LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi Water and Sanitation Minister Abida Sidik Mia is appealing for Africa’s transition to a green and climate-resilient water future.
Mia made an appeal on Monday, July 21, 2025 when she officially opened the 95th Strategic and Technological Council (STC) conference of the Africa Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) in the capital Lilongwe.
The Minister says “This year’s theme, “Green Economy and Climate Resilience in Africa,” is a timely reminder of the circumstances we face as a people, with unprecedented environmental, economic, and social challenges across the continent.
“These challenges, if addressed with effectiveness and unwavering conviction, will present us with a unique opportunity to chart a new path that is resilient, sustainable and inclusive, a greener future so to speak”.
She added, “Sustainable Development Goal 6 calls for universal access to clean water and sanitation by 2030, yet Africa remains an isolated case where progress is behind schedule and in some cases, reversing. Climate shocks, such as cyclones and prolonged droughts, have increasingly disrupted water infrastructure, demanding urgent and costly repairs.
“Unfortunately, the private sector continues to view WASH as a low-priority investment. However, the potential for transformation rooted in the WASH Sector is immense”.
The Minister urges, “We therefore must explore and appeal for new and blended financing mechanisms such as public-private partnerships, green bonds, climate adaptation funds and performance-based financing for utilities. We must be bold.
“Let us push for utility-led access to global climate finance and build bankable projects that attract investment while delivering real and positive results.We cannot build resilience if we leave people behind”.
Mia adds, “Let it be an environment for action. Let it be remembered not for the speeches delivered, but for the solutions reached, the partnerships forged, and the changes that followed. Let this conference be the moment we advanced Africa’s transition to a green and climate-resilient water future.
“We cannot have a green economy if it does not serve those most affected by water insecurity, our women, our children and our youth. Across Africa, it is women and girls in most cases who walk long distances daily to fetch water. As nurturers of the family unit and social networks by extension, it is women who bear the burden and consequences of unsafe water, poor sanitation, and exposure to climate shocks.
She observes further, “The youth, who make up more than 60% of Africa’s population, must not be seen merely as beneficiaries but as partners, innovators, and leaders of change. As we deliberate during this conference, let us consider building gender-responsive water and sanitation infrastructure. Let us ensure inclusive planning and budgeting.
“Let us facilitate greater female involvement in utilities for greater perspective. Let us invest in youth innovation and entrepreneurship in the water sector”.
Mia says, “The path to climate resilience in Africa must be led by Africa. We must not wait for others to define our agenda. We must shape it ourselves, through regional platforms, shared data, joint investments, and collective ambition. Water does not know borders. Rivers flow cross nations.
“Aquifers lie across multiple regions. It must follow that the solutions to our water challenges lie within us, collectively”.
Mia appeals, “AfWASA must continue to be a platform that unites our nations. Let us strengthen partnerships, not only with donors, but also among African utilities, regulators, research institutions, and private sector players. Let me empathise that this conference should not just be about dialogue, but also about commitment”.
The regional conference which Lilongwe Water Board (LWB is hosting at Bingu International Convention Centre runs from Monday, July 21 to 24, 2025.
This year’s event will mark the second time Malawi is hosting host since 2016.
