Researchers from the Nomura Research Institute (NRI), an important Japanese think-tank, paid a working visit to Côte d'Ivoire on January 19 and 20, 2017, with a view to obtaining information from the authorities and other economic operators on investment opportunities in the West African sub-region. On this occasion, Sayuri Taya of the social systems consultancy department of NRI held discussions with the Executive Director of the African Water Association on Friday, January 20, 2017.

Mrs. Sayuri explained that her institution was acting on behalf of the Japanese Ministry of Economy and Industry and that her meeting with AfWA officials was aimed at gathering information on investment opportunities in the water and sanitation sector in West Africa. She used this opportunity to learn about the situation of the water-sanitation sector in Africa and the major challenges that this sector must take on in order to be more efficient.