Water at the core of Africa’s pathway towards resilience: inspiring innovations that tackle actual and future challenges

Water is the cornerstone of sustainable development, yet it remains a fragile and unevenly distributed resource across Africa. Rapid population growth, urbanisation, climate variability, pollution, and insufficient investments in infrastructure are putting immense pressure on water systems that are already under strain. In many parts of the continent, millions of people still lack access to safe and reliable water, which undermines health, food security, economic development, and environmental sustainability. 

This plenary session will explore the multifaceted challenges confronting Africa’s water security, while highlighting the innovations and policy pathways that could help to shape a more resilient future.