Closing of the 96th AfWASA STC: three days of discussions, knowledge and innovation sharing to advance the sector
Opened on 17 November 2025, the 96th Strategic and Technological Council (STC) of the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) concluded on 19 November after three days of intensive exchanges, strategic analyses, and major decisions shaping the future of the water and sanitation sector in Africa.
Held under the theme “Sustainable Management of Water Resources and Strengthening of Water Supply and Sanitation Services: Strategic Instruments for Bold Actions in Africa”, this edition brought together in Yaoundé experts, leaders, ministers, technical and financial partners, as well as representatives of public service operators from across Africa and beyond.
The closing ceremony featured a series of official addresses presenting the conclusions of the discussions and the strategic directions adopted for the future.
During her remarks, the STC Vice-President, Géraldine Mpouma Logmo, presented a comprehensive review of the session’s work, recalling that this meeting, led by the President of AfWASA and supported by Cameroonian authorities, reaffirmed the political commitment to the sector. She highlighted the key themes addressed: integrated water resources management, climate adaptation, digitalization, financing, sanitation, and capacity building.
She also presented the main recommendations emerging from the three days, particularly in governance, technical innovation, sustainable financing, skills development, and the preparation of the 2026 International Congress.
STC President Dr, Mahmood Lutaaya then delivered the overall summary of the work. He noted that the continent’s lag in service provision represents an opportunity to accelerate innovation and strengthen solutions tailored to the African context. He emphasized the importance of relying on local expertise and prioritizing models aligned with country-specific realities. He also thanked the teams for the effective organization of this edition.
AfWASA Executive Director, Gosso Olivier, highlighted the deep transformation of the STC, now structured around interactive formats and dynamic panels. He announced a major innovation: the systematic issuance of participation certificates to all registered attendees, in line with international practice, before symbolically presenting the first certificates.
In his closing remarks, AfWASA President Dr. Blaise Moussa paid tribute to former STC President Dr. Papa Samba Diop and highlighted his book on the performance of water utilities. He announced a major initiative: “from now on, each STC will lead to the publication of a book to consolidate and disseminate the knowledge produced”. He also expressed gratitude to the Cameroonian authorities and participants, noting that the STC is gradually becoming a participatory space serving African communities.
Finally, he called for strong mobilization toward the sector’s next major event: the 23rd International Water and Sanitation Congress, scheduled for 9–13 February 2026 in Yaoundé.
