LIBREVILLE, Gabon — At the African Water Forum in N’Djamena, Chad, Gabon’s President, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, emphasized the need for Africa to translate its water resource vision into actionable steps.
The forum, which took place on July 15, 2026, aimed to accelerate investments and reforms to ensure sustainable access to water and sanitation across the continent.
The event brought together several heads of state, technical, and financial partners, including the World Bank Group, to address the continent’s water crisis. President Nguema highlighted the abundance of natural resources but the persistent challenges in accessing clean water for millions of Africans. Officials commented on the matter.
He discussed the reforms Gabon has undertaken to modernize its water sector, including the adoption of a modern Water Code, the separation of the Gabonese Energy and Water Company (SEEG) into two distinct entities, and the development of a National Water Pact and a portfolio of priority projects to strengthen investments in this strategic sector. President Nguema also declared a state of emergency due to water scarcity in Gabon earlier in 2026, emphasizing the importance of robust governance, reliable infrastructure, and adequate financing. He called for better-suited financing mechanisms for African realities and the valorization of local expertise in water projects.
The inaugural ceremony, Chad’s President, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, declared the forum open and called on African leaders to strengthen cooperation in facing water security challenges. He announced the abolition of visas for African citizens traveling to Chad, aiming to foster regional integration and free movement on the continent.
The Gabonese president’s call for action underscores the continent’s commitment to making water access a key driver of development, public health, and shared prosperity, while contributing to the emergence of African solutions to the continent’s water challenges.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Agpgabon
Source: Redaction
