UAE and Senegal to Transform Africa's Water Pledges into Projects

Aug 18, 2026

80 min

Aug 18, 2026 16:31

UAE, Senegal vow to convert Africa's water commitments into real projects

## Strategic Collaboration for Water Projects

The UAE and Senegal have committed to transforming Africa's water pledges into actionable projects at the upcoming 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi. This initiative aims to bring together governments, financial institutions, investors, and innovators to convert commitments into tangible investments.

## Focus on Implementation

Abdulla Ahmed Balalaa, UAE's Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, emphasized the need to shift focus from ambition to implementation. He highlighted the importance of connecting African priorities with development finance and innovation to strengthen project pipelines and attract large-scale financing.

## Addressing Water Challenges

Balalaa pointed out that climate change, population growth, and urbanization are increasing pressure on water systems. He noted that 2.1 billion people lack access to safe water, and 3.4 billion lack proper sanitation. Addressing these issues requires robust partnerships, financing, and leadership.

## UAE's Initiatives

The UAE has launched several initiatives to support global water access, including the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative and the Abu Dhabi Global Water Platform. These programs aim to drive innovation in water efficiency and expand clean water access worldwide.

## Preparations for the Conference

Preparations for the UN conference have involved meetings across Africa, with a significant preparatory meeting in Senegal. A roadmap focusing on infrastructure, financing, and innovation is being developed to guide discussions at the Abu Dhabi conference.

## Measuring Success

The success of the conference will be judged by the implementation of projects post-event, rather than the commitments made during it. Balalaa stressed the importance of delivering outcomes that unlock investment and accelerate progress in water management.

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