400m people in Africa lacks access to water- Minister

Nigerian Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Terlumun Utsev, has said that 400 million persons in Africa lack access to clean and safe water. About 60 percent of diseases in Africa are linked to poor water and sanitation conditions, he said.

He said this in his opening remarks at the West Africa Sub-Regional Ministerial/Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Consultation on the formulation of the first implementation plan (2026–2033) of the Africa Water Vision 2063 in Abuja.

The high-level meeting, held in Abuja, brought together stakeholders from across the region, including representatives of the African Union and ECOWAS, to chart a path toward improving water access and sanitation.

Utsev warned that Africa is grappling with a growing water crisis driven by population growth and climate change, where both water scarcity and flooding pose serious threats.

“Africa’s rapid growth presents a situation where too much water or too little water can harm communities and economies,” he said.

The minister also highlighted persistent infrastructure and financing challenges, noting an estimated $30 billion investment gap in the sector. He stressed that climate change continues to affect water availability, worsening existing vulnerabilities.

Utsev emphasized that water and sanitation go beyond basic services, impacting public health, economic development, and regional stability.

Speakers from the African Union and ECOWAS reinforced the urgency of the situation, stressing that the success of the Africa Water Vision 2063 depends on effective implementation, regional cooperation, and sustained investment.

The consultation is expected to produce a strategic roadmap to guide the implementation of the vision from 2026 to 2033, with a focus on expanding access to clean water, improving sanitation, and strengthening resilience to climate impacts.

The meeting marks a critical step toward addressing one of Africa’s most pressing development challenges and ensuring equitable access to water and sanitation across the continent.