Empowering Africa: Leaders Unite for Water, Sanitation, and Climate Resilience at Madrid Global Summit

Addis Ababa, October 19, 2025 — Africa is facing serious challenges with droughts, floods, and water shortages. In response, leaders from across the continent are coming together for the Sector Ministers’ Meeting (SMM) on October 22-23 in Madrid, Spain. This gathering, co-hosted by the Government of Spain, UNICEF, and the Sanitation and Water for All partnership, aims to unite over 60 ministers focused on water, sanitation, environment, climate, and finance.

The theme of the meeting, “Breaking Silos: Uniting Political Leadership to Integrate Water, Sanitation and Climate Action,” highlights the need for joint efforts to protect communities and boost climate resilience. These issues are urgent, especially given that nearly 400 million people in sub-Saharan Africa lack access to clean drinking water, and more than 700 million do not have proper sanitation, according to the latest WHO/UNICEF data. This crisis is worsened by climate-related events, such as prolonged droughts in the Horn of Africa and severe flooding in the Sahel region.

The SMM provides a crucial platform for countries to share their progress and form partnerships. It’s not just a talk shop; it’s about making real commitments to improve access to essential services. Muyatwa Sitali, the Acting CEO of Sanitation and Water for All (SWA), stressed the importance of strong political leadership in making tangible advancements. He noted, “The Sector Ministers’ Meeting is where global promises meet real action. Africa’s participation is vital for lasting solutions.”

Various countries are taking steps to tackle this growing crisis. For instance, Kenya is investing in water infrastructure that can withstand climate change, while Ghana is pushing for universal sanitation access. Additionally, Ethiopia is integrating water and climate planning to enhance resilience.

The SMM will facilitate the exchange of experiences among African leaders and foster cooperation. By collaborating, they aim to accelerate progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on ensuring water and sanitation for all.

With the world watching, SMM 2025 promises to be a milestone for Africa’s water and climate future. The meeting could reshape how countries work together to address these pressing issues, making it a beacon of hope in a time of crisis.



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