UAE Strengthens Commitment To Water Investments In Africa At Summit For 2026 UN Conference

Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, representing President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, led the UAE delegation at the Africa Water Investment Summit. Held from 13th to 15th August in Cape Town, South Africa, the event aimed to boost investment in climate-resilient water and sanitation projects across Africa. Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability Affairs, was also part of the delegation.

The summit was organised by South Africa under its G20 Presidency and partnered with the African Union Commission and other key organisations. The primary goal was to mobilise investment for water security, economic growth, and sustainable development on the continent. This gathering brought together global leaders to discuss these critical issues.

During the opening plenary session, Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan highlighted the UAE's perspective on investing in Africa’s water security. He stated, "The UAE views investment in Africa’s water security as an investment in global stability, prosperity, and shared climate goals." He emphasised that the 2026 UN Water Conference aims to unite various stakeholders for impactful agreements.

The UAE's participation in this summit is part of its role as co-host of the 2026 UN Water Conference. The nation has been actively preparing for this event over the past year. The focus is on creating a platform where governments and investors can collaborate effectively.

Duma Boko, President of Botswana and Chairperson of the Global Water Changemakers Awards, presented awards at the summit. These awards honour leaders who demonstrate commitment to advancing climate-resilient water investments. Six heads of state and government received recognition, including the UAE for its role as co-host of the upcoming UN Water Conference.

The UAE's dedication to expanding access to clean water in Africa is inspired by its Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. His legacy continues through initiatives like the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative launched in February 2024. This initiative addresses global water scarcity using innovative technologies.

Preparations for Future Conferences

At the summit, discussions also focused on preparations for the 2026 UN Water Conference. The UAE participated in a high-level ministerial roundtable and co-led a plenary with over 1,000 stakeholders. The aim was to identify concrete deliverables on water financing and investment for this future conference.

This session was held in collaboration with Senegal, AUDA-NEPAD, and other partners such as the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation and Global Climate Finance Center. These discussions are crucial for setting actionable goals for water investments.

The summit took place shortly after adopting six interactive dialogue themes for the 2026 UN Water Conference by consensus. One specific theme focuses on "Investments for Water," highlighting its importance in global discussions on water security.

With inputs from WAM