The African Union Commission and the International High-Level Panel on Water Investments for Africa are joining forces to launch a new campaign called “Mind the Gap – Invest in Water.” This campaign aims to address the severe water investment gap in Africa and mobilize at least $30 billion annually by 2030 to achieve the water-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) on the continent.
The campaign will be officially launched on 19 September 2023 during the United Nations 2023 SDG Summit and the second High-level Dialogue on Financing for Development. This significant event will provide a platform to advocate for increased investments in water infrastructure and management in Africa.
Access to clean water and sanitation remains a critical issue in many parts of Africa. Insufficient funding and inadequate infrastructure have hindered progress towards achieving the SDG targets related to water on the continent. The launch of the “Mind the Gap – Invest in Water” campaign comes at a time when urgent action is needed to bridge this investment gap and ensure access to clean water for all Africans.
The campaign’s main objective is to mobilize $30 billion annually by 2030 to close the water investment gap in Africa. This ambitious goal reflects the recognition of the urgent need for substantial investments in water infrastructure and management systems. By mobilizing this funding, the campaign aims to accelerate progress towards achieving the water-related SDGs in Africa.
The investment gap must be addressed to tackle the water challenges faced by many African countries. Insufficient access to clean water not only limits individuals’ quality of life but also has detrimental effects on health, education, and economic development. By investing in water infrastructure, governments can create jobs, improve public health, and enhance overall socioeconomic development.
The launch of the “Mind the Gap – Invest in Water” campaign during the United Nations 2023 SDG Summit and High-level Dialogue on Financing for Development ensures that it will receive global attention and support. The involvement of the African Union Commission and the International High-Level Panel on Water Investments for Africa provides credibility and expertise to the campaign.
Moreover, the campaign’s timeline aligns with the broader global agenda of achieving the SDGs by 2030. By mobilizing the necessary funding within this timeframe, significant progress can be made in closing the water investment gap and ultimately improving the lives of millions of Africans.
Achieving the water-related SDG targets in Africa requires a multi-stakeholder approach involving governments, international organizations, NGOs, and the private sector. The “Mind the Gap – Invest in Water” campaign will bring together these stakeholders to collaborate, share knowledge, and develop innovative solutions for financing water infrastructure projects.
In conclusion, the launch of the “Mind the Gap – Invest in Water” campaign is a significant step towards addressing the water investment gap in Africa. By mobilizing $30 billion annually by 2030, the campaign aims to accelerate progress towards achieving the water-related SDGs on the continent. This campaign, launched during the United Nations 2023 SDG Summit and High-level Dialogue on Financing for Development, will generate global attention and support for this critical issue. Through collaboration and innovative financing solutions, the campaign aims to ensure access to clean water for all Africans, improving lives and fostering sustainable development.