Dear friends,

We are delighted to announce the opening of registration for the 22nd AfWASA International Congress and Exhibition.

Click on the link below to register now!

https://www.afwasa2025.org/ 

The African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) will be taking part in the 9th Africa Water Week, to be held in Cairo, Egypt, from October 13 to 17, 2024. The theme of this edition is ''Placing water and sanitation at the heart of achieving Agenda 2063: The Africa we want.''

The overarching goal is to evaluate progress made to actualise the Africa Water Vision 2025 (AWV 2025), especially given the fast-approaching final milestone in 2025. This will guide the formulation of the post-2025 Africa Water Vision, drawing on the achievements, lessons learnt, and emerging issues from the pursuit of the AWV 2025.

AfWASA is represented at this major event by Dr. Siméon Kenfack, Director of Programs, who will speak at several key sessions, according to the program below. 

o Sessions hosted by AMCOW:

✓ Monday October 14, 2024, from 8:00 to 9:30 am, Room Louve 4: setting up an early warning system;

✓ Wednesday, October 16, 2024, 9:30 to 11:00 am, Salle Louve 3: irrigation policy after Malabo: investment prospects ;

✓ Thursday, October 17, 2024, 8:30am to 11:30am, Vienna Hall: the African hydrological dialogue: Action for water, climate adaptation and resilience.

Sessions hosted by WaterAid:

✓ Monday, October 14, 2024, 9:30am to 11:00am, Louve Hall 3: Climate-resilient WASH;

✓ Tuesday, October 15, 2024, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm, Room Louve 4: Institutionalization of the

first WASH accounting exercise in Niger: a step towards transparency and

and efficiency.

o Session hosted by Speak Up Africa:

✓ Tuesday, October 15, 2024, 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm: the importance of a collaborative approach to accelerate sanitation coverage rates in Africa by 2030.

Note that the Africa Water Week is a biennially event co-organised by the African Union Commission (AUC), the Secretariat of the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW), and the African Development Bank (AfDB) with support from partners..

The Young Water and Sanitation Professional (YWSP) of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Chapter has been actively involved in initiating, organizing, and funding water and sanitation Activities to make a positive impact in their community. They have organized five main Activities since the beginning of the year 2024, aiming to demonstrate their commitment to the objectives and goals of the African Water and Sanitation Association by fostering the Protection of the environment and water resources.

The YWSP gathered more than 100 youths during five consecutive sanitation activities from March to July 2024. These activities focused on collecting plastic waste from lake Kivu to combat pollution, allow the lake's ecosystem to thrive, and promote economic Growth by supporting fish production.

On the occasion of the celebration of international water day organized on march 22^nd Every year, the YWSP organized a sanitation activity on lake Kivu on march 23rd, 2024, in collaboration with stakeholders in the water and sanitation sector of the DRC in Bukavu. These stakeholders included EKOY MAJI, a private water company, the Lions Club, Fishermen, Students’ environmental clubs, and Independent Water Resources Activists. This initiative Aimed not only to promote the preservation of water and the environment but also to Strengthen peaceful cooperation between the DRC and its neighboring countries with which Lake Kivu is shared. More than 100 participants came together to collect waste around lake Kivu, focusing on raising awareness about the importance of preserving this vital resource. Equipped with gloves, masks, and bags, the participants combed the shores of lake Kivu and even went out onto the lake aboard canoes, collecting over 5 ton of plastic waste.  

“The impact of these activities on lake Kivu is indisputable and very beneficial to the growth of Fish. People living around the lake were sensitized not to litter and joined the participants in cleaning the lake. We embarked on a great initiative to promote the protection of our water resources, despite facing significant challenges during its execution. While removing plastic waste from the lake was important, we also recognized the need to understand how to properly manage it. As young people, we understood the importance of capacity building to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for reusing and recycling plastic waste. We also realized the importance of implementing a system to prevent waste from reaching the lake in the first place. This Includes establishing a network of organic and plastic waste bins in public areas, markets, and homes to address the issue at its source. The YWSP DRC chapter needs support to achieve Its goals. Additionally, investing in recycling industries that could utilize the collected Waste would give it value and reduce the amount of waste being discarded”, said Serges Bashonga, the president of the chapiter.

