Côte d'Ivoire presents National Water Pact, commits to $7.5 billion mobilization by 2030 at IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings

Dr. Souleymane Diarrassouba, Côte d'Ivoire's Minister of Planning and Development, presented the country's National Water Pact at the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington on April 15, 2026. The event, chaired by Mr. Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group, and attended by United Nations Secretary-General Mr. Antonio Guterres, focused on the Water Forward initiative, which aims to ensure water security for one billion people by 2030. Côte d'Ivoire's President, His Excellency Mr. Alassane Ouattara, has been designated by the African Union as the champion for monitoring Agenda 2063, particularly during the AU's proclaimed 2026 Year of Water. With 400 million Africans lacking access to drinking water, Côte d'Ivoire is committed to achieving universal access to water and sanitation for its 32 million inhabitants by 2030. This includes reducing regional disparities and protecting its four major river basins. The pact outlines a plan to mobilize $7.5 billion, including over $1 billion in private capital, to transform the water sector, ensure its financial viability, and facilitate access to capital markets. The Minister emphasized that water is a fundamental economic infrastructure, essential for productive agriculture, competitive industry, and sustainable employment. By signing this pact, Côte d'Ivoire underscores that water security is central to its economic development strategy.