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KM Onboarding 21June2023
News
June 21, 2023

Introductory Meeting with AMCOW Knowledge Management Focal Points

The African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) has organised an introductory meeting for its first batch of knowledge management (KM) focal persons from 13 member states. It is a significant step forward in its commitment to enhancing KM in the water and sanitation sector. This initiative aligns with the Africa Water and Sanitation Knowledge Management Challenge, launched by AMCOW during the Stockholm World Water Week 2021.

26 Focal Points (14 males, 12 females) attended the meeting, representing Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gambia, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, South Sudan, Togo, Botswana, and Rwanda. These professionals bring diverse expertise in water supply engineering, general water research, groundwater research, hydrogeology, international relations, water resources development, urban sanitation, data management, geology, knowledge management, and more.

The introductory meeting aimed to welcome the KM Focal Points, familiarise them with the Africa Water and Sanitation KM Challenge and outline the upcoming activities. In his opening remarks, Dr Rashid Mbaziira, the Executive Secretary of AMCOW, represented by Patrice Leumeni, AMCOW’s Monitoring and Reporting Lead, emphasised the importance of the initiative. The Focal Points will undergo training in KM principles and practices and develop country-specific KM strategies. Their contributions will help create a continental Knowledge Agenda for Africa’s water and sanitation sector. They will also help to drive the broader awareness and use of the yearly Africa Water and Sanitation Sector Monitoring (WASSMO) Report produced by AMCOW. Dr Mbaziira also expressed his desire for the Focal Points to actively participate in AMCOW’s sub-regional consultations to deepen their understanding of AMCOW’s programmes.

The meeting featured presentations that provided an overview of AMCOW, the composition of activities within the Knowledge Management Challenge, and subsequent implementation plans. Additionally, the Focal Points were informed that they would also serve as drivers for gender and youth inclusion in their respective countries, where such initiatives may not yet be in place.

An exciting highlight of the meeting was the realisation that the Focal Points would play a vital role in fostering robust south-south collaboration, knowledge creation, and exchange among AMCOW member state through the outlined initiatives. AMCOW Secretariat, in cooperation with its partners, will continue to cultivate and strengthen this initiative while also mobilising the participation of other member states to achieve the target nomination of 110 focal points (two from each country, one male and one female). The Knowledge Management Challenge was launched by the Honourable Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Republic of Namibia and AMCOW President 2020-2022, H E Carl Hermann Schlettwein. Water This introductory meeting marks a significant milestone in AMCOW’s ongoing commitment to improving African water and sanitation practices through enhanced knowledge management. The dedication and expertise of the Focal Points will play a crucial role in achieving the goals of the Africa Water and Sanitation KM Challenge, contributing to sustainable development across the continent.

By Obinna Anah
Tunisia wastewater
News
April 29, 2023

Titbit: Tunisia holds its first-ever public-private partnership in the water sector

Did you know Tunisia held its first Public-Private Partnership in the water sector with the Suez?

On 26 April, the Suez group teamed up with a state-owned office in Tunisia to clean up wastewater in a southern region that serves almost a million people.

In the collaboration between the Suez group and the state-owned office called Onas, Suez will operate the public sanitation service for several governorates and treat wastewater for the inhabitants of those regions.

This project is meant to help the economic and social development of the country’s south and deal with environmental challenges. The contract is worth 200 million euros and will last for ten years. The World Bank will finance the rehabilitation and extension of the infrastructures, while the Tunisian state will finance their operation and maintenance. The partnership will work on renovating existing equipment and allow wastewater reuse in agriculture while releasing better quality water into the environment.

This is the first public-private partnership in the water sector in Tunisia, and Suez hopes it will make the country a reference for sanitation management on the African continent.

By Obinna Anah
AMCOW President2023-2025
FeaturedSpecial Messages
February 23, 2023

Prof. Dr Hani Sewilam’s Acceptance Speech as the incoming and new President of AMCOW for 2023-2025

First, allow me to express my great honour to be today among my brothers from all African countries to take over AMCOW Presidency for the next two years on behalf of the North African Region from my dear Brother Honorable Minister Carl Hermann Gustave Schlettwein, Minister for Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Republic of Namibia, who led the African Continent very successfully as AMCOW President during the challenging time of COVID 19 pandemic where water and sanitation were key to overcome the implications of this severe crisis with his vast experience and wisdom.

