As part of its mandate to build the capacity of water and sanitation sector stakeholders through peer-to-peer learning partnerships, the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) is organizing two benchmarking visits to South Africa between August 26 and September 7, 2024. These visits will benefit sanitation actors from Malawi and Ethiopia.

The main aim of these visits, which will take place in the eThikwini municipality in Durban, is to facilitate peer to peer learning and knowledge-sharing in the provision of improved and inclusive sanitation services.

Benchmarking is an important step Operators Partnership developed by AfWASA. It facilitates learning exchange around the tools and approaches used for Citywide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) service delivery. It involves a strong service provider (mentor) to build the capacity and improve the performance of another service provider that needs assistance or guidance (mentee).

Participants in these missions will have the opportunity to explore first-hand the innovations, best practices and challenges of providing sanitation services in compact, rapidly expanding urban environments. The agenda also includes technical and strategic discussion sessions, focusing on best practices, as well as policy and governance aspects related to sanitation.

Through these benchmarking initiatives, AfWASA hopes that participants will be able to identify best practices in sanitation and hygiene, and develop concrete action plans for their implementation, including investment. This should contribute significantly to improving sanitation and hygiene conditions in Malawi and Ethiopia, thereby strengthening public health and environmental sustainability in both countries.

It should be noted that the 1st benchmarking visit will take place from August 25 to 28 and will involve sanitation actors from Ethiopia. It is part of the partnership between the AfWASA and UNICEF/IRC.

The second visit is scheduled for September 3 to 7, 2024, and will involve actors from Malawi. It is part of the AfWASA’ SAO-CWIS program, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.