Theme of the Year 2026: "Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063"

The African Union (AU) has declared 2026 as the Year of “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.” This theme elevates water and sanitation to a continental political priority, recognizing them as catalysts for economic transformation, climate resilience, public health, food security, and regional stability.

The theme was launched during the 39th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly in Addis Ababa on 14 February 2026.

Despite progress, millions of Africans still lack safe water and sanitation, undermining health, productivity, and human dignity. Climate change is intensifying water stress through droughts, floods, and hydrological disruptions. The 2026 Theme responds to this urgent challenge by placing water and sanitation at the center of Africa’s development and climate agenda.

This presents a significant opportunity to drive transformative, climate resilient, and people centered investments in water and sanitation. It reinforces Africa’s commitment to sustainable development, equity, and resilience, ensuring that no one is left behind on the pathway to Agenda 2063.

• Strengthen Political Leadership: Reaffirm water and sanitation as critical enablers of industrialization, health, peace, food systems, and climate resilience. Secure and consolidate political will at the highest levels (Heads of State and Government) to elevate the value attached to water and drive implementation of the new Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy.
• Shift the Narrative and Raise the Profile of Water: Promote a new narrative that highlights water’s central role in economic growth, job creation, and industrialization. Strengthen the business case for water investments and position water more prominently in national and regional development planning.
• Mobilize Investment and Finance: Support Member States in accessing resources to expand climate resilient water and sanitation services.
• Improve Governance and Policy Alignment: Provide a continental roadmap through the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy, enhancing coherence, coordination, and accountability. Improve sector governance to enhance financing and investment prospects
• Endorse a New Strategic Framework: Secure adoption of the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy at the 39th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly in February 2026. This new Vision and Policy will serve as the strategic framework for achieving inclusive and climate resilient water security post 2025, directly aligned with Agenda 2063.
• Promote Integrated and Regional Approaches: Advance water energy food nexus strategies, Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), and cooperation on transboundary water systems. Foster stronger collaboration between water and related sectors—such as agriculture, energy, climate change, and peace and security.
• Build Capacity and Innovation: Strengthen data systems, knowledge sharing, and the adoption of innovative technologies for water security and sustainable sanitation.
• Elevate Africa’s Voice Globally: Position Africa to shape global water governance ahead of major multilateral events, including the UN Water Conference 2026. Ensure that the processes and outcomes of the 2026 Theme feed into and align with the UN 2026 Water Conference. Present a unified African position to accelerate implementation of SDG 6, in line with Agenda 2063 goals of environmentally sustainable and climate resilient economies and communities, and priority areas including biodiversity, conservation, sustainable natural resource management, water security, and climate resilience.