In Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, African leaders and development partners are gathering for the 39th African Union Summit of the African Union.

At a pre-summit forum hosted Tuesday by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), experts identified groundwater as one of the most sustainable solutions to Africa’s growing water crisis.

They stressed that stronger political commitment and increased investment in groundwater initiatives are essential to tackle water shortages driven by conflict and climate change.

The meeting, held at the UNDP Regional Service Centre, focused on the theme “Unlocking Groundwater Investments Through Strategic Partnership,” underscoring the need for coordinated action to secure Africa’s water future.