AfDB Approves New Water Strategy for 2021-2025

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a new water strategy for 2021-2025, to increase water security and foster sustainability in Africa.

Under the theme: “Towards a Water-Secure Africa”, the five-year programme also aims to enhance green and inclusive growth and development on the continent.

Speaking on the initiative, the Bank’s Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development, Dr. Beth Dunford said it was a significant milestone for the Bank in terms of seeing water development and sanitation as key components toward improving the quality of life for the people of Africa

According to her, the strategy would help the bank expand its role as the continent’s partner, while also promoting integrated development and management of Africa’s water sector.

On her part, the Bank’s Director for Water Development and Sanitation, Osward Chanda, said water is a key enabler for many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the bank considers water to be essential for life and health.

Furthermore, Chanda explained that water is important for empowerment, environmental sustainability, peace, and prosperity.

Meanwhile, AgroNigeria gathered that more than 100 stakeholders provided inputs to develop the strategy, which the bank’s leadership lauded as exemplary.

Since 2010, the AfDB has invested an estimated $6.2 billion in water supply and sanitation services.

At the end of October 2021, the bank’s active water sector portfolio stood at $5.02 billion, comprising 104 projects implemented in 40 countries, and five multinational projects.