The president of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema has launched the Zambia Water Investment Program (ZIP) 2020-2030, ensuring national water security and the sustainable management and utilisation of the country’s water resources to bolster socio-economic development. 

Whilst speaking at the Water Investment for Africa panel, the president said the initiative is a game changer for Zambia, and is also a key resource for current and future generations. 

Hichilema added that the impact of climate change has reinforced the need for leaders throughout the continent to drive economic and social development, with the focus on sustainability. 

“As you may be aware we all have a responsibility to the generation that will come after us and we must pass a continent and individual countries that will sustain lives for generations to come and those that will come after them,” the president said. 

Hichilema urged individuals and businesses to take the responsibility of managing water resources efficiently and executing best practices to safeguard the sector, Lusaka Times reports. 

The Zambian president said the country and indeed the African continent need to make sure water is at the forefront of investment decisions, beginning with political leaders. 

Also speaking at the Water Investment for Africa panel, Commissioner of the African Union for Rural Economy and Agriculture Josefa Sacko said the water security transformation in Africa is crucial to economic growth and prosperity.

She called for the need for investment in the sector, adding that the pandemic had underscored the importance of hygiene and sanitation in preventing disease. 

In addition, African Union Development Agency CEO, Nardos Thomas said within the programme for infrastructure development in Africa, the onus has been on boosting the profile of water infrastructure projects. She added that this is because water development in Africa is a requirement for attaining the agenda 2063 and sustainable development goals.