Africa's Water Crisis Draining Billions, Leaders Warn

Lead

African leaders have warned that poor access to clean water and sanitation is costing the continent billions of dollars annually while deepening poverty, disease, and inequality. Speaking at a conference in Kigali on Sunday, May 24, to mark the 62nd African Liberation Day, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Gertrude Kazarwa said millions of Africans still lack access to basic water and sanitation services, undermining development efforts across the continent.

Coverage Comparison

Two reports from AllAfrica covered the conference, with one focusing on the economic and human toll of the crisis and the other emphasizing the need for collective action and regional cooperation. Both reports highlighted the urgency of the situation and the importance of treating water access as a basic right.

Key Claims

According to United Nations estimates cited at the meeting, more than 400 million Africans lack safe drinking water, while over 700 million do not have proper sanitation facilities. Kazarwa said these are "not just numbers. They represent real people, mothers, children, and communities trapped in poverty and disease."

The same estimates cited at the conference indicate that poor water and sanitation services cost Sub-Saharan Africa approximately 4.3% of the region's collective GDP annually. Kazarwa said inadequate systems continue to affect education, public health, productivity, and economic growth. "Without clean water, children miss school and diseases spread. Without safe sanitation, women and girls face serious health and safety issues," she said.

The theme of Africa Day, observed annually on May 25 to commemorate the founding of the Organization of African Unity in 1963, was "Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063." The conference, organised by the Pan-African Movement (PAM) Rwanda Chapter in partnership with government institutions, diplomats, and private sector actors, focused on how people-centred and market-driven approaches can help Africa improve access to clean water and sanitation.

Protais Musoni, Chairman of PAM-Rwanda, said access to clean water and proper sanitation must be treated as a basic right rather than a privilege. "Far too many communities still lack access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation, which undermines public health and holds back economic growth," he said. Musoni called on African governments, investors, and entrepreneurs to invest in sustainable water systems and regional infrastructure. "We need to think about creating infrastructure across our borders so that we can share the resources and climate opportunities we have," he said.

Kazarwa linked access to clean water and sanitation to Africa's broader liberation agenda, saying true independence must translate into improved livelihoods, social justice, and economic transformation. She highlighted Rwanda's progress in expanding water access, noting that 90% of households had access to improved drinking water sources by 2023/2024. The government aims to achieve universal access by 2030.

The Pan-African Movement's priorities for the next three years include mobilisation for Pan-African awareness, leadership development, research and policy discussions, and strengthening collaboration across African borders. Musoni urged stronger regional legal frameworks and joint investments in infrastructure, irrigation, hydroelectricity, and disaster management. "The Africa we want is within our reach," he said, urging Africans to remain united, determined, and committed to advancing the continent's transformation agenda.