Investing in water security for climate resilient growth and development

The document argues that achieving water security in Africa requires tens of billions of dollars annually, with climate resilience adding an additional US$10–15 billion. It suggests a blended financing approach combining traditional water finance, official development assistance, and specialized climate finance to bridge the funding gap. While most climate finance currently targets mitigation, the briefing emphasizes the need for adaptation funding and the role of the Green Climate Fund in supporting African water infrastructure.

• The annual cost of achieving water security in Africa is estimated at US$30–50 billion for capital investment and US$5–15 billion for annual budgets, with climate resilience adding another US$10–15 billion annually.
• External public funding required to make Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for water and sanitation climate-resilient is estimated between US$2.9 billion and US$7.2 billion annually, representing a cost approximately 40% higher than for the MDGs alone.
• Effective financing strategies should employ a blend of sources: public initiative for 'public goods' like flood risk management, commercial loans and equity for user-pay services (household, agricultural, industrial), and subsidies or taxes to address market failures.

APA

Climate and Development Knowledge Network (n.d.). Investing in water security for climate resilient growth and development. https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/WaterSecurity_Brief5_pr3.pdf

Chicago

Climate and Development Knowledge Network. Investing in water security for climate resilient growth and development. n.d. https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/WaterSecurity_Brief5_pr3.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Climate and Development Knowledge Network |title=Investing in water security for climate resilient growth and development |url=https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/WaterSecurity_Brief5_pr3.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{climateanddevelopmentknowledgenetworkndinvesting, author = {{Climate and Development Knowledge Network}}, title = {{Investing in water security for climate resilient growth and development}}, institution = {Climate and Development Knowledge Network}, url = {https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/WaterSecurity_Brief5_pr3.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }