“Water is still a luxury for many people living in Africa, and water insecurity threatens the achievement of key continental and global development targets, including the Sustainable Development Goals,” Dr Elijah Masubelele, Deputy Executive Director of the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation, told participants at an Africa Day commemoration on 26 May.

The Institute for Justice and Reconciliation, together with the Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI – Wits Business School), the Mandela Institute for Development Studies and the Southern Africa Youth Forum (SAYoF) convened the Africa Day 2026 commemoration in collaboration with on “Securing Water, Ensuring Sanitation, and Advancing Inclusive and Sustainable Development.”

The commemoration focused on Africa’s progress and persistent gaps in water security and sanitation, while promoting inclusive dialogue involving youth, women, and marginalised communities. Participants also explored African-led innovations and grassroots solutions in water management and sanitation, emphasising the importance of strengthening partnerships across sectors to support sustainable and scalable interventions. Central to the discussions was a reaffirmation of commitment to African Union Agenda 2063 through actionable pathways focused on water and sanitation.

Remarks on the context of the commemoration were delivered by Dr Keratiloe Mogotsi, Associate Dean and Assistant Professor at Chatham University, who set the tone for the discussions on sustainable development and collective responsibility. She advocated for Agenda 2063, stressing that now is accelerate momentum for Africa’s development. Welcome remarks followed from CAPSI Director, Prof Bhekinkosi Moyo, who reflected on the theme for event, pointing out that water security is an important conversation to have with its intersectionality with various spheres.

The programme featured a range of speakers who addressed key themes linked to water governance and inclusive development. Kudakwashe Watetepa, SAYoF, Youth in Agribusiness Expert, spoke on water governance, accountability. He emphasised that Africa stands at a defining moment in its development journey, seeing as 418 million Africans lack safely managed drinking water. He went on to state that, “Water governance is important because 779 million people lack safe sanitation services, while climate shocks are instensifying droughts and floods, and poor water access costs Africa nearly 50% of GDP annually.”

Dr Elijah Masubelele examined the importance of equitable service delivery for marginalised populations. He also highlighted the disproportionate burden that water insecurity places on African women and children. While access to water is a fundamental human right, he noted that water insecurity is often exacerbated by weak municipal governance structures, deteriorating infrastructure, and inadequate accountability mechanisms.

Discussions on youth participation and innovation in the water sector were led by Gracious Nyathi. “As someone passionate about sustainable development and empowering the next generation, I believe that engaging youth is crucial for addressing water related challenges. Young people bring fresh perspectives, creative ideas, and technological expertise that are vital for developing innovative solutions to water issues,” Nyathi said. She went on to state that youth participation ensures that policies are more inclusive, dynamic, and sustainable. She also emphasized that youth led solutions not only accelerates progress but also fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among young people, making them active stakeholders in shaping a resilient and equitable water future for Africa.

The session was enriched by reflections from discussant Dr Nkosana Moyo, MINDS, Founder and Executive Chair, who emphasised the need for an action-oriented position in commemorating Africa Day, as a time of reflection. He argued for a diagnostic challenge among us, as Africans to reflect on why progress or lack of thereof exists.

The commemoration concluded with a recognition that access to safe water is fundamentally a matter of dignity.