Chad is set to take center stage in continental water discourse as it prepares to host the African Water Forum titled From Vision to Action on July 15 and 16, 2026, in N’Djamena. The announcement was made during a press briefing led by the country’s Minister of State for Finance, Tahir Hamid Nguilin, alongside the World Bank’s Resident Representative in Chad, Farouk Mollah Banna.
The Minister of State expressed strong enthusiasm about the upcoming event, emphasizing Chad’s pivotal role in fostering regional water security. « Hosting this continental forum is a source of immense pride for the Government of Chad. It underscores our commitment to placing water security at the heart of national priorities and showcases our country as a leader in this critical sector, » he stated.
Highlighting Chad’s abundant water resources, Tahir Hamid Nguilin pointed to the nation’s vast hydrological assets, including the iconic Lake Chad, major rivers such as the Chari and Logone, and other significant bodies of water like Lakes Fitri, Léré, and Iro. He also underscored Chad’s strategic position within shared transboundary basins, including the Nubian Aquifer System, which supports multiple countries across the subregion.
addressing water challenges head-on
Despite these natural advantages, Chad faces pressing water-related challenges exacerbated by climate change, rapid population growth, and underdeveloped hydraulic infrastructure. The Minister stressed that these issues make the forum’s discussions on water security not just timely but essential for the country’s sustainable future.
world bank steps in with major funding commitment
Farouk Mollah Banna, the World Bank’s Resident Representative in Chad, revealed that the institution is preparing a significant financial initiative to bolster the water sector. « The World Bank is currently finalizing a landmark water sector project worth 160 million dollars. This proposal will be presented to the board two weeks prior to the forum, » he announced. The initiative is expected to address critical gaps in water infrastructure and access.
a platform for continental collaboration
The African Water Forum will convene institutional leaders, technical partners, financial backers, and water experts from across Africa. The two-day event aims to foster collaborative solutions for enhancing water governance and ensuring equitable access to this vital resource. Discussions will focus on practical strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate variability, strengthen cross-border cooperation, and promote sustainable water management practices.