Beijing today at the africa water investment summit: Catalysing Investment and Partnerships on the Road to the 2026 UN Water Conference'.
According to Emirates News Agency, from August 13th to 15th, a gathering of Heads of State, ministers, development finance institutions, private investors, project developers, and civil society representatives took place in Cape Town. This assembly aimed to address the significant investment gaps of US$6.7 trillion by 2030 and US$22.6 trillion by 2050 for climate-resilient water infrastructure globally.
Africa currently mobilises between $10 and $19 billion annually towards its $30 billion target for water infrastructure. This represents an opportunity for innovative financing models and public-private-philanthropic partnerships to help bridge the gap.
Within the context of its G20 Presidency, South Africa hosted the AU-AIP Africa Water Investment Summit, focused on mobilising climate-resilient water and sanitation investments to advance water security, economic growth, and sustainable development across the continent.
The summit marks a significant step towards the 2026 UN Water Conference, following last month's consensus adoption of its six interactive dialogue themes. The themes specifically emphasise 'Investments for water: Financing, technology and innovation, and capacity building', positioning the Cape Town Summit as a critical component of the preparatory process.
The session commenced with co-hosts highlighting the political will required to accelerate water investments in Africa and globally. Abdulla Balalaa, UAE Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, stated that the summit is a vital platform to advance the priority of 'Investments for Water' by promoting the necessary financing, innovation, and partnerships.
AUDA-NEPAD's leader, Nardos Bekele-Thomas, emphasised water's foundational role for Africa's prosperity. He highlighted that every investment in water is an investment in health, stability, and economic growth, urging continued efforts to build strong partnerships and unlock innovative finance.
The summit participants focused on four core themes, exploring solutions such as scalable financing models, identifying barriers to private investment, improving bankability, and shaping the 'Investments for Water' theme for the 2026 UN Water Conference.
CIFF highlighted the importance of designing investment mechanisms in partnership with African governments to ensure capital flows to projects with the greatest need. Richard Matikanya of CIFF Africa stressed that when national priorities shape the agenda, it ensures lasting impact.
Mercedes Vela Monserrate, CEO of GCFC, expressed support for the water finance track for the 2026 UN Water Conference, emphasising the goal of translating dialogue into actionable steps for mobilising capital and delivering water solutions.
The UAE and Senegal, in their inclusive consultation process, sought stakeholder perspectives to gather tangible recommendations and deliverables to accelerate water investments in Africa, with a view to showcasing these at the 2026 UN Water Conference.