The 19th International Congress of the African Water Association will be held from February 11th to 16th, 2018 in Bamako, Mali. As a prelude to this event, a launching ceremony is planned for Thursday, January 26, 2017 at Radisson Blu Hotel.

The Congress of the African Water Association (AfWA), held every two years, is a scientific and technical forum that takes stock of the development of the water, sanitation and environment sector in Africa. The 19th congress, organized jointly by the Malian Drinking Water utility (SOMAGEP) and the Malian Drinking Water Assets Company (SOMAPEP), will take place from February 11 to 16, 2018 in Bamako, Mali, on the Theme: "Accelerating Access to Sanitation and Water For All In Africa Amidst Climate Change Challenges". Nearly 2,000 participants are expected to attend this event which will be organized for the first time in Mali. The congress launching ceremony will take place on Thursday, January 26, 2016 from 9:00 am to noon at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Bamako, in the presence of the Malian Ministers of Energy and Water Affairs, the one in charge of Environment, Sanitation and Sustainable Development and also the Bamako City administrative officials. During this ceremony, the website of the 19th congress of AfWA as well as winners of the logo contest organized for this purpose will be presented, then the Minister of Energy and Water Affairs will be proceeding to the official launch. A press conference is also scheduled at the end of the ceremony.

About the African Water Association (AfWA): The African Water Association is a professional organization of establishments, enterprises and operators working in the water, sanitation and environment sector in Africa. It develops programs and supports the sharing of knowledge in sustainable water management through professional development, network management and advocacy.

About AfWA’s Congresses: The last four AfWA congresses were held in March 2010 in Kampala (1,600 delegates), February 2012 in Marrakesh (900 delegates), February 2014 in Abidjan (2,000 delegates) and February 2016 in Nairobi (1,500 delegates). Participants at the various AfWA congresses are mostly corporate executives, policy makers, donors, academics, researchers, professionals, international cooperation agencies, students and non-governmental organizations.

Contact:

• Olivier Konan, Knowledge Management and Sharing Expert at the African Water Association, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.tel: +225 09880083
• Abdoul Karim Koné, Communication Officer of SOMAGEP, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.tel: +223 66741223