This briefing note “2021 African progress on implementing IWRM in the 2030 Agenda” of the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) outlines Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) as a key enabler of sustainable development in Africa and its contribution to achieving SDG 6 and related frameworks. It reviews current progress on IWRM implementation, highlighting capacity, coordination, and financing gaps amid rising climate and development pressures. The note presents insights from SDG indicator 6.5.1 and identifies priority actions to accelerate implementation. It also highlights the role of data, communication, and regional institutions in advancing IWRM across countries and sectors.