Cape Town played host to a pivotal moment for Africa’s water future this week, as leaders from across the continent gathered for the African Union Continental Africa Water Investment Programme, AU-AIP Water Investment Summit 2025.

Held from August 13–15 under South Africa’s G20 Presidency under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability”, the event brought together more than 2,000 delegates, including African Heads of State, ministers, investors, and development partners. The distinguished guests convened united by a common goal of closing Africa’s staggering $30 billion annual water investment gap.

The summit, co-organized by the Republic of South Africa, the African Union Commission, the AU–Continental Africa Water Investment Programme (AIP), and AUDA-NEPAD, placed water security at the heart of Africa’s development and climate agenda.

In line with South Africa’s G20 priorities of inclusive growth, poverty eradication, and sustainability, it sought to transform political will into tangible financing commitments.

Among the high-profile attendees were South African President and G20 Chair Cyril Ramaphosa, Angolan President and AU Chair João Lourenço, former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, and leaders from Namibia, Rwanda, Somalia, Eswatini, and as far afield as Barbados. Thirty-eight African water ministers were also present, alongside financiers and global development institutions.

A highlight of the summit came when Commissioner Moses Vilakati of the AU’s Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment presented the draft Cape Town Declaration.

The Cape Town Declaration urged Africa to secure at least $30 billion annually for water and sanitation, far short of the $64 billion per year experts say is needed to meet the Africa Water Vision 2025.

The declaration further calls for innovative financing mechanisms, from blended public–private partnerships to climate funds and sovereign wealth investments, and insists on positioning water as a strategic driver of economic growth, public health, food security, and climate resilience.

According to President Ramaphosa, prioritizing water in climate and development financing remains“non-negotiable” if Africa is to bridge the investment shortfall and gear towards attaining the Agenda 2063.

Eswatini’s King Mswati III praised the platform for showcasing bankable, climate-resilient projects, including cross-border water governance systems and irrigation infrastructure, which could unlock regional cooperation and economic growth.

The summit’s objectives went beyond raising funds. Over 80 bankable water and sanitation projects were presented to potential financiers, and plans were announced to launch the Global Outlook Council on Water Investments, a body tasked with championing water as a global priority in forums such as the G20, COP meetings, and the United Nations.

The 2025 Water Changemaker Awards also honored leadership in water sector transformation, including a Presidential Changemaker Award.

Underlying these ambitions is a stark reality: Africa’s water infrastructure remains chronically underfunded, with inadequate governance, limited technical capacity, and high climate vulnerability hampering progress.

The summit was built on the “Africa’s Rising Investment Tide” report by the AU-AIP International High-Level Panel, which outlines three pathways to progress: strengthening sector governance, mobilizing domestic resources, and attracting global finance.

Delegates left the AU–AIP Water Investment summit with a clear set of commitments: a summit declaration to be tabled at the G20 and the 2026 UN Water Conference, new financing models to improve project bankability, and strengthened regional collaboration.

Mr. Harsen Nyambe, AUC Director, lauded the GCF, the EU, the German Government & GIZ, the World Bank, and Afreximbank for their financial support towards water security and safe sanitation in Africa.

He also commended GWP Africa for collaborating with the AUC in promoting the overall water agenda and in supporting the implementation of the AUC’s water and sanitation programs.

Whether these pledges translate into the billions needed annually will be the ultimate test, and Africa’s water-secure future depends on it.