By Obinna Anah
Hon.-Carl-Schlettwein (1)
FeaturedSpecial Messages
February 23, 2023

4th Extra-ordinary Session of the Executive Committee of the Governing Council of AMCOW – A handover report from Namibia

4th EXTRA-ORDINARY SESSION OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE AFRICAN MINISTERS’ COUNCIL ON WATER (AMCOW)

By Obinna Anah
WWF9
News
March 15, 2022

AMCOW at the 9th World Water Forum

The African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) participated in the 9th World Water Forum, held in Dakar, Senegal from 22 to 27 March, 2022. 

By Obinna Anah
GA-flags
Press Release
October 9, 2025

Africa Adopts the Water Vision 2063 and Policy: A ContinentalCompass for Prosperity, Peace, and Resilience

Dakar, 06 October 2025 – The Governing Council of the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW – at its 14th ordinary session on 29 September 2025 – adopted the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy (AWVP63). The Councils comprises Ministers responsible for water, sanitation, environment and related affairs, together with the African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment. The Vision and Policy positions water as Africa’s most strategic asset to drive the ambitions for social transformation and economic growth under Agenda 2063. AMCOW serves as the sectoral ministerial committee on water and sanitation of the African Union Specialised Technical Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, Water and Environment (STCARBWE).

The Vision is clear: “A water-secure and resilient Africa with safe sanitation for all.”
It positions water and sanitation as enablers of inclusive prosperity, regional integration, peace and human dignity.

Key highlights of the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy:
• Transformative Purpose: AWVP63 provides a continental framework to achieve inclusive and climate-resilient water security, aligned with Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
• A New Direction: It redefines water as a driver of prosperity – food, energy, trade,
industry; a bridge of peace – shared rivers as pathways to cooperation; and the
foundation of resilience – climate adaptation and ecological sustainability.
• Rooted in Africa’s Commitments: The Vision builds on more than two decades of
Member States commitments and progress to actualise the Africa Water Vision 2025.

Immediate Action for Africa’s Water Future
To fast-track implementation, Ministers approved a powerful package of measures: a new Strategic Plan to strengthen AMCOW’s role as Africa’s water champion; bold business and budget plans to ensure sustainability; and a long-term programme to secure Africa’s hidden lifeline  groundwater – for water security and resilience. They also committed to mobilising innovative financing, including convening an International Conference on Financing the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy in 2026.

Africa Rising with Water Leadership
The Vision and Policy will next be tabled for endorsement at the 39th AU Summit in February
2026 – a step making it the official continental water framework to deliver the Africa We Want. This endorsement will also carry Africa’s united voice and input to the UN 2026 Water Conference, ensuring the continent’s priorities shape the global water agenda. Ministers called on all Member States to move swiftly, bringing the Vision home into national and regional development plans so that action starts now.

H.E. Dr Cheikh Tidiane Dièye, AMCOW President and Minister of Hydraulics and Sanitation of Senegal, hails the adoption as “Africa’s solemn commitment to future generations – to safeguard water as the heartbeat of prosperity, peace, and dignity, and to place it at the centre of Africa’s transformation.”

H.E. Eng Collins Nzovu, PANAFCON-3 Host and Minister for Water Development and Sanitation of Zambia, reaffirms that “Under President Hichilema’s leadership, Zambia will spare no effort in mobilising consensus, engaging with partners, and championing this agenda in the spirit of African solidarity and shared prosperity.”

Dr. Rashid Mbaziira, AMCOW Executive Secretary, emphasises: “This Vision transforms how Africa thinks and acts on water: from fragmented responses to collective action, from short-term fixes to long-term resilience. It is a call to value water in all its dimensions and lead with innovation, cooperation, and trust.”

A Collective Compass for the Future
The Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy is more than a policy document – it is a continental compass, guiding Africa towards prosperity, resilience, and unity through water and sanitation.

The AWVP63 was formulated under the auspices of the African Union (AU) in collaboration with the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW), the African Development Bank through the Africa Water Facility (AfDB-AWF), and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).

