Water Sustainability

Year of Water Sustainability: Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063

The African Union’s 2026 theme, “Year of Water Sustainability: Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” highlights water as a foundational resource for Africa’s development, with direct implications for livestock systems, food security, and rural livelihoods.  

The Africa Water Vision 2026 sets a bold, future-focused pathway for delivering inclusive, climate-resilient water security across the continent. By advancing integrated water resources management within the Water–Energy–Food–Ecosystems (WEFE) nexus, the Vision unlocks new opportunities to strengthen livestock and fisheries value chains, power climate-smart production systems, and restore ecosystem health.

With reliable access to water, communities and industries can do more, and do it better. From boosting feed and fodder production to improving animal health, enhancing processing standards, and ensuring hygiene and quality, water becomes the foundation of a more competitive and resilient livestock and animal resources sector.

This integrated approach is not just about sustainability, it’s about growth and transformation. It drives economic expansion, creates jobs, and fuels industrialisation, particularly in rural economies where livestock is central to livelihoods.
 

Water is the engine of Africa’s livestock value chains and a catalyst for inclusive development.

The Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (ARBE) of the African Union is driving the implementation of the AU 2026 Theme of the Year, positioning water as a cornerstone of Africa’s transformation agenda.

Aligned with Assembly Decisions, ARBE is leading a coordinated and forward-looking approach that recognises water sustainability as critical to unlocking Africa’s agri-food systems—including livestock, fisheries, and pastoral economies.

Through strong policy leadership, strategic investment mobilisation, and cross-sectoral collaboration, ARBE is:

• Strengthening water governance and integrated resource management

• Advancing climate adaptation and resilience across production systems

• Enhancing the productivity and sustainability of animal resources

These efforts directly support the delivery of Agenda 2063 by ensuring that water security becomes a catalyst for sustainable livestock development, improved livelihoods, and inclusive economic transformation across the continent.

At its core, ARBE’s leadership is turning water into a driver of growth, resilience, and shared prosperity for Africa.

Read More: https://au.int/en/pressreleases/20260214/au-theme-year-2026-call-action-safe-water-and-sanitation