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AFRICAN UNION

DEVELOPMENT FUND (AUDF)

Water Security & Sanitation 
African Union Development Fund

Securing Africa's Lifeline, Unleashing Potential.

Investing in Water Security and Sanitation for Health, Dignity, and Economic Growth.

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Introduction

Water is the cornerstone of life, health, and economic development. Yet, millions across Africa face water scarcity and lack access to improved sanitation. The African Union Development Project (AUDP) addresses this fundamental challenge head-on. We finance large-scale, resilient water and sanitation infrastructure that ensures universal access, bolsters food security through climate-smart irrigation, and protects communities from the escalating impacts of climate change, paving the way for a healthier, more prosperous continent.

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Pillar 1: Urban Water Security & Sanitation

  • Focus: Building resilient and efficient water systems for growing cities.

  • Initiatives:

    • Financing for the rehabilitation and expansion of aging water treatment plants and distribution networks.

    • Development of new bulk water supply sources, including dams and reservoirs.

    • Investment in modern, non-sewered sanitation solutions and wastewater treatment plants for pollution control and water reuse.

    • Support for smart water management technologies to reduce non-revenue water.

Pillar 2: Rural Water Access & Community Health

  • Focus: Achieving universal and sustainable access to safe drinking water and sanitation.

  • Initiatives:

    • Construction of decentralized water systems, including boreholes, solar-powered pumps, and piped schemes.

    • Implementation of Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) programs.

    • Building public sanitation facilities (latrines, washing stations) in schools and healthcare centers.

    • Establishing community-based management models for long-term sustainability.

Pillar 3: Agricultural Water Management

  • Focus: Enabling food security through climate-resilient water solutions for agriculture.

  • Initiatives:

    • Large-scale development of multi-purpose dams and irrigation canals.

    • Promotion and financing for efficient irrigation technologies like drip and sprinkler systems.

    • Development of solar-powered irrigation schemes to reduce operational costs and emissions.

    • Watershed management and soil conservation to protect water sources.

Pillar 4: Climate Resilience & Transboundary Water Cooperation

  • Focus: Managing shared water resources and building resilience against droughts and floods.

  • Initiatives:

    • Investment in early warning systems for floods and droughts.

    • Co-financing of major transboundary water infrastructure (e.g., on the Nile, Niger, Volta basins).

    • Support for river basin organizations to foster regional cooperation and joint management.

    • Funding for green infrastructure and groundwater recharge projects.

Sector-Wide Impact at a Glance

The AUDF's strategic investments are delivering a wave of positive change across Africa.

Impact Stats - Three columns

  • $4.1+ Billion | Total Capital Deployed
    Catalyzing sustainable water infrastructure for generations.

  • 25 Million | People with Sustainable Water Access
    Reducing waterborne diseases and freeing hours lost to water collection.

  • 800,000+ Hectares | With Climate-Resilient Irrigation
    Securing food production and livelihoods against climate variability.

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