In addition to contributing to the long-term protection of the environment, the participants demonstrated their commitment to the protection of the environment and sustainable Development. They resolved to organize such sanitation activities every last Saturday of the month on the shores of lake Kivu.

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.  

Training Objectives

•  Acquire the skills needed to design mini-Water supply systems adapted to the specific needs of rural communities

•  Carry out feasibility studies by assessing available resources, user needs and environmental constraints

•  Master the appropriate construction techniques for mini-Water supply systems, considering available local resources

• Acquire skills for preventive maintenance of equipment

• Diagnose and solve the technical problems common to mini water supply systems

Content

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The African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) informs its members, partners and all stakeholders in the water and sanitation sector that its 94th Meetings will be held from November 18 to 21, 2024 in Kampala, Uganda, under the theme “Disruptive Technology and Innovations as SDG6 Accelerators in Africa”.

The event will include the work of the Strategic and Technological Council from November 18 to 20, as well as a meeting of the Board Committee on November 21.

AfWASA members, experts, decision-makers, technology companies, regulators - as Africa remains challenged to guarantee universal access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation services, these meetings will provide an ideal forum for exploring innovative solutions.

Let's all get together in Kampala, Uganda, to contribute to the advancement of sustainable water and sanitation solutions in Africa.

Registration will open shortly

Background

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Maji Africa Webinar Series is adopting an online format for technical exchange and discussions about research findings on different thematic areas related to WASH solutions and innovations in Africa. The platform is dedicated to researchers, innovators, students, professors, consultants, and any other webinar presenters.

This also comes as an opportunity for AfWASA research fellows to present their findings in front of a big international audience, as well as for those who submitted their abstracts for AfWASA Congress, but unfortunately were unable to attend and present them.

Methodology

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The Maji Africa Webinar series, hosted monthly in AfWASA’s Zoom webinar platform, engages researchers, innovators, students, professors, consultants, and any other Webinar presenters, in sharing their research findings as well as new ideas and research areas to solve the water problems in Africa.

The Maji Africa Webinar series starts in 2024. For every Webinar, the call for Presenters (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1EyBHoXYc77Y5-K2MttsV6rXp_WBqaFcDcdWFEZudsiU/edit) is sent to AfWASA members from universities, utilities, water institutes and research centers… For each session, two or three selected presenters are contacted to prepare their slides. The selection is done according to the general research themes provided by AfWASA. The webinar will be conducted in the language of the webinar presenters of the month (English or French), simultaneous interpretation provided.

The webinar series is open to the public and the recordings as well as presentations can later be accessed by members via the AfWASA Knowledge Management Platform.

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The government of Uganda and the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) have signed a historic host agreement for the African Water and Sanitation Academy (AWASA), (...).

The agreement was signed by Foreign Affairs Minister Gen Abubakar Jeje Odongo and AfWASA President Eng. Dr. Silver Mugisha at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs  in Kampala.

Minister Odongo expressed pride in hosting the AWASA academy through the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), noting that it aligns with Uganda's commitment to improving water and sanitation services.

"Hosting the AWASA academy is a pride for Uganda," Minister Odongo said. "We have closely followed AfWASA's activities, objectives, and mission, and we are grateful for NWSC's Managing Director's leadership as AfWASA president."

Minister Odongo commended NWSC for spearheading this initiative, recognizing its reputation as a benchmark for many other utilities. He emphasized the importance of AWASA's benefits extending beyond academics and politicians to local communities.

Confident in the Ministry of Water and Environment's ability to provide strategic guidance, Minister Odongo believes this partnership will contribute significantly to AWASA's success.

Gen. Odongo reiterated Uganda's commitment to supporting AWASA's objectives.

Dr. Mugisha, President of the African Water and Sanitation Association, (AfWASA) commended the cabinet and government of Uganda for supporting the proposal to host the African Water and Sanitation Academy in Kampala.

"We appreciate the government's approval and commitment to hosting AWASA," Dr. Mugisha said. "This partnership demonstrates Uganda's dedication to enhancing capacity building in the water and sanitation sector in Africa."

The government's support was instrumental in bringing the academy to fruition, following Cabinet's approval of the proposal and the subsequent drafting of the Host Country Agreement.

