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+234 9096074166

Author: Obinna Anah
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Archives
January 24, 2023

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION: RAISED FLOOR AND FM200 FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM

Duration of the assignment: 2 weeks
Publish date: 24th January 2023

1.0    BACKGROUND 

The African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) is an intergovernmental institution formed in 2002 in Abuja, Nigeria. The vision of AMCOW is an Africa where there is an equitable and sustainable use and management of water resources for poverty alleviation, socio-economic development, regional cooperation, and the environment. AMCOW’s mission is to provide 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. The Organs and structures of AMCOW serve as the working group on Water and Sanitation of the African Union’s Specialized Technical Committee (STC) of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (ARBE). For more information, refer to: http://www.amcow-online.org/

AMCOW has recently signed up Grant Agreements with USAID and BMGF for, among other things, institutional support. AMCOW wishes to apply some of the proceeds of these Grants to upgrade its server room which hosts the Pan-African Water and Sanitation Sector Monitoring and Reporting System (WASSMO) and AMCOW’s Enterprise Resource Planning System Servers.

Against this background, AMCOW invites interested consultants to provide financial and technical proposals for the installation of the FM200 fire suppression system and Raised floor in its Server Room.

2.0      OBJECTIVE OF THE CONSULTANCY

This consultancy aims to improve the server room’s standard at the AMCOW Secretariat and implement systems that protect crucial equipment from fire outbreaks and floods.

3.0      SCOPE OF WORK

Install the Raised floor using a Cementitious access panel (600×600 x 40mm) with skating material. The server room is approximately 14ft x 9ft. The raised floor should be 1.7ft above the ground.

Installation of complete FM200 Fire Suppression system with 32 kg cylinder and gas.

Interested Consultants are to prepare a technical and financial proposal for this activity. The technical proposal should demonstrate a detailed understanding of the subject matter and clearly state the materials and quantities used. The financial proposal should state the payment terms.

4.0      DURATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The duration of this assignment is 2weeks. Consultant would be required to work weekends too to reduce the impact of downtime.

5.0      QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

A minimum of 5 years experience setting up data centres and server rooms, deploying Raised floors and FM200 fire suppression systems are required. Consultants are to submit verifiable evidence of previous similar work done.

6.0      SUBMISSION OF TECHNICAL & FINANCIAL PROPOSALS

Interested consultants must submit their technical and financial proposals before 7th February 2023. All proposals should be sent via email and addressed to the Executive Secretary.

The Executive Secretary

African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW)

No 11, T.Y Danjuma Street, Asokoro

Abuja

         info@amcow-online.org

The same e-mail address can be used to request additional information or clarifications. Interested consultants may visit the Secretariat for more information to aid the proposals.

By Obinna Anah
AMCOW-sg-2-1
Special Messages
December 24, 2022

Seasons Greetings 2022 from AMCOW ES(002)

Dear Stakeholders of the Water Community.

Seasons greetings to you from AMCOW Secretariat, Abuja.

Times run so fast. 2022 is coming to an end. However, the year has been successful and impactful for the water community in Africa and beyond.

Emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022 was challenging, but through cooperation and effective collaboration we achieved much. 

This year, AMCOW turned 20. The 9th World Water Forum provided an excellent opportunity to celebrate AMCOW’s 20th Anniversary. For the first time at the Forum, AMCOW and the African Development Bank jointly hosted an Africa Pavilion and facilitated continental engagement. We mobilised new partners – signed six new Memoranda of Understanding, and triggered dialogue on the Team Europe Blue Initiative on Transboundary Water Resources Management. The engagement continued with a follow-up consultation led by the African Union Commission, AMCOW, AfDB, River and Lake Basins LBOs, and the European Commission – to come up with a strategic framework for the Initiative in Africa. Also, under the leadership of the AUC, AMCOW organised a third African Water Partners Coordination Platform (PCP) to assess progress and challenges in achieving continental goals on water.

In April, AMCOW welcomed an AfDB-Africa Water Facility (AWF) delegation to strengthen collaboration for water governance and reporting on the 2008 Sharm El Sheikh commitments. By mid-year, AMCOW and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) convened a first Africa Sanitation Sector Partners Alignment Workshop. Partners determined areas of synergy in utilising the African Sanitation Policy Guidelines (ASPG) to strengthen Africa’s sanitation policy environment. Learning from this alignment workshop triggered the organisation of another sanitation advocacy partners roundtable in Nairobi by BMGF.

