Addis ababa: President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for urgent, scaled-up investments in water infrastructure and sanitation across Africa, saying water security is central to economic growth, climate resilience, and social development on the continent.

According to Namibia Press Agency, speaking at the African Union-Africa Water Investment Programme Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Nandi-Ndaitwah stressed that the meeting comes at a critical time under the African Union's 2026 theme, 'Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.' She commended South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Africa Water Investment Programme (AIP) for convening the summit, describing it as a timely platform to mobilize increased investments towards climate-resilient water security and sustainable sanitation.

Nandi-Ndaitwah noted that many African countries had historically taken water availability for granted, often overlooking the need for adequate investment in water infrastructure. However, the growing impact of climate change has exposed the vulnerability of water sources once considered permanent. She emphasized that water availability, security, and access are central to economic growth and national development, adding that delayed investments should now be viewed through the lens of 'better late than never.'

The Namibian president highlighted that Africa requires an additional US.dollars 30 billion per year by 2030 to bridge the water investment gap. She referenced two key continental documents, Africa's Rising Investment Tide and the Africa Water Investment Action Plan, which provide guidance to member states, development partners, and the private sector on mobilizing resources. She further urged governments and partners to commit to implementing the Africa Water Investment Programme High-Level Panel Investment Action Plan, alongside the UN 2023 Water Action Agenda.

Nandi-Ndaitwah warned that water scarcity and inadequate sanitation can contribute to migration, displacement, and potential cross-border conflicts, emphasizing the need for targeted, results-driven investments to secure sustainable water sources. On sanitation, she said the issue is directly linked to dignity, public health, and overall well-being, noting that many communities across the continent still lack basic sanitation services.

She also announced that Namibia will host the Global Water Fund as it relocates its headquarters to the country, a development she said reflects growing confidence in Namibia's commitment to sustainable water management and regional cooperation.