About AMCOW
The African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) was established in 2002 to provide political leadership, policy direction, and advocacy for water and sanitation across Africa. As the sectoral committee on water and sanitation to the African Union’s Specialised Technical Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, Water and Environment (STCARBWE), AMCOW champions sustainable water management to drive development while safeguarding ecosystems. Working with the AU, partners, and initiatives including the EUfunded Blue Africa Action co-financed by the Govenment of Germany through GIZ, AMCOW strengthens continental water governance and mobilises investment for the sector. Since 2023, AMCOW under the auspices of the AU, has spearheaded the adoption of the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy – a landmark framework to secure safe water and sanitation for all, power economic transformation, and deliver on the aspirations of Agenda 2063.

Further information: www.amcow-online.org
Communique: https://amcow-online.org/14th-amcow-governing-council-adopts-the-africawater-vision-2063-and-policy/
Pictures: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCvZuE

Media Contact:
Joanna Fatch
Email: jfatch@amcow-online.org

By Genevieve Osuorji
Catarina de Albuquerque
NewsSpecial Messages
October 7, 2025

Tribute to Catarina de Albuquerque

AMCOW, a founding member of the Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) global partnership, joins the global water and sanitation community in celebrating the life of Catarina de Albuquerque. Ms de Albuquerque devoted a good part of her life championing and mobilising political will in favour of water, sanitation and hygiene services provision.

Until her passing on 7 October 2025, she served as the Chief Executive Officer for SWA, the organisation she has worked with since 2014. She worked tirelessly to strengthen the partnership, providing strategic leadership compatible with its vision and high-level objectives.

In 2008, Ms. de Albuquerque was appointed the first UN Special Rapporteur on the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation. She played a pivotal role in the recognition of water and sanitation as human rights by the UN General Assembly in 2010. Her work helped ensure that the right to water and sanitation was incorporated into the language of the Sustainable Development Goals.

AMCOW extends deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all colleagues who had the honour of working with her.  

May her soul rest in eternal peace.

By Genevieve Osuorji
Minister-at-14GA
14th GA CommuniquePress Release
October 1, 2025

14th AMCOW Governing Council adopts the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy

💧 Africa’s Water Future takes flight!

At the 14th AMCOW General Assembly, African Ministers adopted the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy – a bold roadmap to place water and sanitation at the heart of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want.
This Vision and Policy will serve as Africa’s continental implementation plan of Agenda 2063 on the priority area of water security and sanitation; and as our common position and input to the UN 2026 Water Conference.

Key commitments include:
✅ Adoption of the AMCOW Strategic Operational Plan (2026–2030), Business Plan (2026-2030), and Groundwater Programme.
✅ Increased Member State contributions to ensure ownership and sustainability.
✅ Mobilisation for endorsement of the Vision and Policy at the 39th AU Summit in 2026
The Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy is more than a plan – it is a call to action for prosperity, integration, and resilience through water and sanitation.

Together, we are building a water secure and resilient Africa with safe sanitation for all.
 
Click to read the Communique on the Adoption of the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy and launch of its implementation >> EN | FR | PT | SP    

(FR) 💧 L’avenir de l’eau en Afrique prend son envol !

À l’occasion de la 14ᵉ Assemblée générale de l’AMCOW, les ministres africains ont adopté la Vision et la Politique africaines de l’eau à l’horizon 2063, une feuille de route ambitieuse qui place l’eau et l’assainissement au cœur de l’Agenda 2063 : L’Afrique que nous voulons.

Cette Vision et cette Politique serviront de plan de mise en œuvre continental de l’Agenda 2063 dans le domaine prioritaire de la sécurité de l’eau et de l’assainissement, ainsi que de position commune et de contribution de l’Afrique à la Conférence des Nations unies sur l’eau de 2026.

Principaux engagements :
✅ Adoption du Plan opérationnel stratégique de l’AMCOW (2026-2030), du Business plan (2026-2030) et du Programme sur les eaux souterraines.
✅ Augmentation des contributions des États membres en vue de renforcer l’appropriation et la pérennité.
✅ Mobilisation en vue de l’adoption de la Vision et de la Politique lors du 39ᵉ Sommet de l’Union africaine en 2026.

