Eritrea says large and medium dams have risen from 138 to nearly 800

Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh presented updated figures on the country's water infrastructure and development programmes on 23 September, speaking at UNICEF House in New York on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

Saleh delivered keynote remarks at the launch of The State of Africa's Children 2026, the first edition of a new African Union report series produced with UNICEF support.

The remarks provide an official update on Eritrea's expansion of water-storage infrastructure and its implementation of national water, sanitation and hygiene programmes.

Saleh said Eritrea has increased the number of large and medium dams from 138 at independence to nearly 800 today.

He said the country has also constructed hundreds of smaller dams, while dozens more are at different stages of development.

Eritrea is implementing its 2019–2030 One WASH Strategy and Investment Plan, covering drinking water, sanitation and hygiene. Saleh also cited progress in child survival, immunization, essential healthcare and access to education.

The 138-to-nearly-800 figure was also included in Eritrea's 2024 Second Voluntary National Review submitted to the United Nations.

The State of Africa's Children 2026 examines water, sanitation and hygiene conditions affecting children across the 55 African Union member states.