N’Djamena selected to host the 2026 African water forum

The capital city of N’Djamena is set to become the epicenter of continental discussions on hydraulic resources as it prepares to host the African Water Forum. Scheduled for July 15 and 16, 2026, the event titled “From Vision to Action” was officially presented by the Minister of State for Finance, Tahir Hamid Nguilin, alongside Farouk Mollah Banna, the World Bank’s resident representative in Chad.

Expressing national pride, Minister Tahir Hamid Nguilin highlighted that Chad is naturally positioned as a leader in this field. He described the nation as a “land of water,” citing the significance of Lake Chad, the Chari and Logone rivers, and other vital bodies such as lakes Fitri, Léré, and Iro. The country also manages the Batha and Barh Aouk systems, as well as the transboundary Nubian aquifer which supports the wider region.

Despite these vast natural assets, the government acknowledges the hurdles ahead. Issues such as the climate crisis, a rapidly expanding population, and aging hydraulic infrastructure remain critical concerns. Hosting this forum represents a strategic move to place water security at the forefront of the national and continental agenda, reflecting the trust placed in Chad by international partners.

Support for these initiatives is already materializing. Farouk Mollah Banna confirmed that the World Bank is finalizing a major financial package dedicated to the water sector. This $160 million project is expected to be submitted for board approval just weeks before the forum begins in 2026.

The upcoming summit will gather a diverse group of institutional leaders, financial contributors, and technical specialists. Their primary goal is to develop actionable strategies and improve the governance of water resources across the Africa continent.