Africa water vision for 2025 : equitable and sustainable use of water for socioeconomic development

At the dawn of the new millennium Africa faces a number of serious socio-economic problems that call for urgent remedial action if current trends towards endemic poverty and extreme underdevelopment are to be turned around. The crucial role of water in accomplishing the needed socio-economic development goals is widely recognized. The continent appears to be blessed with substantial rainfall and water resources. Yet, it faces severe and complex natural and man-made problems that constrain the exploitation and proper development of its water resources potential.
A new Africa Water Vision for 2025 has been developed accordingly, to avoid the disastrous consequences of these water-related problems and to stimulate a shift in approach towards a more equitable and sustainable use and management of Africa’s water resources for poverty alleviation, socio-economic development, regional cooperation and the environment.
A framework for action towards the attainment of this Vision has been defined along with milestones and targets : 1) strengthening governance of water resources; 2) improving water wisdom; 3) meeting urgent water needs; and 4) strengthening the financial base for the desired water future.
What remains is mobilizing the political will, grassroots support and sustainable financial resources to make the Vision a reality.

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