This extraordinary statistic highlights the DRC's immense natural wealth, centred around the Congo River Basin, which spans nearly 4 million square kilometres and fuels the continent’s second-longest river.

Why does the DRC have so much water ?

Thanks to its tropical location, the DRC receives high annual rainfall, over 2,000 mm in some regions. Combined with a dense network of rivers, wetlands, and deep freshwater lakes like Lake Tanganyika, this hydrological bounty makes the DRC Africa’s water powerhouse.

Key contributors include:

The paradox: water Wealth vs. access

Despite holding over half of Africa’s surface freshwater, most Congolese people lack reliable access to clean water.

This water-access paradox underscores the need for targeted investment and sustainable management.

What needs to happen?

Organisations like Winrock International are working alongside local and national partners to:

There’s growing recognition that managing water sustainably in the DRC isn’t just a national issue—it’s a continental priority.

Why it matters for Africa and the world

With climate change accelerating droughts and water scarcity in other regions, the DRC’s freshwater reserves are increasingly vital for regional stability, food production, biodiversity, and hydropower. The Congo River alone has massive potential for renewable energy, including the long-anticipated Grand Inga Dam project.

But without equitable access and conservation, this water wealth could become a missed opportunity—or worse, a source of conflict .

Yet much of it is locked away in glaciers, ice caps, or deep underground, making accessible freshwater even scarcer.

As global populations grow and climate change intensifies, the demand for clean, reliable water sources is surging—putting pressure on governments, communities, and ecosystems alike.

According to the World Bank , this is how fresh water resources are scattered around the world:

Brazil (13.2%)

In Brazil, the Amazon Basin alone accounts for one-fifth of the world’s river flow, supporting 60% of global rainforests and 10% of all known species.

Russia (10.1%)

With thousands of rivers and lakes, including Lake Baikal—which holds 20% of the world’s unfrozen freshwater—Russia is a freshwater powerhouse.

Canada (6.7%)

Home to over two million lakes and a significant portion of the Great Lakes, Canada holds 84% of North America’s surface freshwater.

United States (6.6%)

Rivers like the Mississippi, Colorado, and Columbia are vital water sources, though regions such as the Southwest face growing scarcity due to overdrawn aquifers.

China (6.6%)

The Yangtze River in China is essential for agriculture and industry, sustaining over 400 million people. However, water availability remains a pressing geopolitical challenge.