AES: Major water and environmental projects announced for 2026
Member countries of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) are seeking to accelerate cooperation in the fields of environment, water, and sanitation to better address climate challenges and the growing needs of their populations, according to Minister Abdoulaye Maizama in an interview on May 6, 2026.
The minister indicated that several integrated projects are currently being prepared at the confederal level among the three AES member states.
These initiatives aim primarily to strengthen environmental protection, improve sustainable water resource management, and facilitate access to drinking water in both urban and rural areas.
Among the announced priorities are the construction of large water reservoirs to secure water resources and support agricultural activities.
Authorities are also working on water transfer projects for irrigation to boost agricultural production and limit the consequences of recurrent droughts in the Sahel region.
The minister also mentioned scientific programs designed to induce artificial rainfall.
This technique, envisioned as a complementary response to the effects of climate change, could help improve precipitation in areas particularly affected by desertification and rainfall deficits.
In the area of drinking water access, the AES plans to launch one thousand boreholes across the community space.
These infrastructures should help reduce water supply difficulties and strengthen sanitation facilities in several localities.
According to the minister, part of the projects should begin before December 31, 2026.
Regarding human resources, the government official acknowledged a significant staffing shortage in the water and forestry services, noting that no recruitment has been carried out since 2015.
However, discussions are reportedly underway with the Ministry of Finance to organize new recruitments during 2026 and strengthen the sector’s operational capacities.
Neil CAMARA
