The African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the implementation of a regional capacity building program on climate change and sanitation. The event took place on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at AfWASA headquarters in Abidjan,

Through this partnership, AfWASA and GGGI will develop and implement a strategic and innovative capacity building program to facilitate knowledge sharing on mainstreaming sanitation in national climate policies, greenhouse gas (GHG) assessment tools, and on innovative climate-friendly sanitation technologies that can support and drive Africa’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

“This partnership is an indication of our commitment to empowering communities, policy makers and experts with skills, knowledge and tools necessary to identify and advance sustainable solutions to Africa’s climate challenges. Together with GGGI, we are committing to paving the way for innovative practices that not only address climate change but also enhance sanitation and waste management across Africa,” said Mr. François Olivier Gosso, Executive Director of AfWASA.

“This partnership promises to unlock new possibilities and ultimate success in our joint efforts to tackle climate change and promote sustainable and efficient sanitation systems. Together we are forging new pathways to provide innovative climate and sanitation solutions to our members, partners, leaders and communities alike. Through this partnership, we will also work together to guarantee access to critical knowledge and necessary tools that communities and nations need to guarantee resilient sanitation systems and curb GHG emissions, including by building the case for climate financing which is currently minimal in this space,” noted Dr. Malle Fofana, Africa Regional Director at GGGI.

GGGI is working with its Members and Partners in Africa to ensure that countries prioritize sanitation emissions within their climate policies and plans. For instance, through the “Promoting Citywide Inclusive Sanitation through Climate Resilience in West Africa”, a project funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, GGGI works with countries to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the sanitation sector and improve livelihoods by mainstreaming sanitation into national development planning, creating an enabling environment for sustainable infrastructure investments and operations including through improved access to climate financing, development of valorization technologies and regional knowledge sharing in Africa.   

AfWASA, alike, is working with water and sanitation actors across Africa to generate and facilitate access to the tools, systems and knowledge required to put in place climate-resilient and efficient sanitation systems. Collaboration between GGGI and AfWASA in the areas of climate change and sanitation will strengthen countries efforts to curb emissions from the sanitation sector while streamlining waste management systems, including through circular economy practices.