From May to July, we had the training of Member States’ focal points for the Water and Sanitation Sector Monitoring and Reporting. The activity helped us to strengthen and launch the 2022 WASSMO data collection exercise. Also, we organised its Sub-Regional Ministerial Consultations with its Technical Expert Committees and Technical Advisory Committees across all five regions of Western, Eastern, Central, Northern and Southern Africa. The consultations facilitated joint identification of continental priorities and collaboration among Member States, Regional Economic Communities and the River and Lake Basins. Member States also nominated countries to represent their regions in AMCOW’s Policy Organs for 2023-2025. 

In August, we mobilised Member States to the Stockholm World Water Week 2022. AMCOW held the Africa Focus Day event and agreed on the Terms of Reference for operationalising the Development Partners Coordination Framework. Also, AMCOW launched a Knowledge Management Challenge to improve Africa’s water wisdom in line with the Africa Water Vision 2025. 

As AMCOW President, The Republic of Namibia hosted the 13th Ordinary Session of AMCOW’s Executive Committee (EXCO) in October. EXCO Ministers that were present approved AMCOW’s work programmes 2023-2024 and other continental initiatives on water and sanitation. Also, the EXCO adopted the Dakar Declaration-A Blue Deal for Water Security and Sanitation for Peace and Development – as Africa’s common position for the UN 2023 Water Conference.

AMCOW, AfDB and UNECA – led by the African Union – organized two Regional Consultations on the mid-term review of the Water Action Decade – to strengthen Africa’s message toward the UN 2023 Water Conference. In preparations for the Conference in March 2023, AMCOW, in collaboration with UNESCO, convened the Africa Focus Event on the margins of the Decemeber 2023 UN Groundwater Summit. AMCOW undertook consultations on its new Strategic Groundwater Programme for Water Security and Resilience in Africa.

To close the year in elegance, AMCOW’s membership in the World Water Council’s Board of Governors got renewed. This re-election means AMCOW will play a leadership role in mobilising a solid and impactful African presence at the 10th World Water Forum in Bali, Indonesia. 

Overall, 2022 sets a springboard for better achievements in the coming years. We have taken stock of the progress and challenges we experienced, and we have planned for 2023. 

In the pursuit of assuring water security and safely managed sanitation, AMCOW will play significant leadership roles at global and continental events, including the UN 2023 Water Conference in March, planning and preparatory meetings toward the 10th World Water Forum, Cairo Water Week 2023 and the organisation the AfricaSan7 conference from 10 to 15 June 2023. 

We remain thankful to all our Stakeholders, Member States, the African Union, development partners and donors, that have made 2022 successful for AMCOW. 

We look forward to 2023 – with hope for strengthened collaboration and collective action in the pursuit of sector goals. We uphold a renewed confidence toward delivering water for all purposes.

AMCOW Secretariat anticipates a more fruitful year 2023.

Continue to follow us on our social media handles: @amcowafrica (on Twitter); @AfricanMinistersCouncilonWater (on LinkedIn)

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Dr Rashid Mbaziira, 

Executive Secretary, AMCOW.

By Obinna Anah
Archives
December 19, 2022

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI) EVENT MANAGEMENT FIRM TO DELIVER THE 7th AFRICASAN CONFERENCE

Details

1.0.        ABOUT THE AFRICAN MINISTERS’COUNCIL ON WATER

The African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) is an intergovernmental institution formed in 2002 in Abuja, Nigeria. AMCOW’s structure and organs serve as the working group on water and sanitation for the Specialized Technical Committee (STC) of the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Environment (ARWE) of the African Union (AU). Our mission is to provide 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. For more information, visit https://amcow-online.org/  

2.0.        BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The AfricaSan Conference is convened by the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) in conjunction with the African Union Commission and organized with other development partners. It represents a political commitment at the highest level. The conference draws at least 1,000 participants from governments, regional institutions, international partners, the private sector, the scientific community, civil society, and the media from all over the world. The AfricaSan Conference offers a platform for stakeholders in Africa’s sanitation and hygiene services delivery to collectively share lessons and formulate solutions to the sector’s challenges.

 Held biennially, the AfricaSan Conference has been institutionalized as one of AMCOW’s flagship platforms to accelerate the achievement of sanitation and hygiene goals in Africa. The other is the Africa Water Week. The two knowledge-sharing and accountability platforms are within the framework of motivating action to achieve the targets of the Ngor commitments, the SDGs; the Africa Water Vision 2025; and related goals of Africa’s Agenda 2063.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

AfricaSan Conference

The 7th AfricaSan conference is scheduled to take place on 12 – 16 June 2023 under the auspices of the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) in conjunction with the African Union Commission and supported by several partners. The overall aim of the conference is to

facilitate dialogue and sharing of knowledge and enhance the path towards achieving Sanitation and hygiene targets in Africa.

