Africa

The Upper Tana-Nairobi Water Fund, Kenya

The Upper Tana-Nairobi Water Fund, Kenya

© Nick Hall

2 Water Funds in Operation

5 Water Funds in Development

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​Africa’s urban population is expected to double over the next 20 years, posing an immense water challenge for cities.

Growing demand from a booming population and continued economic growth will further stress already scarce water resources.

Many cities source their water from rural landscapes which are increasingly affected by unplanned development and poor land management practices. A city’s water security is at risk if the health of its watershed degrades. Unhealthy watersheds can contribute to pollution in rivers, lakes and reservoirs, potentially reducing water supply availability and increasing delivery costs. Nature is also under threat, as aquatic life suffers from lower water quality and drying rivers while wildlife loses critical habitats and food supply. It is imperative that African cities and businesses become wise stewards of the land where their water comes from to ensure a sustainable and affordable supply of water.