Against the backdrop of the effects of climate change on the envisaged development targets in the agricultural, industrial, food security, energy security and health sectors; promoting regional cooperation and sustainable management of shared water resources is critical for the African continent. The main challenges experienced by the sector and recommendations for addressing those challenges are discussed. Based on an analysis of the current water situation in Africa, the Africa Trans boundary Water Resource (TWR) 2040 aims to provide guidance to strategic planners and policy-makers on the prioritisation of vital trans boundary water infrastructure projects and the development of implementation framework. From the results of this study, attainable long-term goals can be formulated to secure TWR infrastructure development and cooperation on the continent.