Dr. Mugisha emphasized that AWASA's primary focus would be on grooming leaders and promoting change management in the water and sanitation sector. "The sector's growth is not solely dependent on knowledge, but rather on the skill set, mindset change, and attitude of leaders," he explained. "AWASA will improve the skill set and mindset of leaders, aligning with Africa's goal to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG6)."

“It will work as the Academy's HQ, managed largely from the secretariat of African Water Association in Côte d'Ivoire and the project office in the same place,” he described it as a center of excellence, providing training and capacity-building programs for water and sanitation professionals across Africa.

The academy will be launched by President Museveni during the upcoming African Water and Sanitation Association Congress and Exhibition in 2025, expected to attract over 2,000 delegates and exhibitors worldwide.

AWASA is an institution of the African Water Association, established to provide training and capacity-building programs for water and sanitation professionals across Africa. With over 40 years of existence, the association has been working towards establishing a continental training facility.

Dr. Mugisha explained that Uganda was selected as the ideal host country due to its strategic location and expertise in water and sanitation management.

The NWSC will host the coordination hub of AWASA at its International Resource Center in Kampala.

Oliver Gosso, AfWASA's Executive Director, who joined the signing ceremony virtually, hailed the historic agreement between the Ugandan government and AfWASA as a "major breakthrough" that will revolutionize Africa's water and sanitation sector.

Gosso emphasized that the agreement demonstrates "strong cooperation and a shared commitment to sustainable development and improving living conditions in Africa." He praised President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni's leadership, acknowledging his "strong Pan-African leadership and commitment to ensuring improved access to water and sanitation for all African citizens."

He echoed Dr. Mugisha's sentiments, emphasizing that AWASA will focus on capacity building and competency development for professionals in the water and sanitation sector. This, he said aligns perfectly with AfWASA's overarching mission to enhance the performance of African water and sanitation service providers, ultimately leading to improved access to safe and sustainable water services.

AWASA's key objectives include building capacity and competencies of water and sanitation sector professionals, improving performance of African water and sanitation service providers, and promoting sustainable development and better living conditions in Africa.

The host agreement outlines the rights and obligations of the parties involved, following Cabinet's approval of the proposal for Uganda to host AWASA.

Cabinet directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to draft the Host Country Agreement, which was finalized after consultations with relevant stakeholders.

The signing of the host agreement marks the beginning of a new era in African water and sanitation management, with Uganda at the forefront.

Advanced Training in Metrology for Water Analysis Laboratories: Optimizing Measurement Procedures and Ensuring the Accuracy of Result 

23-27 September 2024 | Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

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Building & Management of Mini-Drinking Water Supply Systems in Rural Areas

7-11 October 2024 | Douala, Cameroon

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Sizing and Management of Different Types of Feacal Sludge Treatment Plants

14-18  October 2024 | Yaoundé, Cameroon

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Modelling Hydraulic Networks Using Innovative Tools (Epanet, Watercard)

21-25 October 2024 | Lomé, Togo

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The African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) is actively participating in World Water Week 2024, which takes place from August 25 to 29, 2024 in Stockholm, Sweden. This five-day conference, organized annually by SIWI (the Stockholm International Water Institute) since 1991 , focuses on global water issues and brings together leading water experts, organizations and decision-makers.

The World Water Week 2024 is centered on water cooperation, for peace and security in its broadest sense. The theme, Bridging Borders: Water for a Peaceful and Sustainable Future, asks us to recognize the regional and global interconnectivity of communities and nations, and underscores the collaborative effort needed to achieve a peaceful and sustainable future.

AfWASA’s participation in the World Water Week represents a strategic opportunity to interact with international partners, share the African perspective on water and sanitation issues, and discover innovative solutions and best practices tailored to the needs of the continent.

At this event, the Association will highlight its experiences, challenges and successes in water and sanitation management in Africa. By participating in exchanges and discussions, It hopes to learn from global best practices and explore innovative solutions to African challenges.

The Association will also strengthen existing partnerships and forge new ones with international organizations and water sector experts, and advocate for increased support and investment in Africa's water and sanitation sector. Finally, AfWASA will present its membership services to potential new members, encouraging them to join the association to strengthen the community of practitioners committed to improving water and sanitation services in Africa.