La Vision et la Politique africaines de l’eau 2063 ne sont pas qu’un simple plan : elles constituent un appel à l’action pour la prospérité, l’intégration et la résilience grâce à l’eau et à l’assainissement.

Ensemble, construisons une Afrique résiliente et en sécurité hydrique, avec un assainissement durable pour tous.

Cliquez ici pour lire le Communiqué sur l’adoption de la Vision et de la Politique africaines de l’eau 2063 et
lancement de sa mise en œuvre >> EN | FR | PT | SP    
By Genevieve Osuorji
AMCOW president
FeaturedNews
June 4, 2025

ARTICLES OF LEADERSHIP FORMALLY HANDED OVER TO AMCOW PRESIDENT

During the Ministerial Dialogue Session held at PNANAFCON-3, on 27 May, in Lusaka Zambia, an opportunity was seized to handover instruments of AMCOW Leadership to Dr Cheikh Tidiane DIÈYE, Minister of Hydraulics and Sanitation, and current AMCOW President. The handover included the African Union and AMCOW’s flags.

This follows a handover to the leadership of policy organs during the 6th Extra-Ordinary Session of the Executive Committee (EXCO) of the Governing Council of AMCOW held virtually on 3 March 2025. The Republic of Senegal humbly and resolutely accepted the responsibility to lead AMCOW for a two-year term from 2025 – 2027. 

LINK: READ MORE ABOUT THE AMCOW PRESIDENT – DR CHEIKH TIDIANE DIÈYE

By Genevieve Osuorji
1748353622400
FeaturedNews
May 28, 2025

PANAFCON-3 UPDATES

PANAFCON-3 Kicks Off in Lusaka: Ministers Embrace a Bold Vision for Africa’s Water and Sanitation Future

Lusaka, Zambia – 27 May 2025

The third Pan-African Conference on Water (PANAFCON-3) officially opened on Tuesday in Lusaka, Zambia, with a high-level Ministerial Session setting the tone for what is expected to be a landmark event. Ministers, water experts, and development partners gathered to deliberate on the draft Post-2025 Africa Water Vision and Policy,reaffirming the continent’s determination to place water at the heart of its development agenda.

Shaping Africa’s Water Vision

A central feature of the session was the presentation of eight bold Vision Statements, developed through subregional consultations held between March and April 2025. These statements are poised to shape the Post-2025 Africa Water Vision and Policy, positioning water as a strategic driver for inclusive development and economic growth.

The eight draft Vision Statements are:

  • Universal access to safely managed water, sanitation, and hygiene services.
  • Sustainable water availability to support transformed economies amidst climate uncertainty.
  • Resilient people and ecosystems protected from water-related disasters.
  • Transparent water governance rooted in subsidiarity and accountability.
  • Water basins as assets for peace, regional integration, and shared prosperity.
  • Skilled human capital and technology to drive resource management.
  • Investment in integrated water information systems to support evidence-based decision-making.
  • A thriving blue economy that harnesses Africa’s marine wealth for sustainable development.
Zambia Issues a Call to Action

Opening the Ministerial Session, H.E. Eng. Collins Nzovu, Zambia’s Minister for Water Development and Sanitation, called on delegates to respond to urgent challenges such as climate change, urbanization, pollution, and water scarcity.

“Let’s make today’s conversation count,” he urged. “Let us demonstrate Africa’s political determination to put words into action. May this meeting be a watershed moment in the continent’s journey towards water security and resilience.”

As host nation, Zambia underscored the importance of a bold, practical, and responsive water vision,one that reflects water’s vital role in advancing peace, development, and climate adaptation.

AUC and AMCOW: Bold Actions Are Needed

The African Union Commission (AUC) emphasized that water security is critical to achieving Agenda 2063.
H.E. Moses Vilakati, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, stated:

“Africa must recognise water as a critical resource and a powerful enabler of sustainable. socio-economic development.”

