Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Egypt leads new era for African Water Facility
Egypt has officially assumed the presidency of the African Water Facility (AWF) for a two-year term, beginning in April 2025, succeeding its previous chairmanship of the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW). This comes as the country continues to reinforce its commitment to addressing water security and sustainable development challenges across Africa.
In today’s virtual meeting, Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Dr. Hani Sewilam, who now chairs the AWF Board, convened with AWF leadership, AMCOW Secretariat officials, and representatives from the African Development Bank. The meeting focused on reviewing the mechanism and strategies of the AWF, discussing its future work plans, and preparing for upcoming major events and board meetings.
Dr. Sewilam conveyed his heartfelt appreciation for the efforts of the African Water Facility in reinforcing water security and sustainable development on the continent. He emphasized Egypt’s full support for the Facility’s mission, highlighting the importance of integrating its initiatives with climate adaptation, scientific research, and modern innovations in the water sector.
“The challenges facing Africa demand a united approach,” Dr. Sewilam said. “Egypt is committed to mobilizing our technical expertise in support of AWF’s programmes, and to advancing cooperation and knowledge-sharing across African nations.”
Recognizing the urgent need for increased financial resources, Dr. Sewilam also called on international partners and donors to step up funding for water projects across African nations. He underscored the importance of updating AWF strategies to incorporate cutting-edge issues such as climate change, gender inclusion, and innovative technology.
Egypt’s leadership signals a renewed focus on collaboration between African countries—known as South-South cooperation—to share solutions and experiences in managing water resources. The Minister reaffirmed that Egypt stands ready to offer its expertise, reinforcing the AWF’s pivotal role in Africa’s sustainable future.
The AWF, hosted by the African Development Bank, is a vital instrument in mobilizing investments to improve water infrastructure and services across Africa, making significant contributions to the lives and wellbeing of millions.