EU Launches Flagship Initiative On Transboundary Water Management In Africa

Over $441 Million USD will be made available by the European Union for cross-border water projects in Africa, Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, has said.

During her speech at the 9th World Water Forum in Senegal, she announced the launch of a new flagship initiative on transboundary water management in Africa. "Together, Team Europe and we will work with the African Union, the European Investment Bank, and other partners to ensure that those projects make a real difference on the ground," she said.

Water cooperation across borders is about proving that freshwater is not a symbol of conflict but a symbol of partnership and hope.  In her speech, von der Leyen emphasised the transversal role of water, flowing through almost all the SDGs as well as the Paris climate goals. ” Water is about our climate and nature, our energy sources, our health and our food supplies. It is about the cities we live in, the security of our regions, and the equality of our societies”.

According to her, "Large-scale projects in Africa and the rest of the world could receive as much as $331 Billion USD in European aid by 2027.

There is no greater need for the world to work together than with these investments, which will be long-term and bring tangible benefits to local communities.