Specific objectives of the conference

The specific objective of the conference is to contribute to the overall goal:

  • To accelerate action to ensure adequate and equitable, safely managed sanitation and hygiene service provision for all, including women and girls and eliminate open defecation by 2030.

The conference is structured based on the following components:

  • Online registration and payment platform
  • Mobile application for dynamic event management
  • Registration Management
  • Protocol and reception
  • Transportation management (vehicles)
  • Accommodation
  • Ceremonies management (Opening, closing, awards, evening eve of conference networking and gala dinner)
  • Room and accessory management
  • Simultaneous translation system (equipment and translators)
  • Management of technical and tourist visits
  • Secretariat management
  • Paramedics services
  • Media management and journalists
  • Exhibition
  • Communications
  • Management of consumer events
  • Financial and accounting management

The conference target is tentatively planned to include the following:

Conference streamEight conference streams consisting of plenaries, country dialogue, sector dialogue, thematic sessions, ministerial dialogue, side events, exhibition, and field trip
Thematic sessionsAround 50 – 70 thematic sessions are to be organized over the conference period
Exhibition areaAround 50 exhibition points
Expected participants500 – 1000.
RoomsTen (10) rooms for sessions, secretariat, bilateral, paramedics,

To this end, expressions of Interest (EOIs) are invited from professional Events Management Firms of international repute to support AMCOW and the Local Organising Committee in the delivery of the AfricaSan7 conference.

2.1. Objectives of the Expression of Interest

This EOI aims to identify a plan to provide the best overall value to the 7th AfricaSan Conference. While price is a significant factor, more so now than in the past, other criteria will form the basis of the final decision.

Specifically, the selected firm will build on the achievements of AfricaSan5 in Cape Town, South Africa, to:

  • increase the AfricaSan Conference’s footprint and visibility;
  • develop and grow the conference exhibition component;
  • introduce an accountability element in the Conference’s overall format; and,
  • facilitate an increased amount of networking and relationship cultivation amongst actors in the sanitation and hygiene sector.

The Event Management firm will be responsible for delivering the entire conference, whose scope includes but is not limited to designing, branding, and overall event management.

2.2      Specific tasks for this assignment include:

2.2.1. Design and organise all streams of the conference:

  • Effectively plan and manage the arrangements of plenary sessions, country dialogue, sector dialogue, thematic sessions, ministerial dialogue, side events, exhibitions, award segments and field trips.
  • Participate in meetings as part of the preparatory process for the conference. This will include but not be limited to AITF meetings.
  • Engage support staff to ensure accurate timing of session transitions as well as provide general assistance during the conference period.
  • Attract sponsorship, exhibitors and continental and global participants to the conference
  • Contribute to the development and review of contents before upload as at and when necessary.

2.2.2. Information Technology (IT) Related services

  • Provide a portal for abstract collection and evaluation
  • Create and manage the conference website and app.
  • Provision and management of a seamless registration portal.
  • Provision of name tags with barcode scanners.
  • Establish a secretariat to manage all IT-related activities, including collation of presentations, ensuring rich and constant internet connectivity, provision of monitors, sound systems, etc
  • Rooms must be equipped for simultaneous interpretation in English and French.

2.2.3     Securing and managing the venue and accommodation

  • Secure conference venue. Ensure venue proximity to suitable accommodation, airport, and tourism sites.
  •  Ensure the conference facility has a hall suited for 1000 people, about seven (7) rooms that can accomodate100 – 200 people for parallel sessions, three (3) smaller rooms for secretariat services, meetings, and convenience facilities with walkways for tea/coffee dispensers
  • Ensure conference and meeting rooms are arranged before and after every session.
  • Arrange security and safety measures for a successful event.
  • Brand conference rooms and premises with information signs to aid identification and navigation within the conference vicinity and airports.

2.2.4      Hotel and restaurant:

  • The hotel/accommodation category must vary from 3 to 5 stars with preferential rates.
  • Recommended hotels must be listed on the conference website with pre-arranged pickups and drop-offs to and from hotels and conference venues.

2.2.5. Conference souvenirs:

  • Provide branded souvenirs for all registered delegates
  • Gift items should include branded note pads, pens, bags and other items fit for an event of such magnitude.

