In a determined push for action, South Africa’s Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, has called on Southern African leaders to unite in addressing Africa’s massive water investment shortfall.
Speaking at a recent ministerial gathering in Harare, Zimbabwe, Majodina placed the Africa Water Investment Summit at the forefront of the regional agenda. The summit, set for August 13 to 15, 2025, in Cape Town, will be a key moment under South Africa’s G20 Presidency to secure much-needed funding for water infrastructure.
Africa currently faces a staggering annual water investment gap of R528 billion—an obstacle that threatens both economic development and long-term water security across the continent. Majodina stressed the urgency of turning discussions into action.
“We need a concrete plan. We can’t keep meeting and talking without producing real change,” she said. “Without serious investment in water and energy infrastructure, no region or country can truly grow.”
Majodina urged governments to prioritize water and electricity in national budgets, describing them as essential building blocks for economic progress.
The upcoming summit will focus on rallying financial commitments, improving access to funding for water and sanitation projects, strengthening governance, showcasing ready-to-fund projects, and encouraging legal and regulatory reforms that can unlock more investment.
In addition to the summit discussions, Majodina also met with her counterparts to talk about shared water resources and cross-border initiatives like the Lesotho/Botswana water transfer and the Beitbridge/Musina water supply project. These efforts reflect a strong commitment to regional cooperation and improving access to clean water throughout Southern Africa.
Her call to action signals a growing urgency to close the investment gap and build sustainable infrastructure that can support Africa’s future.