Spain, Madrid. /PHOTO ; Courtesy
As droughts, floods, and water crises intensify across the continent, African ministers and leaders are mobilizing ahead of the 2025 Sector Ministers’ Meeting (SMM), set to take place on October 22–23 in Madrid, Spain.
The political convergence marks a decisive step in the continent’s collective effort to secure water security, strengthen climate resilience, and elevate Africa’s voice in global water governance.
A Continental Response to a Hydro-Climate Emergency
Jointly organized by the Government of Spain, UNICEF, and the Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) partnership, the SMM will bring together representatives from more than 60 countries under the theme “Breaking Silos: Uniting Political Leadership to Integrate Water, Sanitation and Climate Action.”
The urgency could not be greater. According to the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme, nearly 400 million people in sub-Saharan Africa still lack access to safe drinking water, while over 700 million are without safely managed sanitation.
These challenges are deepened by the escalating climate crisis, from severe droughts in the Horn of Africa to flash floods sweeping through the Sahel and southern Africa.
Water insecurity is not only a climate concern but a major driver of inequality, food instability, and public health crises across the region.
From Challenges to Commitments
The Madrid meeting aims to transform shared challenges into concrete political commitments. Central to this effort is the High-Level Pact on Water Security and Resilience, designed to turn ambition into measurable national action.
It will be reinforced by a Mutual Accountability Mechanism, ensuring transparent progress tracking and mutual learning among governments.
The SMM 2025 will also serve as a key milestone on the road to COP30 in Brazil and the UN 2026 Water Conference, ensuring that Africa’s priorities are embedded in the global climate and water agenda.
“African governments have proven that when political will meets partnership, results follow,” said Muyatwa Sitali, Acting Executive Director of SWA.
“Africa’s leadership will be critical in achieving lasting change.”
Innovation Driving Africa’s Progress
Despite growing water stress, the continent continues to pioneer solutions.
Kenya is expanding climate-resilient water infrastructure to protect communities from drought.
Ghana is accelerating its universal sanitation campaign to eliminate open defecation, while Ethiopia integrates water and climate planning into national development strategies.
These innovations highlight Africa’s role as both a laboratory and a leader in hydro-climate action.
The SMM 2025 will amplify these success stories and accelerate progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
About Sanitation and Water for All (SWA)
Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) is a global partnership that brings together governments, civil society, private sector actors, and development partners to ensure that everyone, everywhere, enjoys their human rights to water and sanitation.
Hosted by UNICEF, SWA focuses on strengthening political commitment, promoting accountability, and mobilizing resources to achieve lasting and equitable results.
