The World Future Energy Summit 2025, hosted by Masdar as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, will shine a spotlight on water security challenges in arid regions, including the Middle East, North Africa (MENA), and Sub-Saharan Africa.
The Summit’s Water Conference, running from January 14–16 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), will bring together global leaders, innovators, and policymakers to explore pioneering solutions for water management and sustainable development.
Sub-Saharan Africa, like the MENA region, faces mounting water scarcity, worsened by climate change and rapid population growth. Vulnerable communities across the continent are experiencing heightened risks from prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall, and insufficient infrastructure.
For organizations like the African Coalition of Communities Responsive to Climate Change (ACCRCC) that will be represented at the Water Conference, the event presents an opportunity to advocate for solutions tailored to the region’s unique needs.
Currently, 30% of water waste globally stems from leakage in distribution systems, a challenge compounded by the fact that only 11% of treated wastewater is reused, according to the UN Environment Programme. The Water Conference will explore innovative methods for reusing treated wastewater, including recharging groundwater aquifers, producing biogas through waste-to-energy technologies and utilizing treated water in construction and irrigation.
These approaches offer new revenue streams, foster innovation, and advance circular economy practices, while enhancing access to water in resource-scarce regions.
For regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, which faces both acute water scarcity and escalating demand, the conference will address how innovations in desalination, wastewater reuse, and smart water technologies can transform water management. By leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and nanotechnology, communities can gain access to scalable, cost-effective solutions.
“Climate-vulnerable communities in Sub-Saharan Africa require urgent attention to water infrastructure and management,” said Henry Opondo, Advocacy Advisor at the ACCRCC. “Through collaboration among governments, researchers, and industries, we can tailor scalable solutions to meet the growing needs of regions facing severe water stress.”
Panels will explore how public-private partnerships (PPPs) can drive sustainable innovations and how regions like Sub-Saharan Africa can adopt advanced methods to optimize water networks, reduce leakage, and improve irrigation systems.
“AI-driven tools enable real-time monitoring, predictive modeling, and optimized water distribution,” Dawoud explained. “These advancements support resilience to climate impacts while ensuring sustainable development for vulnerable communities.”
The Summit will showcase solutions designed to transform water vulnerabilities into strengths, with technologies like AI-driven irrigation systems for efficient water use, Blockchain for water management transparency and Nanotechnology in water treatment
These innovations align with the UAE’s National Climate Change Plan to 2050, which emphasizes resilience in water, energy, and infrastructure. Importantly, lessons from the MENA region can inform scalable strategies for Sub-Saharan Africa, ensuring that vulnerable communities benefit from emerging technologies and best practices.
Leen AlSebai, General Manager of RX Middle East and Head of the World Future Energy Summit, emphasized the event’s global significance: “The Summit is a hub for renewable energy and sustainable solutions, addressing critical issues like water security while ensuring that no region or community is left behind.”