West Africa Stakeholders Discuss Water Vision 2063 in Abuja

On Tuesday, stakeholders from West Africa gathered in Abuja to deliberate on the implementation of the Water Vision 2063 plan. The consultation, organized by the African Ministers' Council on Water (AMCOW) in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria, aims to develop a framework for the period 2026-2033.

Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, Nigeria's Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, emphasized the critical nature of this moment for Africa's development, citing increasing pressures on water resources due to urbanization and climate variability. The new implementation phase will focus on measurable outcomes related to water supply and sanitation services, as well as climate resilience.

Dr. Mukaila Babarinde, chairman of the technical advisory committee, noted the significance of this step in translating policy into action. Mr. Nelson Gomonda from AMCOW described the African Water Vision 2063 as a major milestone, while Mr. Kouassi Alexi announced a review of the region's 2008 water policy plan.

Dr. Nyamb Nyamb from the African Union highlighted challenges such as rapid urbanization and inadequate infrastructure affecting access to clean water.