Zambia Pushes Global Action on Transboundary Water Cooperation
Zambia has called on African countries and the wider international community to accelerate accession to the United Nations Water Convention, stressing that transboundary water cooperation is essential for sustainable development, peace and regional integration.
The call was made by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, Eng. Romas Kamanga, during a side meeting organised by the UN Water Convention at the High-Level Preparatory Meeting for the 2026 UN Water Conference, held in Dakar.
Eng. Kamanga highlighted Africa’s growing leadership in global water diplomacy, noting that the continent’s efforts are aligned with the African Union’s 2026 theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems.”
He described Dakar as a hub for African water diplomacy as preparations gather pace for the UN Water Conference scheduled for December 2026 in the United Arab Emirates.
He said Zambia formally acceded to the UN Water Convention on 4 September 2024, becoming the 55th Party globally and the 12th in Africa. According to Eng. Kamanga, the move reflected Zambia’s conviction that “water knows no borders” and demonstrated a strategic commitment to embedding national development within a robust framework for international cooperation.
Eng. Kamanga issued a strong appeal to countries in Southern Africa, across the continent and beyond to complete their accession processes on or before the UN Water 2026 Conference.
“By becoming a Party, countries join a community of practice that transforms transboundary challenges into opportunities for peace and prosperity,” he said.
He emphasised that the benefits of the Convention for Zambia extend beyond policy commitments, citing tangible technical, institutional and financial gains. He noted that the Convention has supported Zambia’s accession to the International Commission of the Congo-Oubangui-Sangha Basin (CICOS) and strengthened its participation in key multi-stakeholder platforms, including the Third African Implementation and Partnership Conference on Water (PANAFCON3).
Eng. Kamanga added that Zambia’s engagement with the Convention has significantly enhanced the country’s international profile and leadership in global water governance.
Looking ahead, he announced that Zambia will serve as Co-Lead for Interactive Dialogue 4, themed “Water for Cooperation,” at the UN Water 2026 Conference, alongside Finland and with support from the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).
He invited countries and partners to actively contribute to shaping the dialogue and to use the momentum generated in Dakar to develop a long-term roadmap for transboundary water cooperation beyond 2026.
“Let us ensure that cooperation remains at the heart of Africa’s and the world’s water agenda,” Eng. Kamanga said.
