sanitation for all.
