African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) Workshop
Harare, Zimbabwe – Imagine walking through fields where crops once struggled to survive, now flourishing under efficient irrigation. Picture villages where women no longer trek kilometers for water but manage thriving gardens fed by solar-powered pumps. This isn’t a hopeful vision—it’s today’s reality in some communities in Zimbabwe, where innovative water solutions are changing lives.
These successes form the backdrop as water leaders gather for the ongoing African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) workshop, where Zimbabwe’s practical approaches are informing continental strategies for the Post-2025 Water Vision.
Hon. Harritatos Sets the Tone for Africa’s Water Future
Delivering his keynote address at the AMCOW workshop, Zimbabwe’s Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Hon. Vangelis Harritatos, underscored the urgency of securing Africa’s water future. He emphasized that Zimbabwe’s success in sustainable water management offers valuable lessons for the continent.
“We must embrace innovation, policy alignment, and investment in climate-resilient water systems to ensure that water security is not a privilege but a fundamental right,” Hon. Harritatos stated. He highlighted Zimbabwe’s strides in developing irrigation infrastructure, promoting smart agriculture, and improving rural water access as critical elements in tackling water challenges.
The Minister also called for stronger regional collaboration and mobilization of resources to close the gap in access to clean water and sanitation across Africa. “Water is a catalyst for economic growth, and as a region, we must work collectively to leverage our shared water resources for the benefit of all our people,” he urged.
Hon. Harritatos further emphasized the importance of innovation, highlighting Zimbabwe’s investment in solar-powered boreholes and water-efficient irrigation systems. He also pointed out the government’s efforts in policy reforms to enhance water governance and ensure sustainability in the face of climate change.
Zimbabwe’s Leadership in Water Security
Taking place in Harare from March 24 to 26, 2025, the Southern Africa Sub-Regional Ministerial Consultation on Water is convening policymakers, experts, and development partners to shape Africa’s post-2025 water vision. As the continent faces increasing climate variability, the role of sustainable water management in economic resilience has never been more critical.
Engineer Tinayeshe Mutazu, Chief Director at the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, emphasized Zimbabwe's commitment to expanding irrigation schemes and deploying climate-smart water solutions. "Water security is at the heart of national development. Our approach is centered on sustainability, resilience, and inclusion, ensuring that no community is left behind," he reiterated.
Community-Led Innovations Driving Change
Across Zimbabwe, localized solutions are making a significant impact. Projects such as the Climate Resilient Livelihoods (CRL) initiative, supported by the Government of Zimbabwe, the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), are equipping farmers with the tools to combat climate unpredictability. Solar-powered boreholes, drip irrigation systems, and water harvesting techniques are turning formerly unproductive land into fertile ground for agriculture.
Post-2025 African Water Vision: A Continental Strategy
The AMCOW workshop is highlighting the need for a unified approach to water governance across Africa. The 2024 AMCOW Annual Report underscores gaps in achieving the Africa Water Vision 2025, with 400 million people still lacking access to potable water and over 800 million without safely managed sanitation. The consultation is seeking to:
- Align national policies with the Post-2025 African Water Vision.
- Mobilize resources for sustainable water infrastructure development.
- Enhance regional cooperation in water governance and transboundary resource management.
As part of this strategic engagement, participants are also discussing the role of partnerships in addressing water scarcity, including private sector investment and community-driven solutions.
Zimbabwe’s Role in Shaping Africa’s Water Future
By prioritizing integrated water resource management and expanding climate-resilient infrastructure, Zimbabwe provides a model for other nations seeking to balance development with sustainability.
The Path Forward: From Policy to Action
As AMCOW gears up for the 3rd African Implementation and Partnership Conference on Water (PANAFCON-3) in May 2025, the momentum being generated in Harare will shape discussions on finalizing the Post-2025 Africa Water Vision and Policy. The commitment from Zimbabwe and other participating nations signals a renewed focus on practical, scalable solutions that ensure water security for future generations.
Hon. Harritatos concluded his speech with a powerful call to action: “Let us turn our commitments into action, our policies into infrastructure, and our strategies into tangible results for the people of Africa.”
Africa’s water challenges are vast, but so are the opportunities. By leveraging Zimbabwe’s innovative approaches and translating policy commitments into action, the continent is taking decisive steps toward a water-secure future.