Egypt Highlights Water-Food Security Nexus at Africa Forward Summit

Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sewilam, emphasized the critical connection between sustainable water management and food security during the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi. Speaking at a high-level roundtable on agriculture, Sewilam argued that efficient water use is essential for enhancing the resilience of Africa’s agricultural systems against climate change and water scarcity. The summit session gathered ministers, international organizations, and private sector representatives to discuss strategies for building productive and sustainable food systems across the continent. Key discussions focused on transitioning from dialogue to implementation through concrete partnerships, blended finance mechanisms, and clear project timelines. Participants examined priority agricultural value chains, including grains, oilseeds, dairy, and horticulture, while exploring ways to strengthen public-private sector roles in research, production, and financing. Sewilam highlighted Egypt’s ongoing efforts to maximize water resource efficiency amid demographic and climatic pressures, positioning water security as a cornerstone of sustainable agricultural production. The event underscored the need for collaborative action to support resilient food systems and achieve sustainable development goals in Africa.