Chad is hosting the African Water Forum, which kicked off on Wednesday under a theme emphasising action to address challenges in the sector.
Several African leaders, including the presidents of Benin and the Democratic Republic of Congo, have arrived in N’Djamena for the summit, which is dedicated to the sustainable management of water resources.
The African Water Forum officially brought together technical and financial partners to address key issues surrounding water security and continental cooperation.
Jointly organised by the Chadian government and the World Bank Group, the two-day forum (running July 15–16) centers on the theme “From Vision to Action.” Participants will discuss strategies to accelerate investment in the water sector and bolster the continent’s response to climate change challenges.
Additional leaders arrived in the Chadian capital on Wednesday to attend the event. Beninese President Romuald Wadagni and his counterpart from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, landed in N’Djamena to take part in the sessions.
Upon arrival at Hassan Djamous International Airport, the Congolese president was welcomed by Chadian Prime Minister Ambassador Allah-Maye Halina, representing President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno.
Their arrivals follow those of Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema and Mauritanian counterpart Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, who both arrived on Tuesday ahead of the forum.
The opening ceremony featured addresses from Chadian authorities, forum partners, and attending heads of state, ahead of the keynote address by President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno.
Over the course of the two-day event, participants will deliberate on financing water infrastructure, achieving universal access to clean drinking water, sustainable resource management, and climate change adaptation strategies for the African continent.
CA/ac/Sf/lb/as/APA