Lusaka, Zambia, Tuesday May 27, 2025 - The third African Implementation and Partnership Conference on Water (PANAFCON-3) officially opened in Lusaka, with Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema describing it as a pivotal step in the mission to move from vision to execution of pronouncements on improving water security on the African continent.
President Hichilema, in a speech read on his behalf during official opening of the Conference by the country’s Vice-President, Mutale Nalumango, noted that delivering water security and sanitation for all needs forging a strategic framework, securing political buy-in and mobilising financial and technical resources.
President Hichilema urged regional economic communities across Africa, river basin organisations and partners to showcase Africa’s unity in shaping the post 2025 Africa Water Vision and Policy.
“Let us harness this moment to showcase African unity. I urge all delegates to engage actively in shaping the post 2025 Africa Water Vision and Policy, ensuring every voice, technical, political and private sector players to drive bold and collaborative solutions,” President Hichilema said.
The Zambian President said the water and sanitation crisis is not merely a technical challenge but a test of the collective resolve that needs leaders to recognise its role in agriculture, energy and ecosystems among other things.
And speaking at the same event, European Union Ambassador to Zambia Karolina Stasiak said transboundary water management is more than a technical challenge, but a strategic priority for sustainable development, climate action and peace building.
Ms Stasiak said in just a few years, about 672 million Euros has been mobilised to support transboundary water cooperation in Africa through improved governance, capacity building, data sharing and climate resilient investments.
“It is in this spirit that I’ am proud to launch today the Blue Africa action, a flagship of the Team Europe Initiative on Transboundary Water Management in Africa,” she said.
Ms Stasiak said the action showcases that through cooperation at national, regional and continental level, sustainable and fair water systems for all can be achieved.
And African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment Moses Vilakati said Africa must recognise water as a critical resource and an enabler for sustainable socio-economic development.
Mr Vilakati said this is because Africa’s aspirations for economic growth, social transformation, regional integration, trade, peace and security collectively coined as Africa’s agenda 2063 is dependent on sustainable water availability.
“We appeal to other AU member states to also place water at the centre of their development agenda given its role in sectors such as mining, tourism, agriculture, energy, fisheries and manufacturing,” he said.
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