Cities in Africa are booming – by 2050, the continent’s urban population is expected to triple in size. Faced with the increasing impacts of climate change, African cities must urgently protect their water supply, ensure equitable access to clean water and sanitation, protect residents against shocks, and enable climate-resilient growth. The challenge is immense and requires mobilization and cooperation across local and national governments, development organizations, and the private sector. In addition to challenges faced by cities, delivery of water investments throughout Africa is below target to meet the continent’s growing needs. It is estimated that at least US$30 billion/year needs to be invested to meet the Sustainable Development Goal 6 target on water and sanitation - and only US$10-US$19 billion is invested each year.

At the UN Water Conference 2023, the AIP International High-Level Panel on Water Investment for Africa & the African Cities Water Adaptation Platform aims to bring together city leaders and national governments from across Africa to discuss the importance of water to their shared development. City leaders will showcase their pioneering approaches to urban water resilience, as well as the ambitious water action plans they are employing to tackle their most pressing water challenges. National governments will be invited to discuss the role that cities play in achieving SDG6 – as well as best practices for multi-level governance and finance coordination that best respond to cities’ needs. Donors and private finance partners will also join the conversation to discuss the enabling environments needed, as well as the different forms of financing (blended, concessional funding, grants, equity, etc) being leveraged in the urban context to drive water resilience.

Access to the UN Headquarters is limited to participants duly registered to the UN 2023 Water Conference. Seating for Official Side Events is on a first come, first served basis, however we encourage attendees to indicate participation through this interest form. 

Speakers:

  • Aklilu Fikresilassie, ​​​​​​Director for Thriving Resilient Cities, WRI Africa 
  • Alex Simalabwi, Executive Secretary of GWP Southern Africa - Africa  
  • Andrew Rucyahana Mpuhwe, Vice Mayor of Musanze City, Rwanda 
  • Ani Dasgupta, President & CEO, World Resources Institute  
  • Dr. Sue Armstrong-Brown, Global Director of Environmental Standards and Thought Leadership, CDP    
  • Graham Chingambu, Fund Manager-SADC Water Fund, Development Bank of Southern Africa
  • H.E. Dr. Habtamu Itefa, Minister of Water & Energy, Ethiopia 
  • Harsen Nyambe, Director of Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment at the African Union Commission  
  • Kobie Brand, Deputy Secretary General, ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability, Regional Director, ICLEI Africa Secretariat 
  • Mark Fletcher, Global Water Business Leader, Arup  
  • Hon. Mike Mposha, Minister of Water and Sanitation, Zambia  
  • Rogier Van den Berg, Global Director, WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities 
  • Smita Rawoot, Urban Resilience Lead, World Resources Institute 
  • Tarryn Quayle, Professional Officer: Climate Change, Water & Resilience, ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability – Africa