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Water Security in Africa Starts with Educating Our Youth (By Chetan Mistry)

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3 years ago

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urban economies

A general estimate by environmental agencies is that we waste 136 litres or 30 gallons per day per person, particularly in developed and urban economies

ACCRA, Ghana, January 25, 2023/APO Group/ — 

Chetan Mistry, Strategy and Marketing Manager at Xylem Africa (www.Xylem.com).

“We use football to teach children about drinking healthy water, regular handwashing, and staying away from germs. I always dreamed of helping young girls in my community to be educated, and to be whatever they want to achieve in the future.”

These are the words of Fatimatu, a 20-year-old coach and youth volunteer from Ghana’s Cape Coast region (https://bit.ly/3DdozTM). She dedicates much of her time to coaching local kids in football and helps them learn valuable life skills, including the value of water.

This is not just altruism. Every morning before she tends to her education and those of her youth footballers, Fatimatu carries buckets of water back to her home, helping her mother with daily chores. Access to water is an enormous burden for many women and children. According to UNICEF (https://bit.ly/3WFDoVM), women and children worldwide spend a shocking 200 million hours each day carrying water.

It’s an understatement to say they understand the value of water more than most of us. This shouldn’t be the case. Water is our most valuable resource. We can talk about rare earth minerals powering our gadgets, gold and silver fuelling our economies, and oil powering our vehicles. Yet none of that matters without water. If there is no water, there is no life, and the harder it becomes to access safe water sources, the less time we have to spend creating those other benefits of civilisation.

The bad news is that we are very wasteful and ignorant about water. But there is good news, too: by educating young people through the things that ignite their passions, such as football, storytelling and creativity, we are changing our attitudes.

Undervaluing Water

Across the world, in partnership with Manchester City Football Club, Xylem is supporting young community football leaders to educate their communities on the importance of water

We are irresponsible with water. A general estimate by environmental agencies is that we waste 136 litres or 30 gallons per day per person, particularly in developed and urban economies. Almost 40 percent of piped water fails to reach its source due to leaks, costing US$39 billion annually (https://bit.ly/3D8Kdsb). Most of those losses erode the finances of local communities, forcing them to cut back on services such as education and policing. Industries that monitor their electricity consumption down to the decimal tend to take a relaxed attitude towards water consumption and efficiency. Really, if we had to take a water test today, humanity would fail miserably.

Some of that blame lies with our busy lives and the modern conveniences of piped water. We start taking it for granted. But that is different with younger generations. They appreciate the message of looking after our natural resources. Recently, a friend told me about how her 6-year-old daughter gave her a lecture. The kid had learned about water security at school, and she got angry when my friend poured used cooking water down the drain.

“Mom, that should go on the plants!” she exclaimed. My friend had no response—her daughter was right. We had forgotten how to be responsible with water. But our children know, and they have every right to. It’s their future at stake.

The Kids Are Alright

During my career in the water industry, I’ve seen how powerful this dynamic is and how we can spread the message of water through the youth by teaching them about water security. Storytelling is very successful, such as Splash. This colourful character, designed here in Africa, brings water conservation to kids across the continent through colourful children’s book adventures. Children and teenagers are also discovering the opportunities of a career in water innovation—the annual Stockholm Junior Water Prize, running since the 1990s, encourages youths from over 40 countries to invent new ways to secure and deliver water to everyone.

But the greatest momentum is emerging from football. Across the world, in partnership with Manchester City Football Club, Xylem is supporting young community football leaders to educate their communities on the importance of water. Young coaches and teachers such as Fatimatu in Cape Coast, Ghana, are helping to make a difference, arming the next generation with the knowledge to change all our attitudes towards water.

Water is critical for the world we live in. Whether you enjoy a refreshing glass to cool down, nourish your crops, stroll along a mesmerising river stream, or cool the machinery that generates our electricity and modern resources, water is irreplaceable. Water security is fundamental to our survival.

Water security starts with educating our youth. Fortunately for us, that is already happening. How can we take it further and educate ourselves in the process? That’s a question we should all be asking. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Xylem.

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As global power structures shift, Invest Africa convenes The Africa Debate 2026 to redefine partnership in a changing world

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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation

LONDON, United Kingdom, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –As African economies assert greater agency in a rapidly evolving global order, Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com) is delighted to announce The Africa Debate 2026, its flagship investment forum, taking place at the historic Guildhall in London on 3 June 2026.

Now in its 12th year, The Africa Debate has established itself as London’s premier platform for African investment dialogue since launching in 2014, convening over 800 global decision-makers annually to shape the future of trade, finance, investment, and development across the continent.