2.2.6. Exhibition Area

  • The conference venue should accommodate an exhibition area of 2000 M2 which will run in parallel with the main conference activities.
  • Water, coffee, and tea must be organized within the exhibition area throughout the conference period.

2.2.7. Communication and marketing

  • Provide a Communication Plan
  • Distribute a daily newsletter of event updates
  • Ensuring Communication for the general public

2.2.8.    Welcoming participants

  • Have access to the participants’ flight plan
  • Greeting new arrivals at the Airport
  • Integrate the delivery of a “Welcome kit” (including a refreshment) to arrivals (luggage area of the airport)
  • Organize the Airport/Hotel Transfer via shuttle to be handled by the hotel.
  • Ensure the transfer of participants to their different hotels

2.2.9.    Health management

  • Ensuring the COVID-19 system
  • Ensure the health system throughout the event
  • Ensure the relationship with selected hospitals
  • Provide the list of pharmacies/health centres in the vicinity (hotels & conference venue)
  • Set up a PCR test centre on the Conference site for the duration of the conference, especially near departures.

2.2.10. Catering services

  • Provisioning tickets on electronic badges of all participants, including exhibitors
  • Establish a list of surrounding restaurants and shopping malls  
  • Arrange a meal for technical field visits
  • Provide two tea breaks and lunch during the conference. Water and coffee must be available at the strategic location within the event premises.

2.2.11.  Printing services:

  • Management of all conference-related printing in line with AMCOW’s in-house style and brand guidelines.

Applications for this assignment close on 23 January 2023.

By Obinna Anah
Archives
December 9, 2022

AFRICAN MINISTERS’COUNCIL ON WATER (AMCOW) PRE-QUALIFICATION OF SUPPLIERS FOR THE YEAR 2023-2024

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) was formed in 2002 in Abuja, Nigeria, primarily to promote cooperation, security, social and economic development and poverty eradication among member states through effectively managing the continent’s water resources and provision of water supply services. The mission of AMCOW is to provide 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.

The Organs and Structures of AMCOW now serve as the Technical Working Group on Water and Sanitation of the Specialized Technical Committee (STC) on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Environment (ARDWE) of the African Union (AU).

AMCOW now invites interested suppliers or vendors to participate in the pre-qualification of suppliers for goods and services for two years from 31st January 2023 to 31st December 2024. This exercise will enable all suppliers who are interested in partnering with AMCOW for the supply of goods and services to get shortlisted as qualified AMCOW Suppliers/Vendors. This will make them eligible to fairly compete for any business opportunities available at AMCOW for the supply of goods and services.

2.0 PRE-QUALIFICATION OBJECTIVES

  1. To search for new suppliers of various goods and services on the market.
  2. Create a list of suppliers per category who shall be used every time AMCOW has a requirement.
  3. To benchmark market rates, quality and competitiveness.
  4. Explore Innovative solutions.
  5. To develop local suppliers

3.0 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

An Applicant, and all parties constituting the Applicant, shall meet the following criteria to be eligible to participate in AMCOW procurement:

  1. The applicant must have the legal capacity to enter into a contract;
  2. The applicant is not: Insolvent; In receivership; Bankrupt; or being wound up
  3. The applicant’s business activities have not been suspended;
  4. The applicant is not the subject of legal proceedings for any of the circumstances in (2); and
  5. The applicant has fulfilled his or her obligations to pay taxes and social security contributions.

4.0 COST OF APPLYING

The Applicant shall bear all costs associated with preparing and submitting its Application. AMCOW will, in no case, be responsible or liable for these costs, regardless of the conduct or outcome of the prequalification process.

5.0 CLARIFICATION OF PREQUALIFICATION DOCUMENTS

Prospective bidders are to submit pre-qualification / EOI documents for the category desired in two copies, each one for the technical bids and another for the Financial proposal packaged in sealed envelopes clearly marked pre-qualification documents for the desired category or Expression of interest.

A prospective applicant requiring any clarification of the prequalification documents may notify AMCOW in writing or by cable (hereinafter, the term

cable is deemed to include e-mail and telephone) at the client’s address indicated below.AMCOW will respond in writing to any request for clarification on the short-listing, which it receives no later than three (3) days before the

deadline for the submission of Applications.

Attention: The Chairperson| Internal Procurement Committee| AMCOW| No 11. T.Y Danjuma Street| Asokoro| Abuja

Email: info@amcow-online.org

Tel: +234 9096074166

6.0 RESPONSE METHODOLOGY

Suppliers can either send sealed bids or submit responses online.

