His Majesty King Mswati III has arrived safely in Cape Town, South Africa for the African Union–AIP Water Investment Summit 2025.
Accompanied by Inkhosikati LaMashwama, the King will take part in the landmark event convened under South Africa’s G20 Presidency, starting today.
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Members of the royal family, Emabandla members, ministers, and many locals bade farewell to the King at the King Mswati III International Airport on Tuesday night.
Summit Purpose
The summit’s primary goal is to close Africa’s US$30 billion annual water investment gap by:
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Mobilising financial commitments
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Promoting policy reforms
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Fostering partnerships to deliver climate-resilient water and sanitation infrastructure across the continent
Key Objectives
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Mobilise finance and attract multi-billion-dollar investments from development banks, private financiers, and global partners
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Fund water and sanitation projects including water supply, irrigation, hydropower, and cross-border governance systems
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Draft a declaration to influence G20 leaders, African Union bodies, and the 2026 UN Water Conference under the G20 theme of “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability”
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Inaugurate a high-level advisory body to champion water investments in forums like G20, COP, and the UN
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Recognise leadership through Water Change-Maker Awards
Strategic Importance
Hosted by South Africa, the African Union, AUDA-NEPAD, and the AU-AIP International High-Level Panel on Water Investments, the summit leverages the AU’s G20 membership to amplify Africa’s voice on water security.
It also aims to boost economic growth, public health, food security, and climate resilience by addressing systemic challenges such as:
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Governance gaps
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Financing shortfalls
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Limited technical capacity
The event features high-level dialogues, investment matchmaking, and youth-focused sessions to align priorities and secure commitments for a water-resilient future.
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