Across sub-Saharan Africa, about a third of the population lacks access to basic drinking water, while two-thirds lack access to sanitation services. This reality costs the continent in terms of productivity, healthcare, and school attendance, leading to about 4.3% annual GDP loss. The problem is particularly acute in Eastern and Southern Africa, with estimations that as many as 345 million people will lack access to water by 2030, up from 275 million in 2022. While there is already progress toward changing the status quo, including via a World Bank-backed program, there is more to be done. Currently, countries in Eastern and Southern Africa allocate $5 billion to water and sanitation initiatives, which is only a fraction of the $24 billion required. To bridge Africa’s water gap and put the continent on the path to growth, there is a need to attract private investment.
African Business
