Strengthening adaptation and resilience: Pan-Africa advocacy strategy on WASH and climate 2025-2030

In many African countries, water, sanitation, hygiene and climate policies exist, but they are often not fully integrated, prioritised or implemented with each other. This document sets out our pan-Africa programme strategy on water, sanitation and hygiene that is both gender-responsive and climate-resilient. It calls for greater political prioritisation to strengthen Africa’s adaptation and resilience to climate change. 

Across Africa, millions of people still do not have access to the basics of clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene (WASH). Despite policy efforts, WASH and climate strategies are often fragmented and not prioritised. This strategy is a call to action to elevate WASH in Africa’s climate agenda and address the severe and growing impacts of climate change on access to safe WASH across the continent.  

This strategy is a bold commitment to making sure no one is left behind by ensuring that climate-resilient and gender-resilient WASH becomes a sustainable tool for adaptation and resilience for climate vulnerable communities. Working with country programmes, we will leverage partnerships with key institutions such as the African Union, Regional Economic Communities, civil society, development banks, parliamentarians, women, youth and media to influence climate policy and planning. 

With strengthened governance, increased financing, and wider public and political support, we strive to protect the health, dignity, and livelihoods of communities vulnerable to climate change to secure a more sustainable future for Africa. 

Find out more about our pan-African advocacy strategy for health

Top image: Ta-aba collecting water from a borehole in Ghana.