As the twin crises of climate change and water scarcity deepen across the continent, African leaders are stepping up collective efforts to safeguard water resources and strengthen climate resilience.
This renewed sense of urgency comes as ministers and policymakers from across Africa prepare to join their global counterparts at the 2025 Sector Ministers’ Meeting (SMM), scheduled for October 22–23 in Madrid, Spain.
The high-level meeting, convened under the theme “Breaking Silos: Uniting Political Leadership to Integrate Water, Sanitation and Climate Action,” is organized by the Government of Spain, UNICEF, and the Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) partnership.
It brings together representatives from over 60 countries to forge practical strategies for integrating water, sanitation, and climate policies in a world increasingly threatened by environmental instability.
Across Africa, droughts, floods, and dwindling freshwater sources are putting millions at risk. Data from the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme paints a grim picture, nearly 400 million people in sub-Saharan Africa still lack access to safe drinking water, while more than 700 million are without safely managed sanitation.
These gaps are widening due to climate change, which has brought prolonged droughts in the Horn of Africa, destructive floods in the Sahel, and rising water stress across Southern and Central Africa.
The situation has forced governments to confront not only the ecological costs but also the social and economic implications of water insecurity.
For many African nations, the stakes could not be higher. Agriculture, energy production, and public health, all dependent on water, are increasingly vulnerable. Experts warn that without urgent action, climate-induced water crises could undo decades of progress toward poverty reduction and sustainable development.
At the Madrid meeting, African ministers are expected to endorse the High-Level Pact on Water Security and Resilience, a landmark framework designed to translate national ambitions into measurable commitments.
The pact will be backed by a Mutual Accountability Mechanism that promotes transparency and regular progress tracking.
According to Muyatwa Sitali, Acting Executive Director of SWA, political leadership remains central to sustainable water management.
“African governments have proven that when political will meets partnership, results follow. Africa’s leadership will be critical in achieving lasting change.” He said.
The summit also serves as a preparatory platform for COP30 in Brazil and the UN 2026 Water Conference, ensuring that Africa’s unique experiences and priorities influence global climate-water negotiations.
Despite the challenges, Africa has emerged as a hub of innovative water and climate solutions. Countries like Kenya are investing heavily in climate-resilient water infrastructure, Ghana is pushing for universal sanitation access, while Ethiopia is integrating water management into its national climate strategy.
Such homegrown initiatives exemplify how local adaptation and innovation can guide continental resilience. The upcoming SMM 2025 aims to amplify these success stories, enabling nations to share lessons, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) , ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
Observers say the Madrid meeting could mark a defining moment for Africa’s water future, an opportunity to align political, financial, and community-driven efforts to secure the continent’s most vital resource.
For over 15 years, the Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) partnership, hosted by UNICEF, has united governments, civil society, and development partners to advance the human right to water and sanitation.
With over 500 global partners, SWA continues to drive political commitment and accountability to turn global promises into tangible impact.
As the world’s attention turns to Madrid, the message from Africa is clear: water security is not just an environmental issue but a foundation for peace, health, and prosperity.
The decisions made this week could determine how resilient the continent, and the world, will be in the face of a changing climate.