The African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) Research Program is a pan-African initiative dedicated to promoting applied research and innovation, with the aim of transforming scientific knowledge into sustainable operational solutions for the development of water and sanitation services in Africa, by strengthening the link between research, public policy, and field practices.

CONTEXT

The water and sanitation sector in Africa operates in a context marked by multiple and closely interconnected challenges. Sustained population growth and rapid urbanization are placing increasing pressure on existing infrastructure, while the effects of climate change are weakening water resources and undermining the resilience of systems. These challenges are compounded by persistent financial, energy, and institutional constraints, which limit operational performance and the sustainability of services.

In addition, the growing need for reliable data, rigorous analysis, and evidence-based solutions remains a key lever for guiding public policies and operational decision-making.

Although numerous research initiatives have been developed, a gap persists between the production of knowledge and its translation into concrete actions on the ground. As a leading continental platform, the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) has designed its Research Program to bridge this gap, promote action-oriented research, and foster the effective uptake of results by decision-makers and sector operators.

OBJECTIVE

The AfWASA Research Program aims to sustainably strengthen the impact of scientific and operational research in support of the development of the water and sanitation sector in Africa. To this end, it seeks to:

• Promote applied, innovative, and action-oriented research aligned with the priority needs of water and sanitation services;
• Strengthen the research and innovation capacities of African institutions, in order to consolidate scientific and technical excellence across the continent;
• Foster collaboration and synergies among researchers, operators, public decision-makers, and technical and financial partners;
• Improve the quality of decision-making through the systematic use of reliable data and evidence-based knowledge;
• Facilitate the transformation of research results into public policies, structured projects, and concrete operational solutions adapted to African realities.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The AfWASA Research Program is based on an integrated approach combining knowledge production, capacity building, and the valorization of results. Each year, it supports applied research projects through the awarding of scholarships to 10 to 20 African students, focusing on priority themes defined by the Strategic and Technical Council (STC), including water service performance, urban sanitation, digitalization, gender, climate change, and circular economy.

The program promotes the production of rigorous data, analyses, and scientific publications, while ensuring structured follow-up of beneficiaries. It strengthens the link between research, public policy, and operational practices through the formulation of recommendations, decision-support tools, and the organization of dialogues, webinars, and knowledge-sharing platforms.

In addition, it supports young researchers through training, mentoring, and publication assistance, while promoting innovation and the scaling-up of research-based solutions through dedicated mechanisms for dissemination and networking with regional and international partners.

EXPECTED RESULTS

The implementation of the AfWASA Research Program will significantly enhance the production and availability of reliable knowledge and data tailored to African contexts. It will also strengthen research and innovation capacities across the continent, while promoting greater uptake of scientific results by public services, operators, and decision-makers.

By supporting the transformation of research into concrete, innovative, and operational solutions, the program will contribute to improving service performance. Ultimately, it will generate stronger and more sustainable impacts from public policies and strategic investments in the water and sanitation sector in Africa.

GEOGRAPHICAL SCOPE

The AfWASA Research Program has a continental scope, covering all member countries of the Association, in alignment with regional priorities and AfWASA flagship programs. Initially implemented in West and Central Africa, the program has progressively expanded its reach across the entire continent.

It benefits from targeted support from strategic programs, notably SAO-CWIS, EMPOWERWASH, and AfriCap, promoting the inclusion of young researchers and women.

The program is implemented in partnership with public utilities, universities, research centers, regulatory institutions, and technical and financial partners, including USAID, the Gates Foundation, and the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. Designed as a long-term initiative, it is structured around multi-year cycles, regular calls for proposals, and strong integration with major AfWASA events.