The African Youth Water Forum (AYWF) has called for meaningful youth participation in water governance, stressing that young people must be treated as leaders and partners, not just beneficiaries, in shaping Africa’s water future.
The call was made on 12 August 2026 during a continental virtual dialogue to commemorate International Youth Day 2026 under the global theme _“Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”_ The AYWF dialogue focused on _“Youth Leading Water Governance Across Africa.”
Speaking during the event, AYWF emphasized that young people must have real opportunities to influence decisions in areas such as water governance, climate resilience, WASH, environmental sustainability and development planning.
“Young people must be recognised not only as beneficiaries of development programmes but as active partners, leaders, innovators, researchers and advocates in sustainable development,” the Forum stated.
AYWF noted that across Africa, youth are already driving solutions through community action, research, innovation, advocacy, entrepreneurship and knowledge sharing. However, it said greater investment, inclusion and institutional support are needed for youth-led solutions to influence policy and practice.
The dialogue highlighted four key areas: Youth and Water Governance; Youth Leadership and Participation; Research, Innovation and Knowledge Management; and Policy, Advocacy and Storytelling.
Speakers stressed the need to move beyond consultation and create spaces where young people can become meaningful contributors to water-related decision-making.
The forum brought together youth, water professionals, researchers, students, and civil society from across Africa and beyond.
Contributors included Robert Strand, Founder and Director of the World Water Film Festival, USA; Gauri Nimbalkar, representative from the United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth, Malawi; Kekesi Defoe, Co-Convener of AYWF and Director of the Foundation for Environmental Watch, Ghana; and Angella Nakkungu, Student Leader and World Bank Scholar at IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, Netherlands.
Their contributions, AYWF said, demonstrated the value of linking youth leadership with research, innovation, advocacy, storytelling and governance to address Africa’s water challenges.
A key highlight of the commemoration was the formal introduction of the new AYWF Coordinating Council.
The Council brings together young leaders and professionals with diverse expertise to support the Forum’s continental work. It will focus on water governance, research and innovation, policy and advocacy, communication and media, partnerships and resource mobilization, programmes, monitoring and evaluation, and regional coordination.
The inauguration marks a major milestone for AYWF as it expands its role as a continental platform for strengthening youth leadership in Africa’s water sector.
Call to Action: "Water Security For All"
In a statement signed by Joseph Tettey Afangbe, Convener of AYWF, the Forum called on governments, development partners, civil society, academia, the private sector and water institutions to create more meaningful opportunities for youth participation in decision-making.
The International Youth Day dialogue forms part of AYWF’s broader commitment to building a connected continental platform where young people can collaborate, exchange knowledge, advocate for change and develop innovative solutions.
“Our vision is Water Security For All,” AYWF stated. “We remain committed to empowering young people to contribute to a future where water is safe, sufficient, sustainable, equitable and climate-resilient for communities across Africa.”
The Forum encouraged young people to continue using their voices, knowledge, creativity and leadership to address water challenges in their communities and contribute to national, regional and continental solutions.
About AYWF
The African Youth Water Forum is a continental youth platform committed to strengthening youth leadership and participation in water governance and advancing water security across Africa. It connects young people, youth-led organizations, professionals, researchers, policymakers and partners to exchange knowledge, promote innovation and collaborate towards a water-secure Africa.
