As Africa grapples with intensifying droughts, floods, and water insecurity, government ministers and leaders from across the continent are uniting ahead of the 2025 Sector Ministers’ Meeting (SMM), which will take place on October 22-23 in Madrid, Spain.
The meeting will bring together ministers of water, sanitation, environment, climate, and finance from more than 60 countries. Its theme, “Breaking Silos: Uniting Political Leadership to Integrate Water, Sanitation and Climate Action,” underscores the urgent need for collaborative action to safeguard communities and strengthen climate resilience.
This summit will be co-convened by the Government of Spain, UNICEF, and the Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) partnership.
Africa’s Water and Climate Challenge
According to the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme, nearly 400 million people in sub-Saharan Africa still lack access to safe drinking water, while more than 700 million do not have access to safely managed sanitation. At the same time, climate change is intensifying existing vulnerabilities- from prolonged droughts in the Horn of Africa to flooding in the Sahel and water shortages in Southern Africa.
These interconnected crises threaten health, education, food security, and economic stability. In response, African governments are taking bold steps to align national water, sanitation, and climate policies-and the SMM will offer an important platform to showcase progress, mobilize partnerships, and strengthen accountability.
Africa’s Leadership in Action
Across the continent, countries are already advancing ambitious initiatives-from Kenya’s investments in climate-resilient water infrastructure, to Ghana’s drive for universal sanitation, and Ethiopia’s efforts to integrate water and climate planning. The SMM will allow African leaders to exchange experiences, deepen south-south collaboration, and accelerate progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6)-ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
“African governments have shown that when political will meets partnership, results follow,” said Muyatwa Sitali, Acting CEO of Sanitation and Water for All (SWA). “The SMM is where global commitments meet local realities-and Africa’s leadership will be critical to achieving lasting change.”
Faridi Muhawenimana
