Ministers and leaders from across Africa are heading to Madrid, Spain, for the Sector Ministers’ Meeting (SMM) on October 22–23, 2025. This summit will focus on the urgent issues of water, sanitation, and climate action.
Co-hosted by Spain, UNICEF, and Sanitation and Water for All (SWA), the event will gather officials from over 60 countries. They will tackle Africa’s pressing water and climate challenges. The goal is to encourage cooperation, share experiences, and strengthen accountability.
With the theme “Breaking Silos: Uniting Political Leadership to Integrate Water, Sanitation, and Climate Action,” discussions will center on the impacts of droughts, floods, and water shortages across the continent. Countries will have a chance to build partnerships and commit to measurable actions to improve resilience and access to essential services.
Muyatwa Sitali, the Acting CEO of SWA, emphasizes that effective partnerships and strong political will are key to making real changes. “The Sector Ministers’ Meeting is where promises become action,” he states, highlighting Africa’s crucial role in finding lasting solutions.
Currently, nearly 400 million people in sub-Saharan Africa lack safe drinking water, while over 700 million face inadequate sanitation, according to the WHO and UNICEF. Climate change is exacerbating these issues, leading to prolonged droughts, frequent flooding, and increased water scarcity. This not only threatens public health but also jeopardizes food security and economic stability.
The 2025 SMM is set to produce significant outcomes. Participants aim to establish a High-Level Leaders’ Pact on Water Security and Resilience, along with actionable commitments to enhance access to services and climate resilience. The meeting will also introduce a new Mutual Accountability Mechanism to track progress and promote transparency among governments and organizations.
These outcomes will play a critical role in shaping global discussions, especially at future events like COP30 in Brazil and the UN 2026 Water Conference. By voicing their needs and perspectives, African leaders can influence international climate and water policies.
As we look forward to this important meeting, it’s clear that collaboration and commitment will be essential for tackling Africa’s water and climate challenges.
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