The report on the State of the Climate in Africa 2021 is the result of collaboration between the African Union Commission (AUC), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and other specialized agencies of the United Nations. This multi-agency effort provides informed climate analysis, identifies notable hydro-meteorological events, impacts and risks, and suggests climate actions to build resilience of African nations. The 2021 report is the third in the series, with a special emphasis on water resources, a pivotal sector for human and ecosystem health and sustainable socio-economic development of Africa.