By Nkechi Eze
The Initiative for Research, Innovation and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD) has called on African governments, policymakers, development institutions and citizens to take bold and coordinated action toward achieving sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems across the continent.
The organisation made the call while commemorating Africa Day 2026 and the 63rd anniversary of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU).
According to an official signed statement by the Director, IRIAD-The Electoral Hub, Princess Hamman-Obels, Africa Day remains a powerful symbol of the continent’s shared history, resilience and enduring aspiration for unity, dignity and sustainable development.
Princess Hamman-Obels noted that this year’s African Union theme, “Year of Water Sustainability: Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” reflects one of the continent’s most urgent developmental priorities.
She stated that water is not merely a natural resource but the foundation of life, public health, food security, environmental sustainability, economic productivity and human dignity.
According to the statement, access to clean water and safe sanitation remains central to achieving social justice, inclusive growth, peace, security and sustainable development across Africa.
The organisation acknowledged that Africa has made notable progress over the past 63 years in areas such as political liberation, democratic governance, regional cooperation, economic reforms and institutional development.
IRIAD also highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a major demonstration of the continent’s growing commitment to integration, unity and shared prosperity.
Despite these gains, the organisation expressed concern that millions of Africans still lack access to clean drinking water and adequate sanitation systems.
Princess Hamman-Obels warned that climate change, environmental degradation, rapid urbanisation, weak infrastructure and poor governance continue to threaten water security across many African communities, particularly in rural and conflict-affected areas where women and children bear the greatest burden.
The organisation maintained that water insecurity is not only an environmental issue but also a developmental, political and ethical challenge capable of fuelling poverty, disease, inequality, displacement and conflict.
IRIAD stressed that equitable access to water and sanitation would significantly strengthen healthcare delivery, agriculture, education, livelihoods, gender inclusion and social stability across the continent.
As part of its recommendations, the organisation called for increased investment in water and sanitation infrastructure, including sustainable financing for water supply systems, irrigation facilities, wastewater management and climate-resilient technologies.
The group also advocated stronger governance and accountability in the management of water-related policies, budgets and development programmes to ensure equitable access to resources.
On climate and environmental sustainability, IRIAD urged African countries to intensify efforts against climate change, desertification, pollution and ecosystem degradation threatening future water availability.
The organisation further encouraged governments and development partners to support innovation, research, indigenous knowledge systems and community-driven approaches to sustainable water management.
IRIAD also underscored the need for stronger regional cooperation and transboundary water partnerships among African states to promote peace, integration and collective prosperity under Agenda 2063.
The statement equally emphasised the importance of placing women and youths at the centre of water governance, environmental sustainability and development planning.
Reaffirming its commitment to democratic governance and public accountability, IRIAD stated that it would continue advancing active citizenship, women’s rights, gender justice and institutional responsiveness across Africa.
The organisation added that Africa’s future prosperity depends not only on economic growth but also on the collective ability of governments and citizens to protect and equitably manage life-sustaining resources.
IRIAD urged Africans to use the occasion of Africa Day 2026 to renew their commitment to building a continent where every citizen has access to clean water, communities thrive in dignity and peace, and the ideals of Pan-Africanism continue to inspire collective progress and transformation.