6.1 Sealed Submission

All bids should be submitted at the AMCOW Secretariat, No 11, T.Y Danjuma Street, Asokoro, Abuja. This is a physical channel for carrying out the RFP-related correspondence. The place and manner of submission are as given below:

6.2 Online Submission:

Suppliers can also send their responses online. Responses can be emailed to info@amcow-online.org.

7.0 RFP TIMELINES

The timeline for this proposal process is outlined below:

Activities                                                                      Date & Time

  1. RFP Response Proposal Deadline              13 January 2023 at 5.00 pm
  2. Evaluation                                                        16 – 20 January 2023
  3. Communication to successful bidders       23 – 27 January 2023

8.0 EVALUATION CRITERIA

Evaluation CriteriaCriteria DescriptionWeightage (%)
1.Preliminary EvaluationIs the Vendor/Supplier qualified and registered to offer those Service / Goods? Vendor/Supplier should share Articles & Memorandum of Association Certificate of Incorporation Company Income Tax Clearance Certificate. Tax Registration CertificateDetailed Company Profile, stating current office address, email and phone numbers, with the CV of key staff.Audited Financials for three years.        30%
2.Technical CompetenceHas the Supplier/Vendor fully demonstrated the ability to carry out the service/deliver the goods? The supplier should: Demonstrate the ability to deliver the goods/services and share experience in similar works accomplished. Evidence of at least three (3) similar jobs’ successful execution and copies of award letters. Evidence of the firm’s registration with the relevant professional body or licenses. Evidence of financial capability, with reference from reputable commercial banks.Share innovative Solutions (if any)          60%
3. Completeness of SubmissionDid the Supplier/Vendor comply with the directions outlined in the pre-qualification document? Is their proposal clear, readable and the material easy to follow? All documents for submission must be transmitted with a covering letter under the firms/ company letterhead, bearing among others CAC registration number, contact address, phone and email  10%
 Total100%

9.0 GENERAL INFORMATION:

  • EOI must be in English / French languages and signed by an official authorized by the bidder.
  • EOI submitted after the deadline for submission would be returned un-opened
  • All costs will be borne by the bidders.
  • Suppliers are not allowed to bid for more than one category.
  • AMCOW is not bound to shortlist any bidder and reserves the right to annul the procurement.

Pre-qualification Categories

Category 1

Provision of Office Products (Office supplies, Stationeries, computer consumables and accessories) IT Equipment, Supplies & Services, Power Backup and Power Regulation Equipment.

  1. Supply of IT equipment (Laptops, desktops, Servers, Routers, Switches, IT Accessories and consumables).
  2. Supply of Original Phones of one or more Brands like Samsung, Huawei, ZTE, Techno and others.
  3. Repair and maintenance of servers, personal computers and laptops.
  4. This involves provision of IT support services at AMCOW Secretariat. The supplier should have qualified people and the ability to respond quickly to demands.
  5. Supply and maintenance of networking equipment, e.g., LAN cabling, Cisco equipment, routers and other accessories. AMCOW occasionally requires Networking equipment and solutions. Supplier should be able to deliver, install and support the equipment. AMCOW is not specific to any Model or Brand.
  6. Supply and Maintenance of deep cycle batteries and accessories, Inverters and solar equipment. Ability to supply and support. AMCOW is not brand specific.
  7. Supply and maintenance of UPS equipment, automatic voltage regulators/stabilizers and accessories. Ability to supply and support. AMCOW is not brand specific.

Category 2

Transport and Travel Related Services.

AMCOW will award an initial two-year frame agreement to one or two suppliers for the performance of these services:

  1. Ticketing services
  2. Events and other ground services.

Requirements:

  1. Accredited IATA (International Air Transportation Association) Travel agent duly licensed in Nigeria.
  2. Have a good track record of serving international organizations, EU institutions, Embassies, and Multinational corporations.
  3. Financial Soundness.
  4. Good reputation, with no involvement in or suspicion of corrupt or other malicious practices.
  5. Employs competent and qualified travel consultants, as evident in their cv.
  6. Maintains reliable facilities for online bookings/ airline reservations.

Category 3

Promotional Materials and Publications.

  1. Preparing conference communications,
  2. Development of documentaries,
  3. Knowledge curation and other KM activities,
  4. Library assistance,
  5. Content creation for social media,
  6. Production of branded materials,
  7. Graphic designs,
  8. Videography,
  9. Printing service.