AMCOW President, H.E. Dr. Cheikh T. Dieye, Senegal’s Minister of Hydraulics and Sanitation, warned of rising pressures from population growth, rapid urbanization, and climate change. He called for greater investment, stronger institutions, and adaptive water systems:

“This is not just another meeting—it is a defining moment to transform our water and sanitation systems into engines of resilience, health, and prosperity.”

In March 2025, Senegal officially took over the AMCOW presidency from Egypt. As incoming chair, Senegal has committed to driving governance reforms, strengthening advocacy, and globally repositioning Africa’s water agenda.

AfDB Spotlights Financing Gaps

The African Development Bank (AfDB) presented sobering figures on Africa’s water financing needs. While the continent requires $50 billion annually, current investments range between $10–19 billion, resulting in a yearly funding gap of $30–40 billion.

The Bank flagged critical threats including rising public debt, falling official development assistance (ODA), and increasing climate shocks. However, it also highlighted opportunities in domestic resource mobilization, private sector investment, and climate finance to bridge the gap.

The Road to 2026: Building Momentum

With 2026 declared the African Union Year on Water and Sanitation, a series of key events in 2025 will help shape and finalize the Post-2025 Vision, including:

  • AU AIP Investment Summit – Cape Town, 13–16 August
  • AMCOW General Assembly
  • Africa Climate Summit
  • AU Specialized Technical Committee on Water and Environment

South Africa, which currently holds the G20 Presidency, used the platform to invite ministers to the AIP Investment Summit, further demonstrating Africa’s growing momentum to prioritize water investments and reforms.

From Declarations to Action

As PANAFCON-3 progresses, attention is now turning to how stakeholders will translate bold declarations into practical, measurable outcomes. The stakes are high. Africa’s socio-economic future, and its broader development path—will depend on realizing the conference theme:

“Assuring Inclusive and Climate-Resilient Water Security and Sanitation for the Africa We Want.”

Stay tuned for continued updates from PANAFCON-3 in Lusaka.

Pictures

By Genevieve Osuorji
AMCOW-Bulletin-banner-fr-2
News
April 30, 2025

Bienvenue dans la première édition trimestrielle du bulletin du Conseil des ministres africains chargés de l’eau (AMCOW) pour 2025

Bienvenue dans la première édition trimestrielle du bulletin du Conseil des ministres africains chargés de l’eau (AMCOW) pour 2025. Au cours de ce trimestre, nous avons poursuivi notre mission de leadership politique, d’orientation des politiques et de plaidoyer en matière de fourniture, d’utilisation et de gestion des ressources en eau pour un développement social et économique durable et la préservation des écosystèmes africains.

Ce bulletin présente les principales initiatives et activités entreprises dans le cadre de notre rôle en tant que comité ministériel sectoriel sur l’eau et l’assainissement du comité technique spécialisé sur l’agriculture, le développement rural, l’économie bleue, l’eau et l’environnement (CTS sur l’ARBWE) de l’Union africaine.

Nous sommes impatients de travailler avec vous à la formulation d’une vision et d’une politique africaines de l’eau pour une sécurité de l’eau inclusive et résiliente au
climat sur le continent au-delà de 2025.

Voici notre sélection de faits marquants pour les mois de janvier, février et mars 2025

Lire le bulletin

By Genevieve Osuorji
AMCOW-Bulletin-banner-en-2
News
April 30, 2025

Welcome to the first quarterly edition of African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) bulletin for 2025

Welcome to the first quarterly edition of African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) bulletin for 2025. In this quarter, we continued with our mission of providing political leadership, policy direction and advocacy in the provision, use and management of water resources for sustainable social and economic development and maintenance of African ecosystems.

Highlighted in this bulletin are key initiatives and activities undertaken in our role as the Sectoral Ministerial Committee on Water and Sanitation of the Specialised Technical Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, Water and Environment (STC on ARBWE) of the African Union.

We are looking forward to engaging with you as we formulate an Africa Water Vision and Policy for inclusive and climate resilient water security on the continent beyond 2025.

