Cameroon: AMCOW President Urges for Strengthened Water Diplomacy. LIBREVILLE, 11 février 2026 Lead Paragraph: At the ongoing 23rd International Congress and Exhibition of the African Association of Water and Sanitation (AAEA AFWASA), Senegalese Minister of Hydraulics and Sanitation, Dr. Cheikh Tidiane Dièye, who is also the President of the African Ministers Council on Water (AMCOW), has advocated for reforms and investments to improve access to clean water in Africa.
Dr. Dièye emphasized the strategic importance of universal access to clean water and sanitation, sustainable funding for the sector, and the strengthening of African cooperation during the AMCOW-Dialogue with the African Development Bank (BAD). Dr.
Dièye, during his role as President of the AMCOW during the AAEA–BAD Ministerial Dialogue, highlighted the AMCOW’s “Vision 2063,” which is aligned with the Agenda 2063 of the African Union. He emphasized that the water sector is crucial in the economic and social development of the continent.
The minister called for an urgent acceleration of reforms, increased resilience of water services against climate change, and consolidation of partnerships with financial institutions like the African Development Bank (BAD) through hydro-diplomacy.
The topic of clean water access was set to be further discussed at the United Nations Water Conference, co — organized by Senegal and the United Arab Emirates, scheduled for Abu Dhabi in December 2026.
The Senegalese minister’s statements underscore the importance of water resources as a critical factor in the development and sustainability of African countries. His call for intensified cooperation and strategic investment in the water sector reflects the region’s commitment to meeting the water and sanitation challenges facing its populations.
The discussions at the AAEA AFWASA congress are expected to further refine strategies and partnerships aimed at achieving the ambitious targets set out by the AMCOW and the African Union. Further details on the outcomes of these discussions and subsequent actions are expected in the coming days.
