95th Strategic and Technological Council: the meeting opened today in Lilongwe, Malawi
Monday, July 21, 2025 – The 95th session of the Strategic and Technical Council (CST) of the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) officially opened this Monday, July 21, 2025 in Lilongwe, Malawi.
The opening ceremony brought together nearly 200 participants, including over 100 delegates from 22 African countries and beyond, marking the start of a week of technical and strategic discussions on the theme:
“Green Economy and Climate Resilience in Africa.”
Speakers commended Malawi’s commitment to the WASH sector and underscored the urgent challenges to ensure equitable access to safe drinking water and sanitation across the continent.
Welcome address by the CEO of Lilongwe Water Board
Mr. Sili Mbewe, Chief Executive Officer of the Lilongwe Water Board (LWB), was the first to speak. He expressed pride in hosting another CST session in Malawi, following the one in 2016.
He emphasized the importance for LWB as an active member of AfWASA to contribute to regional dialogue on sustainable water and sanitation management. He also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of national authorities, technical partners, and sector professionals in making this event a key platform for exchange and cooperation.
Remarks from the CST Chair
Eng. Mahmood Lutaaya, Chair of the Strategic and Technical Council, reiterated the STC’s vital role as a forum for collective analysis and the development of technical and strategic recommendations.
He encouraged the specialized working groups to deliver concrete, context-relevant outcomes aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals especially SDG 6. He stressed the need to strengthen innovation, applied research, and the sharing of good practices among member countries.
Statement from the Executive Director of AfWASA
Mr. Olivier Gosso, Executive Director of AfWASA, conveyed the Association’s sincere gratitude to the Malawian authorities for their warm welcome and continued support.
He praised the vision of President Lazarus Chakwera, notably the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Water and Sanitation and improved institutional coordination at local levels.
He highlighted AfWASA’s concrete actions in Malawi: technical training especially on non-revenue water, support to young professionals through five scholarships awarded and an upcoming internship at AfWASA headquarters, and capacity-building projects with operators like LWB and Blantyre Water Board.
He also called on more WASH actors in Malawi to join AfWASA, and concluded by highlighting the Association’s growing impact since its creation inviting everyone to attend the 23rd AfWASA Congress, scheduled for February 2026 in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Speech by the Principle Secretary, Ministry of Water and Sanitation
Mr. Elias Chimulambe, Permanent Secretary of Malawi’s Ministry of Water and Sanitation, emphasized the significance of this continental event for the country.
He addressed Malawi’s specific challenges, including its landlocked geography and climate-related pressures, which call for sustainable, integrated, and inclusive solutions.
He commended AfWASA for its technical support and long-standing partnership with Malawian institutions, and expressed hope that the outcomes of this session would result in practical and innovative recommendations.
Official Opening by the Minister of Water and Sanitation
In her official address, Hon. Abida Sidik Mia, Minister of Water and Sanitation, formally declared the 95th CST session open.
She welcomed delegates from across Africa and reiterated the government’s top priorities: Achieving universal access to safe drinking water; Improving sanitation infrastructure; Strengthening regional partnerships
She reaffirmed her ministry’s full support for AfWASA’s activities and encouraged participants to make this gathering a true moment of transformation, learning, and collective capacity-building.
A Strategic Dialogue Platform for the Future of WASH in Africa
The opening ceremony was followed by the opening of the exhibition and technical sessions. The CST will continue over the following days with specialist group meetings and field visits.
The closing ceremony will take place on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.