Here is our pick of key highlights for the months of January, February and March 2025

Read the Bulletin

By Genevieve Osuorji
AMCOW ES with Senegal Minister
News
April 29, 2025

AMCOW President, Dr Cheikh Tidiane DIEYE, commits to work with Water Ministers on the Continent to drive Water and Sanitation Agenda

On Monday, April 28, the AMCOW President, Dr Cheikh Tidiane DIEYE reaffirmed Senegal’s commitment towards setting the water and sanitation agenda on the Continent. His Excellency Dr DIEYE, who is also Senegal’s Minister for Water and Sanitation said this during a working session with AMCOW Executive Secretary, Dr Rashid Mbaziira.

Dr Mbaziira used the occasion to thank AMCOW President and the Government of the Republic of Senegal for support and commitment towards the AMCOW work programme.

The Republic of Senegal, together with Member States and the African Union Commission, advocated for the adoption of water and sanitation as the African Union Theme for 2026. During the 38th Ordinary Session, the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government (HoSG) of the Union took a decision adopting “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063” as the African Union Theme of the year 2026.

The business of the Union to commemorate the water and sanitation theme will be launched at the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly in February 2026. The Summit will set the stage for consideration and adoption of an Africa Water Vision and Policy. The goal is to strengthen water security towards attainment of Africa’s aspirations to expand economic opportunities; and curtail the factors underlying unemployment, migration, displacement and insecurity.

Regarding the formulation of the post-2025 Africa Water Vision and Policy, the AMCOW President, pledged to work with fellow Ministers to ensure consensus on priorities and common position. Dr DIEYE emphasised on the importance of strengthening cooperation and hydro-diplomacy within the context of existing challenges, including climate change.

He observed that the third African Implementation and Partnership Conference on water and sanitation (PANAFCON-3), hosted by the Republic of Zambia’s on 27 – 29 May 2025, provides an opportunity to build the consensus among political leaders.

Further, the AMCOW President also pledged to work with Member States to ensure vertical linkage and articulate Africa’s common position during the 2026 UN Water Conference. Senegal is Co-Chair with the United Arab Emirates of the 2026 UN Water Conference planned for December 2026 in Abhu Dhabi.

Dr DIEYE invited the Executive Secretary to work closely with the AMCOW Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Chairperson, Dr Bakary FATY, to strengthen engagement with Member States and development partners. During the working session, the AMCOW President was joined by Dr Mohamed C DIATTA (Focal Person for 2026 UN Water Conference), Dr Amadou GUEYE (Deputy Focal Person for the 2026 UN Water Conference) and Omar SENE (Director of Sanitation).   

The Republic of Senegal assumed the presidency from the Arab Republic of Egypt on 3 March 2025, and will lead AMCOW for a two-year term until 2027.


Le Président de l'AMCOW, le Dr. Cheikh Tidiane DIEYE, s'engage à travailler avec les ministres de l'eau du continent pour faire avancer l'agenda de l'eau et de l'assainissement

Le Président de l’AMCOW, le Dr. Cheikh Tidiane DIEYE, s’engage à travailler avec les ministres de l’eau du continent pour faire avancer l’agenda de l’eau et de l’assainissement.

Le lundi 28 avril, le Président de l’AMCOW, Dr Cheikh Tidiane DIEYE, a réaffirmé l’engagement du Sénégal à définir l’agenda de l’eau et de l’assainissement sur le continent. Son Excellence le Dr DIEYE, qui est également ministre sénégalais de l’eau et de l’assainissement, a fait cette déclaration lors d’une séance de travail avec le Secrétaire exécutif de l’AMCOW, le Dr Rashid MBAZIIRA.

Le Dr MBAZIIRA a profité de l’occasion pour remercier le président de l’AMCOW et le gouvernement de la République du Sénégal pour leur soutien et leur engagement envers le programme de travail de l’AMCOW.

La République du Sénégal, de concert avec les États membres et la Commission de l’Union africaine, a plaidé pour l’adoption de l’eau et de l’assainissement comme thème de l’Union africaine pour l’année 2026. Lors de sa 38ème session ordinaire, la Conférence des Chefs d’Etat et de Gouvernement (HoSG) de l’Union a pris une décision adoptant « Assurer une disponibilité durable de l’eau et des systèmes d’assainissement sûrs pour atteindre les objectifs de l’Agenda 2063 » comme thème de l’Union africaine pour l’année 2026.