Under the theme “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition”, this year’s forum will focus on Africa’s response to global economic realignment with greater agency, ambition and economic sovereignty.

The Africa Debate puts Africa’s priorities at the centre of the conversation, moving beyond traditional narratives to focus on ownership, resilience and long-term value creation.

“Volatility is not new to Africa. What is changing is the opportunity to respond with greater agency and ambition,” says Invest Africa CEO Chantelé Carrington.

“This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy — so African economies can take greater ownership of their growth. Success will be defined by how effectively we turn disruption into leverage and partnership into shared value.”

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation.

Key challenges driving the debate

Core focus areas for this year’s edition of The Africa Debate include:

This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy

Global Realignment & New Partnerships

How shifting geopolitical and economic power structures are reshaping Africa’s global partnerships, trade dynamics and investment landscape.

Financing Africa’s Future

The growing need to reform the global financial architecture, new approaches to development finance, as well as the strengthening of market access and financial resilience of African economies in a changing global system.

Strategic Value Chains

Moving beyond primary exports to build local value chains in critical minerals for the green economy. Also addressing Africa’s energy access gap and mobilising investment in renewable and transitional energy systems.

Digital Transformation & Technology

Unlocking growth in fintech, AI and digital infrastructure to drive productivity, inclusion, and the next phase of Africa’s economic transformation.

The Africa Debate 2026 offers a unique platform for high-level dialogue, deal-making, and strategic engagement. Attendees will gain actionable insights from leading policymakers, investors and business leaders shaping Africa’s economic future, while building strategic partnerships that define the continent’s next growth phase.

Registration is now open (http://apo-opa.co/46b19gj).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.

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Zion Adeoye terminated as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CLG due to serious personal and professional conduct violations

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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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After a thorough internal and external investigation, along with a disciplinary hearing chaired by Sbongiseni Dube, CLG (https://CLGglobal.com) has made the decision to terminate Zion Adeoye due to serious personal and professional conduct violations. This process adhered to the Code of Good Practice of the Labour Relations Act, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with South African law.

Mr. Adeoye has been held accountable for several serious offenses, including:

  • Making malicious and defamatory statements against colleagues
  • Extortion
  • Intimidation
  • Fraud
  • Misuse of company funds
  • Theft and misappropriation of funds
  • Breach of fiduciary duty
  • Mismanagement

His actions are in direct contradiction to our firm’s core values. We do not approve of attorneys spending time in a Gentleman’s Club. CLG deeply regrets the impact this situation has had on our colleagues and continues to provide full support to those affected.

We want to express our gratitude to those who spoke up and to reassure everyone at the firm of our unwavering commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace. Misconduct of any kind is unacceptable and will be addressed decisively.

We recognize the seriousness of this matter and have referred it to the appropriate law enforcement, regulatory, and legal authorities in Nigeria, Mauritius, and South Africa. We kindly ask that the privacy of the third party involved be respected.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

 

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The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Strengthens Partnership with the Republic of Djibouti through US$35 Million Financing Facility

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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (https://www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has signed a US$35 million sovereign financing facility with the Republic of Djibouti to support the development of the country’s bunkering services sector and strengthen its position as a strategic regional maritime and trade hub.

The facility was signed at the ITFC Headquarters in Jeddah by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC, and H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti.

The financing facility is expected to contribute to Djibouti’s economic growth and revenue diversification by reinforcing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Djibouti Port as a “one-stop port” offering comprehensive vessel-related services. With Red Sea Bunkering (RSB) as the Executing Agency, the facility will support the procurement of refined petroleum products, thus boosting RSB’s bunkering operations, enhancing revenue diversification, and consolidating Djibouti’s role as a key logistics and trading hub in the Horn of Africa and the wider region.

We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth

Commenting on the signing, Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, CEO of ITFC, stated:

“This financing reflects ITFC’s continued commitment to supporting Djibouti’s strategic development priorities, particularly in strengthening energy security, port competitiveness, and trade facilitation. We are proud to deepen our partnership with the Republic of Djibouti and contribute to sustainable economic growth and regional integration.”

H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti, commented: “Today’s signing marks an important milestone in the development of Djibouti’s bunkering services and reflects our strong and valued partnership with ITFC, particularly in the oil and gas sector. This collaboration supports our ambition to position Djibouti as a regional hub for integrated maritime and logistics services. We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth.”

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties.

Since its inception in 2008, ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti have maintained a strong partnership, with a total of US$1.8 billion approved primarily supporting the country’s energy sector and trade development objectives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

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