Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 10 February 2026—Africa’s groundwater potential is immense, yet largely untapped. Today, on the sidelines of the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), convened a high-level event to unlock strategic groundwater investments and drive delivery on the AU’s 2026 Theme of the Year: Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063. 

Held at the UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa in Addis Ababa, the event brought together AU Member States, Ministers of Water and Energy, regional institutions, development banks, philanthropic partners, and technical experts. Participants explored how to turn Africa’s groundwater assets into a source of resilience, peace, and inclusive development—particularly in fragile and climate-vulnerable regions. 

Speaking at the event, UN Assistant Secretary-General UNDP Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Africa, Ahunna Eziakonwa, emphasized: 

“Africa’s development challenge is not a lack of solutions, but a lack of predictable, aligned financing for resilience systems. Groundwater investments are among the most cost-effective resilience interventions available.” 

The event showcased the Groundwater Access Facility for Africa (GAFA), a flagship, multi-stakeholder platform led by IGAD and implemented by UNDP and partners including UNICEF, UNESCO, and FAO. Through GAFA, a pipeline of 64 bankable groundwater projects worth $3.05 billion has been developed across seven IGAD member states. These investments target sustainable drinking water, sanitation, irrigation, livestock, industry, ecosystems services and livelihoods, prioritizing women, youth, and rural communities. 

H.E. Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, IGAD Executive Secretary, stressed the urgency of action: 

“Over 160 million people across our Member States live in water-stressed conditions. Yet, beneath these drought-scarred lands lies one of Africa’s most significant untapped resources. We must match that potential with data, governance, and financing to unlock it.” 

Panelists from the Governments of Ethiopia, and Somalia, as well as CIFF, emphasized the need for innovative financing, co-investment, and institutional strengthening. The event also highlighted successful delivery stories, including GAFA-supported groundwater systems already under implementation in Ethiopia’s Somali region, reaching over 150,000 people. 

With climate shocks, fragile contexts, and water stress intensifying, today’s session called for a shift from fragmented projects to strategic, portfolio-based partnerships that crowd in capital and deliver at scale. 

The call to action was clear, groundwater must become a pillar of Africa’s development, not in theory, but in practice. With the political momentum of the AU Summit, partners must rally behind shared systems, co-investment platforms, and delivery models that serve people first. 

For media enquiries and requests for interviews, please contact: 

• Ugochukwu Kingsley Ahuchaogu, Regional Communications and External Engagement Specialist, UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa | ugochukwu.kingsley@undp.org | +251 98 065 4949
• Ayda Labassi, Digital Communications Specialist, UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa | ayda.labassi@undp.org | +251 95 445 0849
• Ngele Ali, Regional Communications Advisor, UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa | ngele.ali@undp.org | +251 97 656 9921

Note to Editors 

About IGAD

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is a regional intergovernmental organization in Eastern Africa, established in 1996 to succeed the Intergovernmental Authority on Drought and Development (IGADD), which was founded in 1986. IGAD works to promote regional cooperation and integration to advance peace, security, and prosperity, with cooperation areas organized under pillars including agriculture, natural resources and environment; economic cooperation and regional integration; health and social development; and peace and security.  

Learn more at https://igad.int/about/  

About UNDP

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet.  

Learn more at http://www.undp.org/africa