Africa’s health and water future: securing a foundation for prosperity

Health and water security underpin long-term growth, but are threatened by climate pressures, rapid urbanisation and financing constraints.

Better health systems and access to safe water and sanitation are the foundation for Africa’s long-term prosperity. Drawing on new forecasts from the Institute for Security Studies’ (ISS) African Futures and Innovation programme, this webinar will explore how reducing disease burdens, expanding preventive care and basic service delivery can improve life expectancy, productivity and economic resilience.

Speakers will also consider how climate pressures, rapid urbanisation and financing constraints will affect Africa’s health, water and sanitation landscapes. Policy choices needed to build lasting systems that support the African Union’s Agenda 2063 aspirations will also be discussed.

This webinar is co-hosted by the ISS and the AU Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD). It is the first in the 2026 Erudite seminar series convened by the two organisations.

Moderator: Mahao Leuta Mahao, Advisor, Africa Policy Bridge Tank, AUDA-NEPAD

Panelists:

• Dr Jakkie Cilliers, Head, African Futures & Innovation, ISS
• Ibrah Wahabou, Head of Infrastructure and Transport Unit, AUDA-NEPAD
• Dr Merawi Aragaw, Head of Surveillance and Disease Intelligence, Africa CDC

Image: WaterAid/ Dennis Lupenga

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