Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – August 2026: In line with the priorities of the Africa Water & Sanitation Systems Leadership Symposium 2026, taking place from 17–21 August 2026 in Kigali, Rwanda, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development ADFD highlights the power of coordinated and complementary financing to advance water security across Africa. The Metolong Dam project in the Kingdom of Lesotho demonstrates how bringing together the Government of Lesotho, multilateral development banks and bilateral partners around a shared national priority can leverage resources and deliver lasting development outcomes.
ADFD contributed AED 77.1 million (US$21 million) towards the core dam and engineering works as part of the wider US$450 million multi-partner programme. The project addresses growing domestic and industrial water demand through a comprehensive water-supply system that includes pumping and storage infrastructure alongside water treatment facilities. It provides clean and reliable drinking water to more than 500,000 households and supports electricity supply to over 5,000 homes and 20 schools across the region, while contributing to improved public health, agriculture, industrial activity and wider economic development, creating lasting benefits for hundreds of thousands of people.
H.E. Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, said: “Water security is fundamental to sustainable development, supporting the health and wellbeing of communities, the resilience of economies and food security. Addressing these challenges requires more than infrastructure; it requires partnerships that bring together financing, expertise and strong institutions around nationally led priorities. The Metolong Dam Project demonstrates how strategic development finance can help provide the foundation for wider investment, enabling partners to address critical water needs while building systems that deliver lasting development impact.”
H.E. Al Suwaidi added: “Beyond financing key water projects in partner countries, the Fund has launched the Abu Dhabi Global Water Platform to advance a partnership-driven approach to water security, bringing together governments, development institutions and other partners to develop practical solutions, strengthen investment opportunities and mobilise resources for sustainable water development.
As discussions in Kigali focus on accelerating water and sanitation transformation across Africa, ADFD remains committed to working with governments and strategic development partners to support investments that strengthen water security, improve livelihoods and contribute to resilient and inclusive economic development in Africa.
The symposium brings together African leaders, development institutions and water-sector stakeholders to exchange best practices, explore practical approaches to accelerating water and sanitation transformation, and mobilise sustainable financing to support the continued development of Africa’s water sector.
