Africa’s water demand rises 26% in a decade, increasing pressure on vital resources

New Nature study maps where Africa’s water is used, highlighting growing pressure and the need for better water management.

Groningen, Netherlands — November 03 2026 — Africa’s water demand increased by 26% between 2010 and 2020, reaching an estimated 347 billion cubic metres a year. A new study published in Nature reveals how water use is changing across the continent and identifies areas where demand exceeds estimated water availability.

The study, Spatial and sectoral water demand assessment for the African continent, addresses a major challenge for water management: the lack of reliable information on how much water different sectors use and where demand is greatest.

Researchers from the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and the University of Groningen, including Santiago D. Vaca-Jiménez and P. Winnie Gerbens-Leenes, developed an open-access database covering water demand across Africa. The data can help policymakers and water managers better understand competing demands and plan for a more sustainable water future.

“Africa cannot manage what it cannot see. For too long, major gaps in reliable water data have made it difficult to understand where pressure is building and how different demands are competing for the same resource.”
— [Santiago D. Vaca-Jiménez, University of Groningen]

Agriculture dominates water use

Agriculture accounts for nearly two-thirds of Africa’s water demand, making irrigation the continent’s largest water user. Municipalities and electricity generation are also significant users, while demand varies considerably between regions and river basins.

The study identifies parts of northern and southern Africa where estimated water demand exceeds available resources. These findings highlight the importance of managing water use while protecting the rivers and ecosystems on which people depend.

Growing energy needs add to water pressure

Expanding electricity generation to meet the needs of Africa’s growing population also increases pressure on water resources. The study found that water demand from the electricity sector increased by 24% between 2010 and 2020, highlighting the close connection between water and energy planning.

“Africa’s water and energy futures are closely connected. Expanding access to electricity is essential, but we also need to understand how that expansion affects water resources and the communities and ecosystems that depend on them.”
— [Winnie Gerbens-Leenes, University of Groningen]

Open data to support better decisions

The lack of reliable water-demand data has long made it difficult to assess competing needs and develop effective water policies. By making the results openly available, the researchers aim to help governments, researchers and water managers identify emerging pressures and make better-informed decisions.

The researchers recommend improving water efficiency, reducing losses, strengthening integrated water management, exploring alternative water sources such as recycling and desalination, and expanding access to water, sanitation and hygiene. They also emphasise the need to balance agricultural trade with the water resources required to sustain production.

As water demand grows, the study provides a clearer picture of where pressure is building and why decisions about agriculture, energy, cities and ecosystems need to be considered together.

Study: Spatial and sectoral water demand assessment for the African continent

Authors: Davy Vanham, Dahami Gunathilake, Bhawani Gunasekara, Seifu Tilahun, Youssef Brouziyne, Fasikaw A. Zimale, Monika Rawat, Raphael Vanham, Mohamed El Hafyani, Asma Thowfeek, Sithara Kumarasinghe, Santiago D. Vaca-Jiménez, P. Winnie Gerbens-Leenes and Simon Langan.

Open-access data: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-026-11199-8