AUC urges member states to plan for El Nino impacts while ensuring resilience

The African Union Commission (AUC) has urged its member states to plan for the impacts of the El Nino phenomenon while ensuring resilience. Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment Moses Vilakati spoke at the opening of the Africa Water and Sanitation Systems Leadership Symposium in Kigali, Rwanda, highlighting the potential devastating effects of the El Nino, which is forecasted to be one of the strongest in recent years.

Vilakati emphasized that water will be of utmost importance for the continent, as different regions may experience floods, drought, or heat waves. He stressed the need for better preparedness and the launch of Africa's Systemic Transformation Agenda, with the goal of building financial credibility and advancing the Africa Water Vision 2063.

The symposium, which aims to mobilize political, financial, and technical leadership, was organized under the theme "Accelerating Water and Sanitation Transformation for Sustainable Impact." Vilakati noted that water and sanitation are key to development on the continent, as they are catalysts for economic transformation, climate resilience, public health, food security, and regional cooperation.

He stressed the importance of good governance and the need for technical experts to support monitoring and reporting on water and sanitation, even in the age of artificial intelligence.