Somalia Participates in Africa Water Investment Summit in Cape Town

Cape Town, South Africa, A high-level delegation from the Federal Government of Somalia, led by Deputy Prime Minister Jibril Abdirashid Haji Abdi, is in Cape Town to take part in the Africa Water Investment Summit, taking place from 13–15 August 2025. The event is being hosted at Cape Town’s International Convention Centre and brings together African leaders, policymakers, development partners, and private sector representatives.

Jointly organized by the Government of South Africa, the African Union Chairperson, and the International High-Level Panel on Water Investments for Africa, the summit aims to accelerate investment in water and sanitation infrastructure across the continent. Its focus is to address the growing challenges posed by climate change while advancing sustainable development that benefits all African nations.

Participants will work to strengthen collaboration towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG-6), which calls for universal access to clean water and sanitation, and implementing the African Union’s Agenda 2063,  a strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation of Africa.

Somalia faces increasing water scarcity, recurrent droughts, and severe climate impacts, making water investment a top national priority. The Somali government considers the development of water infrastructure a strategic necessity to:

• Enhance community resilience

• Reduce climate-related risks

• Stimulate economic growth

• Strengthen peace and stability

During the summit, Deputy Prime Minister Abdi is expected to hold bilateral meetings with fellow African leaders and key stakeholders. These discussions will focus on fostering partnerships in water investment, modern water storage technologies, and the protection of natural water sources. Somalia also aims to share its national plans and proposed water projects to attract both technical assistance and international financing.

The Africa Water Investment Summit serves as a unique platform for Somalia to engage with development partners and the private sector, positioning itself as a country committed to sustainable water management. By participating in this continental dialogue, Somalia demonstrates its determination to tackle water challenges, protect its environment, and ensure equitable access to this essential resource for its people.

The Somali delegation views this summit not only as an opportunity to learn from the experiences of other African nations but also as a chance to present Somalia as a viable destination for investment in the water sector. Given the urgent need for reliable water infrastructure to support agriculture, industry, and human health, the government is actively seeking partnerships that will deliver long-term benefits for both urban and rural communities.

As climate change continues to intensify pressures on Africa’s water resources, events like the Africa Water Investment Summit are critical for uniting leaders around common goals. For Somalia, the path forward will require sustained commitment, innovation, and international cooperation,  all of which the government hopes to strengthen during its engagements in Cape Town.