We treated hundreds of cholera cases during the outbreak. Most patients were women and children. The problem isn’t just the flooding. It’s the lack of infrastructure. If people had access to clean water and proper sanitation, many of these deaths could have been avoided.” Emem stated
Africa stands at a crossroads where its vast natural resources, youthful population, and innovative spirit converge to create opportunities for socioeconomic transformation. The 2022 WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme report reveals that 411 million people in Africa do not have access to basic drinking water, 779 million are without basic sanitation services, and 839 million lack basic hygiene facilities. This reality highlights that the nexus of water, food, and energy is not just an abstract concept but a pressing lived reality for millions across the continent. Across the continent, African-led technologies are springing up to tackle these challenges, fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development that aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
The critical importance of water cannot be overstated. It is essential not just for drinking but for agriculture, sanitation, and energy generation. Yet, the lack of clean and accessible water continues to devastate lives and communities. In Nigeria, the dangers of inadequate water infrastructure were tragically highlighted in Borno State in 2024, when severe flooding contaminated local water sources, leading to a cholera outbreak. This health crisis, which claimed numerous lives and displaced thousands, underscored the dire consequences of failing to prioritize water security. According to reports, many residents relied on untreated water from unsafe sources, further exacerbating the spread of disease.
Mariam Mukhtar, a resident of Borno State, Nigeria lamented that her children had no choice but to use bad water as a result of flood.
“When the floods came, the water from our well turned brown. My children and I had no choice but to use it because we had nothing else. A few days later, my youngest son fell ill with cholera. We walked miles to the nearest health center, but it was too late. I lost my son. We need help; we need clean water.” She lamented.
Dr. Emem Simeon, Medical Officer, Adi Specialist Clinic Calabar provided insights into the health impacts of water insecurity, noting that if people had access to clean water and proper sanitation, many deaths could be avoided.
“We treated hundreds of cholera cases during the outbreak. Most patients were women and children. The problem isn’t just the flooding. It’s the lack of infrastructure. If people had access to clean water and proper sanitation, many of these deaths could have been avoided.” Emem stated.
Access to clean water remains a challenge, yet innovative solutions are emerging to tackle this issue. William Kamkwamba, a Malawian inventor, built a wind turbine from scrap materials at just 14 years old.
His invention provided electricity to his home and later powered a solar-driven water pump that supplied clean drinking water to his village.
Another example is the VacciBox, a solar-powered portable refrigerator developed by Norah Magero from Kenya.
While primarily designed for vaccine storage, this innovation has also been adapted to store perishable food and water in remote areas, ensuring communities have access to safe drinking water.
Across the continent, African scientists and entrepreneurs are leading efforts to solve water challenges with homegrown technologies. In Kenya, the Water ATM system has transformed access to clean water by allowing users to retrieve affordable water using prepaid smart cards. This innovation ensures equitable distribution and reduces waste, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas.
In South Africa, researchers have developed solar-powered water purification systems that use nanotechnology to remove bacteria and contaminants. These systems are especially impactful in rural communities, where access to potable water remains limited. Clean water access is crucial to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, yet billions around the world continue to face challenges due to water scarcity and pollution. The World Meteorological Organization warns that by 2050, as many as 5 billion people could experience insufficient access to clean water.
Beyond water, the interconnection between water, food, and energy reveals the importance of addressing these issues collectively. For instance, water scarcity impacts agriculture, which in turn affects food security and energy production. Nigeria’s ColdHubs innovation bridges these gaps by providing solar-powered cold storage for farmers. This reduces post-harvest losses, ensures food remains fresh, and indirectly supports water conservation by making better use of agricultural resources.
In Ethiopia, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) highlights how water resources can be harnessed for energy production. In addition to generating power, the GERD helps control seasonal flooding, reducing the risk of destructive floods during heavy rainfall. The reservoir will also ensure a consistent supply of irrigation water for the downstream nations of Sudan and Egypt. This demonstrates how strategic investments in water and energy infrastructure can drive socioeconomic development.