Les travaux de l’Union pour commémorer le thème de l’eau et de l’assainissement seront lancés lors de la 39ème session ordinaire de l’Assemblée en février 2026. Le sommet ouvrira la voie à l’examen et à l’adoption d’une Vision et d’une Politique africaines de l’eau. L’objectif est de renforcer la sécurité de l’eau en vue de réaliser les aspirations de l’Afrique à élargir les opportunités économiques et à atténuer les facteurs sous-jacents au chômage, à la migration, au déplacement et à l’insécurité.

En ce qui concerne la formulation de la Vision et de la Politique africaines de l’eau post-2025, le président de l’AMCOW s’est engagé à travailler avec ses homologues ministres pour garantir un consensus sur les priorités et une position commune. Dr. DIEYE a souligné l’importance de renforcer la coopération et l’hydro-diplomatie (la diplomatie liée à la gestion des ressources en eau) dans le contexte des défis actuels, y compris le changement climatique.

Il a observé que la Troisième Conférence panafricaine de mise en œuvre et de partenariat sur l’eau et l’assainissement (PANAFCON-3), accueillie par la République de Zambie du 27 au 29 mai 2025, offre l’occasion d’établir un consensus entre les dirigeants politiques.

En outre, le président de l’AMCOW s’est également engagé à travailler avec les États membres pour assurer la coordination entre les niveaux institutionnels et exprimer la position commune de l’Afrique lors de la Conférence de l’ONU sur l’eau de 2026. Le Sénégal copréside avec les Émirats arabes unis la Conférence des Nations unies sur l’eau de 2026, prévue en décembre 2026 à Abou Dhabi.

Le Dr DIEYE a invité le Secrétaire exécutif à travailler en étroite collaboration avec le Président du Comité consultatif technique (TAC) de l’AMCOW, le Dr Bakary FATY, afin de renforcer l’engagement avec les États membres et les partenaires de développement. Au cours de la session de travail, le Président de l’AMCOW a été rejoint par le Dr Mohamed C. DIATTA (Point focal pour la Conférence de l’ONU sur l’eau 2026), le Dr Amadou GUEYE (Adjointe au Point focal pour la Conférence de l’ONU sur l’eau) et Omar SENE (Directeur de l’Assainissement).

La République du Sénégal a succédé à la République arabe d’Égypte et assurera la présidence de l’AMCOW jusqu’en 2027, pour un mandat de deux ans

By Genevieve Osuorji
SAM NUJOMA4
Special Messages
February 9, 2025

AMCOW mourns the passing of His Excellency Dr Sam Nujoma, Father of the Nation and Founding President of the Republic Of Namibia

We convey the condolences of the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) on the passing of the founding father of the Nation and president of the Republic of Namibia, His Excellency Dr Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma on 9 February 2025.

We join the people and the Government of the Republic of Namibia in mourning during this dark moment.

We will, forever, remember His Excellency’s dedication of his life to his people. He lived a remarkable life serving, from an early age, the people of the Republic of Namibia as a freedom fighter, revolutionary leader and the founding father of the Nation.

His extra-ordinary and exemplary leadership laid the foundations on which policies for sectors including water and sanitation were built and established for the benefit of the people of the Land of the Brave and beyond.  

His legacy will always remind us of what it really means to apply the philosophy of ubuntu.

By Genevieve Osuorji
Bala
News
February 5, 2025

AMCOW announces Acting Director of Corporate Services

The African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) announces the appointment of Mr Bala M Taham as acting Director of Corporate Services. The appointment takes immediate effect.

Mr Bala is a pioneer staff member of AMCOW. He brings to the role over two decades of experience and demonstrated success in financial management, administration, human resources management and procurement.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU Zaria). In addition, he is a certified member of the Chartered Institute of Cost and Management Accountants (CICMA), the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), and the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supplies (CIPs).

Mr Bala has held several positions in the Corporate Services Department at AMCOW – including Project Accountant, Procurement Specialist, HR and Procurement Specialist, and currently, Government Liaison Officer. He will act as the Corporate Services Director pending the appointment of a substantive Director for the department.

By Genevieve Osuorji