Accra: African universities must take a leading role in developing practical solutions to the continent's water and sanitation challenges, participants at the 2026 African Academic Heritage Fair have said. The call was made as climate change, pollution, and rapid urbanization continue to threaten livelihoods across the region.
According to Ghana News Agency, the fair, organized by the Association of African Universities through AAU TV, was held on the theme, 'Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.' Professor Sylvia Mkanwire, Director of Special Programmes at the AAU, emphasized that Africa's future would depend not only on its natural resources but also on the ideas, knowledge, and partnerships generated across institutions and borders. She highlighted the active role universities have taken in driving transformation through research, innovation, and community-based solutions.
Professor Kehinde O. Ogunjobi, Director for Research Impact at the International Water Management Institute, pointed out that over 400 million Africans still lack safely managed drinking water, with sanitation coverage in West Africa remaining critically low. He stated that Africa needs at least 140 billion dollars a year through blended finance and climate funds to improve access to water and sanitation. He also mentioned that climate change and illegal mining were worsening water pollution and drought conditions, with some rivers in Ghana recording pollution levels 'far above acceptable standards' due to illegal mining, known as galamsey.
During a high-level dialogue, speakers underscored the importance of stronger environmental education, enforcement of sanitation laws, and behavioral change among citizens. Mr. Divine Edem Kwadzodeh, Secretary-General of the All-Africa Students Union, emphasized the need for young people to play a greater role in climate and sanitation advocacy, urging them to educate themselves while advocating for solutions to their challenges.
Participants concluded the event with a call for stronger collaboration among governments, universities, industry, and communities to secure Africa's water future and advance the continent's development agenda.