President Hakainde Hichilema has urged delegates at the 3rd African Implementation and Partnership Conference on Water (PANAFCON-3) to place water and sanitation at the heart of the African continent’s health, prosperity, and peace.
In a speech read for Him by Her Honour the Vice President, Dr. W.K. Mutale Nalumango, during the conference’s opening ceremony at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka today, President Hichilema emphasised that this is a critical moment for Africa to address its water security challenges and ensure that every citizen has access to clean and safe water and dignified sanitation.
The conference, themed “Assuring Inclusive and Climate Resilient Water Security and Sanitation for the Africa We Want”, brings together leaders, experts, and stakeholders from Africa and beyond to forge a strategic framework for water security and sanitation.
“We gather under a bold and unifying theme that demands we place water and sanitation at the heart of our continent’s health, prosperity, and peace,” President Hichilema’s speech read. “This theme is a call to action, aligning with Aspiration 1 of the Agenda 2063 – A Prosperous Africa rooted in inclusive growth and sustainable development.”
The President noted that despite progress made since the Africa Water Vision 2025 was adopted 25 years ago, the continent still faces significant challenges, including rapid population growth, urban expansion, climate variability, and chronic underinvestment, leaving millions without access to safe water and sanitation.
“Twenty-five years ago, African leaders envisioned an Africa Water Vision 2025, promising equitable and sustainable water use for socio-economic progress, poverty alleviation, regional cooperation, and environmental stewardship,” he said. “Yet, as we stand past that milestone, we face a stark reality: progress has not matched our ambitions.”
President Hichilema highlighted the need for collective action to address these challenges and ensure that water and sanitation are prioritised in national development plans and continental frameworks.
He emphasised that the water and sanitation crisis is not merely a technical challenge; it is a test of countries’ collective resolve, adding that there is a need to recognise its role in agriculture, energy, industry, and ecosystems as well as creating jobs, improving health, and building resilience against climate and health crises.
The conference aims to achieve several key objectives, including championing water and sanitation as engines of fiscal stability, job creation, and peace; developing a climate-resilient, inclusive, and financially viable action plan for the Africa Water Vision and Policy; aligning regional economic communities, river basin organisations, the private sector, and development partners on roles and investment strategies; and de-risking water and sanitation projects to attract private capital and foster innovation.
To achieve these objectives, President Hichilema called for investment in infrastructure and technology, as well as community engagement to ensure sustainable water and sanitation solutions. He encouraged participants to collaborate across sectors and borders to leverage resources and knowledge, stating that “our strength lies in unity.
The President also acknowledged the vital link between water security and various sectors, including agriculture, energy, and health, reinforcing that water is essential for economic growth and social equity.
He urged African nations to integrate water and sanitation into all levels of policy and planning to drive comprehensive development.
“Water is not just a resource; it is the lifeblood of our communities and economies,” he reiterated. “By investing in water and sanitation, we not only enhance the quality of life for millions but also build a foundation for sustainable development.”
The conference serves as a platform for sharing best practices, fostering partnerships, and mobilising resources to effectively address water and sanitation challenges. With the ongoing threats of climate change and increased demand for water, the urgency for action has never been more pronounced.
President Hichilema’s address reflected a commitment to turning the tide on water security and sanitation in Africa, calling for decisive action to create a resilient and prosperous future for all. The attendees, inspired by the President’s message, were encouraged to take tangible steps towards achieving the common goal of ensuring safe and adequate water and sanitation for every African citizen.
PANAFCON-3 brings together diverse stakeholders, including ministers, AU commissioners, development partners, and industry leaders, to discuss and shape Africa’s water security and sanitation future, focusing on inclusive and climate-resilient solutions.
Lusaka, Zambia – May 27, 2025