The ripple effects of these solutions extend beyond their immediate benefits. For instance, Rwanda’s Kigali Cooling Efficiency Program promotes energy-efficient cooling technologies that not only save energy but also preserve food and vaccines. This integrated approach showcases how innovations can simultaneously address food, energy, and health challenges.
Africa’s agricultural sector is gradually shifting towards agroecology and sustainable farming techniques that enhance productivity while preserving biodiversity.
In Ethiopia, Asmelash Dagne transformed degraded land into a productive farm using traditional water conservation techniques such as terracing and rainwater harvesting.
In South Africa, Themba Chauke established community gardens using intercropping methods to boost soil fertility and increase food production. These efforts highlight how grassroots initiatives can address food insecurity while promoting environmental sustainability.
Additionally, award-winning innovations such as FRESH Networks in Kenya are revolutionizing food security. FRESH Networks operates smart milk dispensers that provide affordable and safe milk to low-income urban families, reducing food waste and improving nutrition.
Energy access is critical for economic growth and quality of life. Across Africa, solar mini-grids are providing sustainable power to rural communities. A study involving 2,658 households and businesses connected to solar mini-grids in Kenya and Nigeria found improvements in productivity, income levels, health, and gender equality.
Furthermore, initiatives such as Amini and ChipChip are optimizing agricultural supply chains and reducing post-harvest losses through data-driven solutions, ensuring energy efficiency in food production and storage.
Despite these strides, challenges remain. Regulatory bottlenecks, lack of financing, and insufficient public awareness often hinder the scalability of these technologies. Governments across Africa must create enabling environments for innovation, with policies that promote research, protect intellectual property, and encourage investment. Initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) are crucial in this regard, as they harmonize policies and facilitate cross-border collaboration.
Mr. Gbenga Alabi, a policy analyst noted that many of these projects need a lot of funding to grow, but banks are not willing to give loans to startups.
“Even though we have many good ideas and innovations in Africa, scaling them to reach more people is still a big problem. For example, some small companies making water purification systems cannot expand because it takes too long to get government approvals. The regulatory process can be slow and frustrating, which discourages innovators.”
“Another issue is money. Many of these projects need a lot of funding to grow, but banks are not willing to give loans to startups. International investors are interested, but they want clear policies and guarantees before they invest. This is where governments must step in.”
“Public awareness is also a big challenge. People in rural areas, for example, may not know about solar-powered water systems or how to use them. This means we need education campaigns to teach communities about these solutions and why they are important.”
“To fix these problems, African governments must make the environment friendlier for innovation. This includes reducing the time it takes to get approvals, protecting the rights of inventors through intellectual property laws, and creating funding programs for startups. With these changes, we can make sure that the ideas and technologies created in Africa actually benefit more Africans.”
Public participation and ownership are equally vital. Communities must be involved in the design and implementation of solutions to ensure they address local needs effectively. In Uganda, the Kiira Motors Corporation illustrates how inclusive innovation can drive change. The company’s solar-powered electric buses provide affordable transportation while creating jobs and reducing carbon emissions.
Education and awareness are critical for building a culture of innovation. By prioritizing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in schools, African countries can nurture the next generation of innovators. Rwanda’s ICT-focused education system serves as a model, demonstrating how early exposure to technology can inspire future leaders.
Africa’s journey toward realizing the aspirations of Agenda 2063 hinges on its ability to harness science, technology, and innovation. Tackling the interconnected challenges of water, food, and energy with solutions driven by Africans themselves will enable the continent to achieve inclusive growth and sustainable development.
The Africa we all want, a rich, united, and people-focused continent, can become real. Africa can create a better future for everyone and lead the world in sustainable growth by helping our innovators, celebrating their success, and investing in local ideas. The answers to our problems are already here. Now is the time to support these ideas, help them grow, and build the Africa we all hope for.