Capacity building: AAEA and GWP organize workshop on smart and energy-efficient pumps
On July 29 and 30, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya, the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) and the German Water Partnership (GWP), as part of their joint GAPWAS (German-African Partnership in Water and Sanitation) project, organized a technical workshop on smart and energy-efficient pumping solutions, with the support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Targeting technical professionals and decision-makers in the water and wastewater sector, the workshop aimed to improve participants' understanding of emerging technologies, highlighting both their advantages and potential limitations.
The first part of the workshop, led by Mr. Belete Matebe, Managing Director of Wilo East Africa, addressed key topics such as the principles of smart pumps, motorization and control technologies, and methods for optimizing installations. On-site demonstrations included an energy efficiency test in accordance with ISO 9906 Grade 1B and a smart pumping station equipped with an IoT system.
The second part of the workshop was devoted to presentations by innovative companies. Harbauer Kenya presented its fluoride treatment and removal technology, while Hermann Sewerin showcased its advanced leak detection solutions. These sessions fostered technical exchanges and the development of partnerships.
Participants welcomed the relevance of the content and the opportunity to experience the technologies presented in practice. This workshop thus marks a new stage in the dissemination of innovative technical solutions to improve the performance and sustainability of water and sanitation infrastructure on the continent.
The GAPWAS project aims to sustainably strengthen AfWASA to provide demand driven services and to foster knowledge exchange for and between their members and promote knowledge exchange across Africa.
