Lusaka: Africa must recognize water as a critical resource and an enabler for sustainable socio-economic development, African Union Commission stressed. The African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Ministers' Council on Water (AMCOW) jointly convene the 3rd African Implementation and Partnership Conference on Water (PANAFCON3) in Lusaka, Zambia. According to Ethiopian News Agency, the conference is hosted by the Republic of Zambia and spans three days under the theme 'Assuring Inclusive and Climate-Resilient Water Security and Sanitation for the Africa We Want'. This gathering aims to facilitate discussions among Member States and partners, reviewing the initial draft of the post-2025 Vision and Policy framework for water security and sanitation in Africa. AUC Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, in a statement delivered by Moses Vilakati, AUC Commissioner for Agriculture, emphasized the role of water resources in sustainable development. He highlighted the necessity for Africa to recognize water as piv otal for sustainable socio-economic growth, given that Africa's Agenda 2063 hinges on sustainable water availability. He underscored that achieving the Aspiration of Agenda 2063 or the Sustainable Development Goals is contingent on a reliable water supply. 'Africa needs to Act - through developing and implementing its water investment program towards climate resilient and inclusive water security,' Youssouf stated. The AUC has elevated water and sanitation issues to the level of Heads of State and Government, promoting integration of water with national development plans. Despite the abundance of water resources, Youssouf noted that approximately 400 million Africans lack access to safe water, and 800 million are without sanitation. He pointed out that climate change is a significant threat to Africa's water resources, altering precipitation patterns. The African Union Commission is collaborating with partners to develop multi-country programs aimed at accessing Green Climate Fund readiness funding to buil d resilience in the water sector. Youssouf announced an upcoming Africa Water Investment Summit organized by AUC and the Government of South Africa, set for August 2025 in Cape Town. This event is part of South Africa's G20 Presidency initiatives, focusing on water investment and finance mobilization. The Chairperson reaffirmed AUC's commitment to formulating a new Africa Water Vision and Policy, placing water and sanitation at the core of achieving the African Union's Agenda 2063. The conference addresses the urgent need for African-led solutions to water scarcity, climate change, and sustainable infrastructure challenges.