In Africa, hundreds of millions of people live with water insecurity and lack access to basic sanitation. These challenges are amplified by population growth, climate change, inadequate infrastructure and poor management of water resources. The African Water Facility, created by the African Ministers’ Council on Water in 2004 and hosted by the African Development Bank, responds by mobilising financial resources for countries to invest in water infrastructure and sanitation services.
To date, the Facility has supported 138 projects in 52 African countries. These projects have provided access to clean water for almost 16 million people, 52% of whom are women, and safe sanitation to over 9 million people. For every euro committed to preparing bankable projects, the Facility has mobilised 29 euros for downstream investment. In total, it has leveraged almost 2 billion euro for downstream investment in the water sector.