The International High-Level Panel on Water Investments for Africa was formally launched on 25 March 2022, during the 9th World Water Forum in Dakar, by His Excellency Macky Sall, President of the Republic of Senegal and Chair of the African Union. The objective of the panel is to develop actionable pathways for mobilising US$30bn annually by 2030, for implementing the AIP and closing the existing water investment gap in Africa, which is estimated at US$11-20bn.

The International High-Level Panel on Water Investments for Africa will drive global political mobilization and international engagement to meet the socio-economic needs of the continent, SDG 6 water related targets, and address the twin challenge of climate change and the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Panel’s High-Level Report and Investment Action Plan will be launched during the UN Conference on the Midterm Comprehensive Review of the Implementation of the Objectives of the International Decade for Action in March 2023 and presented to the AU Heads of State Summit in June 2023. The African Union Commission water policy will also be developed.

The Panel is convened by the African Minister’s Council on Water, African Union Development Agency-NEPAD, United Nations Development Programme, UNICEF, African Development Bank, Global Center on Adaptation, and Global Water Partnership.