98th AfWASA STC: Djibouti at the Heart of Innovative Solutions for Sanitation and Water Security in Africa
From 15 to 17 November 2026, the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) will bring together its members and key sector stakeholders in Djibouti for the 98th Session of its Strategic and Technological Council (STC). Held under the theme “Innovative Solutions for Sanitation and Water Security in Africa”, the meeting will focus on practical solutions to help the continent address increasing water scarcity, sanitation challenges and the growing impacts of climate change.
As pressure on water resources continues to intensify, Africa must accelerate the adoption of solutions capable of sustainably ensuring access to water and sanitation. It is within this context that the 98th Session of the AfWASA Strategic and Technological Council will take place over three days in Djibouti.
This edition will explore three key drivers of innovation: the development of sanitation solutions adapted to African contexts and desalination powered by renewable energy; the digitalisation of water networks through technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), remote metering and smart infrastructure monitoring tools; and the safe reuse of treated wastewater for irrigation, industry and other non-potable uses.
These approaches offer significant opportunities to improve access to services, reduce water losses, ease pressure on groundwater resources and lower the carbon footprint of water and sanitation services.
Three days of discussions on challenges and solutions
Water and sanitation utility leaders, researchers, regulators, technical and financial partners, experts and innovators are expected to participate in three days of discussions, experience sharing and strategic reflection.
The programme will feature ten thematic sessions addressing the major issues shaping the future of water and sanitation services in Africa today, including sanitation, desalination, water resource management, network digitalisation, non-revenue water reduction, financing, water quality, climate change, capacity building and rural water services.
Beyond showcasing technological solutions, the STC aims to promote the exchange of operational experience and evidence-based knowledge in order to identify approaches that can be replicated or adapted to different African contexts.
AfWASA Specialist Groups mobilised
The meeting will mobilise AfWASA’s eight Specialist Groups, namely: Data and Innovation, Non-Revenue Water, Climate Change, Sanitation, Finance and Investment, Water Quality, Management and Capacity Building, and Rural Water.
Their expertise will be brought into dialogue with that of institutional, financial and technology stakeholders across the sector. An Affiliate Members Forum and a strategic sector dialogue roundtable will further enrich the discussions.
The 98th Session therefore builds on the work carried out during the 97th STC, while deepening reflection on innovations capable of accelerating the transformation of water and sanitation services across the continent.
Djibouti, a meaningful choice
The choice of Djibouti to host this edition also carries particular significance. Faced with limited water resources, the country has undertaken initiatives that notably rely on desalination and renewable energy to strengthen its drinking water supply.
Registration will open soon.
