Water Issue Brief 38 // The Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem Nexus approach to water infrastructure in Africa: Integrated planning, climate resilience, and inclusive growth
By Zemadim et al. This issue brief examines how the WEFE Nexus approach can support integrated water infrastructure planning in Africa by enhancing climate resilience, strengthening disaster preparedness, improving resource efficiency, and promoting inclusive economic growth through cross-sectoral governance and sustainable investments.
Abstract
Africa stands at a critical juncture, with intersecting challenges of water scarcity, energy deficits, food insecurity, and climate vulnerability threatening sustainable development. With over 400 million people lacking access to clean water and climate change projected to reduce GDP growth by 2–4% annually in vulnerable nations, conventional sectoral approaches to infrastructure development are proving inadequate. The WEFE Nexus emerges as a transformative framework for optimizing water infrastructure investments by recognizing the fundamental interdependencies among these critical sectors. This paper presents African case studies in which integrated green-grey infrastructure systems have demonstrated superior outcomes in terms of climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, and inclusive economic growth. Drawing on the CGIAR Initiative on Nexus Gains, we analyzed how nexus approaches contribute to nutrition and food security, poverty reduction, gender equity, climate adaptation, and environmental sustainability in African contexts. Policy recommendations emphasize cross-sectoral governance, blended financing, and community-led solutions.
Published
December 2025