On the margins of the African Union Summit held in Addis Ababa from 14-15 February 2026, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Resilience Hub for Africa, convened a high-level side event under the Groundwater Access Facility Initiative (GAfA) platform to advance dialogue on water security and sustainable development across the continent.

The event brought together regional organizations, policymakers, development partners, and technical experts to explore comprehensive strategies for securing long-term water resources and expanding sanitation services which are key pillars for Africa’s development.

Opening remarks were delivered by UNDP’s Regional Director alongside the Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). This was followed by the presentation of the Horn of Africa Water Investment Pipeline, showcasing priority investments designed to strengthen climate resilience and improve access to water across the region. Through this development, UNDP supported IGAD member states to identify 64 projects worth USD 3.05 billion with capacity to supply water for drinking, sanitation, food systems (agriculture and livestock) industry and ecosystem services from IGAD member states.

A high-level panel discussion highlighted practical experiences and lessons from countries such as Ethiopia and Somalia, alongside insights from regional institutions and financing partners. Discussions emphasized the importance of integrated water resources management, drawing on national best practices while promoting regional collaboration to address shared challenges.

A key theme emerging from the dialogue was the need to strengthen regional synergies and partnerships, particularly in managing transboundary water resources. Participants underscored that coordinated approaches are essential for sustainable and equitable water access across borders.

The event also highlighted the role of financing institutions such as the Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) in supporting scalable solutions. Innovative financing models and enabling policy frameworks were identified as critical to unlocking investments and ensuring long-term sustainability of water and sanitation systems.

Importantly, the discussions reinforced alignment with the African Union development agenda, particularly the aspirations of Agenda 2063, which prioritizes inclusive growth and sustainable resource management.

Looking Ahead

As a key follow-up action, partners committed to disseminating the GAfA Horn of Africa Investment Report to stakeholders including the African Union Commission, IGAD, and development partners to support its operationalization.

The side event reaffirmed the critical role of partnerships in advancing Africa’s water security agenda and laid the groundwork for mobilizing and scaling investments that will ensure sustainable access to water and sanitation for communities across the continent.