By Chimezie Godfrey
The Initiative for Research, Innovation and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD) has called on African governments, policymakers and development stakeholders to prioritise sustainable water governance as part of efforts to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063.
In a statement issued to commemorate Africa Day 2026, the organisation said the continent must take coordinated and bold steps toward ensuring sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems.
The statement, signed by the Director of IRIAD-The Electoral Hub, Princess Hamman-Obels, noted that Africa Day remains a symbol of the continent’s collective resilience, unity and aspiration for sustainable development.
According to IRIAD, this year’s African Union theme, “Year of Water Sustainability: Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” reflects one of the most urgent development challenges confronting the continent.
The organisation stated that water should not merely be viewed as a natural resource but as the foundation for public health, food security, economic productivity, environmental sustainability and human dignity.
“Access to safe water and sanitation is therefore central to achieving social justice, inclusive growth, peace, security and sustainable development across Africa,” the statement said.
IRIAD acknowledged the progress made by African countries over the past 63 years in areas such as political liberation, democratic governance, regional cooperation and economic reforms.
It also commended continental initiatives including the African Continental Free Trade Area for promoting integration and shared prosperity.
However, the organisation expressed concern that millions of Africans still lack access to clean drinking water and safe sanitation facilities.
The group identified climate change, environmental degradation, weak infrastructure, rapid urbanisation and poor governance as major threats to water security across the continent.
According to the organisation, women and children in rural and conflict-affected communities continue to bear the heaviest burden of water scarcity.
IRIAD argued that water insecurity remains both a developmental and governance issue because it contributes to poverty, disease, displacement and inequality.
The organisation therefore called for increased investment in water and sanitation infrastructure, including irrigation systems, wastewater management and climate-resilient technologies.
It also stressed the need for transparent and accountable governance in the management of water-related policies and development programmes.
The advocacy group further urged African governments to intensify climate action and environmental protection measures aimed at combating desertification, pollution and ecosystem degradation.
IRIAD also called for greater support for innovation, indigenous knowledge systems and community-driven solutions capable of promoting sustainable water management.
The organisation equally advocated stronger regional cooperation among African countries on transboundary water governance in line with the aspirations of Agenda 2063.
It further emphasised the importance of youth and women inclusion in environmental sustainability and development planning processes.
“As we celebrate 63 years of African unity, integration, and development, IRIAD reaffirms its commitment to strengthening democratic governance by advancing public accountability, active citizenship, women’s rights and gender justice,” the statement added.
The organisation urged Africans to renew their commitment to building a prosperous and peaceful continent where access to clean water is guaranteed for all citizens.
Africa Day: IRIAD Calls For Urgent Action On Water Sustainability, Inclusive Development
