# Water security and sanitation crisis in Africa

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/water-security-and-sanitation-crisis-in-africa
> Updated: 2026-08-10T10:05:57.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 3.

Africa continues to face significant challenges regarding water security and sanitation. Recent data from UNICEF and WHO indicate a severe crisis where approximately 28% of children lack access to safe drinking water, and nearly 200 million children lack running water.

The situation is particularly acute in the Sahel region, where inadequate sanitation contributes to high mortality rates from diseases such as diarrhea, respiratory infections, and malnutrition. Water scarcity disproportionately affects girls, who often spend hours fetching water, a burden that frequently leads to school abandonment. Experts warn that these shortages can trigger community conflicts and long-term socio-economic instability.

These developments build upon existing issues, including the need for groundwater management as a strategic asset for climate resilience and the ongoing impact of severe flooding in West African nations like Ghana, Togo, and Nigeria. Such flooding has historically contaminated water sources, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid. Despite the potential of large-scale projects like the Inga dam in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, regional conflicts and infrastructure deficits remain primary obstacles to ensuring potable water and proper sanitation for the continent’s population.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-10: Global water and sanitation crises impact Africa and Brazil

Water and sanitation crises are affecting millions, with Acre, Brazil, needing R$ 3.7 billion for infrastructure and one in three African children lacking access to safe drinking water.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/global-water-and-sanitation-crises-impact-africa-and-brazil

### 2026-08-07: Water crisis threatens millions across Africa as sanitation needs grow

Africa faces a severe water and sanitation crisis: 400 million people lack potable water, and one in three children lacks access, driving disease, school dropout rates, and regional instability.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/water-crisis-threatens-millions-across-africa-as-sanitation-needs-grow

### 2026-07-13: Africa's Water Security Spotlighted by Groundwater Initiative and West African Flood Crisis

Africa pushes groundwater as a climate‑resilient resource while West African floods contaminate water supplies, prompting calls for stronger, flood‑proof water infrastructure.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/africas-water-security-spotlighted-by-groundwater-initiative-and-west-african-flood-crisis

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Cite as: Water security and sanitation crisis in Africa. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/water-security-and-sanitation-crisis-in-africa