Category 4

Simultaneous Interpretations, Translation Services & Hiring of Interpretation and Hybrid meeting Equipment’s;

By Obinna Anah
AMCOW witnesses the First African Water Supply and Sanitation Regulators Conference – organised by ESAWAS
News
November 27, 2022

AMCOW witnesses the First African Water Supply and Sanitation Regulators Conference – organised by ESAWAS

On 15-18 November 2022, AMCOW joined the Eastern and Southern Africa Water and Sanitation (ESAWAS) at the first African Water Supply and Sanitation Regulators Conference. The workshop, held in Zanzibar, Tanzania, aimed to change the water supply and sanitation regulation narrative across Africa through strengthened sector accountability.

By Obinna Anah
Africa concludes its second regional consultation of the mid-term review on the implementation of the UN Water Action Decade in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
News
November 8, 2022

Africa concludes its second regional consultation of the mid-term review on the implementation of the UN Water Action Decade in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.

African water professionals convened in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on 7-8 November 2022 for a final consultation on the mid-term review of the UN Water Action Decade implementation. Led by the African Union Commission, the engagement was jointly coordinated by the UN Economic Commission of Africa (ECA), the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) and the African Development Bank.

The meeting was declared open by Dr Adam Karia, Rector and Executive Water Officer of Tanzania Water Institute, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Eng. Anthony Sanga. Other participants include representatives of the AU, Member States, regional economic communities, river and lake basins, civil societies and relevant institutions.

In December 2016, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the resolution “International Decade (2018–2028) for Action – Water for Sustainable Development” to help put a greater focus on the water during the ten years ahead. This meeting prepares Africa’s position ahead of the UN 2023 Water Conference.

The 2nd regional consultation reviewed the first report and outcome statements, which took place on the 13 and 14th of June 2022. The second consultation identified the gaps in the first report and made proposals to improve the record. Through this engagement, the participants adopted Africa’s priorities. Participants agreed on a harmonised approach for presenting Africa’s inputs to the Mid-Term Review of the International Water Decade, “Water for Sustainable Development”, in March 2023.

Considering the overarching water needs as postulated in the Africa Water Vision 2025 and Agenda 2063. The meeting received presentations on the following:

i. Objectives and expected outcomes of the Water Action Decade’s regional consultations,

ii. African Union Technical Paper, Africa’s water, sanitation and hygiene progress and

iii. The Blue Deal for Water Security and Sanitation for Development and Peace set the stage for meaningful interventions

Group and plenary sessions were conducted, and participants provided inputs on regional priorities across the five themes from the UN General Assembly (UNGA) Dialogue of water for development, climate resilience, cooperation, health, and water action decade.

In a speech on his behalf, the AUC Director for Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy (SEBE), Mr Harsen Nyambe, commended the Executive Committee (EXCO) of the Governance of AMCOW. He stated that the AUC was happy to see the 13th Ordinary Session – call for consolidation of the Africa common position and input to the UN 2023 Water Conference.

At the preparatory engagement of the second consultation, AMCOW’s Acting Director of Programmes, Dr Azzika Tanko, said, “the meeting provides an opportunity to fill the gaps between the first, the AMCOW EXCO meeting and the 2022 WASSMO report – to consolidate key messages to the UN 2023 Water Conference in 2023.”

In a statement on his behalf, ECA Director for Technology, Climate Change and Natural Resources Management, Mr Jean-paul Adam, underlined the need for bolder and transformative interventions in the second half of the Water Action Decade. In this regard, he said that innovative financing sources for water are essential and shared work being carried out by ECA and partners, including on green and sustainability bonds and the Great Blue Wall Initiative.

At the end of the two days, participants considered and refined messages for the high-level political forum and Water for Sustainable Development Conference (WAD 2023), the roadmap of reviews and activities, African inputs into the Groundwater Summit 2022, road Map of activities to International Decade Mid-Term Review Conference 2023 and the recommendations on the revitalisation of UN-Water Africa.

Click on this link for a report on the first Africa regional consultation.

By Obinna Anah
AMCOW witnesses Africa Water Facility’s 22nd Governance Council and 2nd Donors Meetings
News
November 6, 2022

AMCOW witnesses Africa Water Facility’s 22nd Governance Council and 2nd Donors Meetings

On 3-4 November 2022, the 22nd Governing Council Meeting of the African Water Facility and 2nd Donors Meeting, held in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire – with AMCOW in participation.

The AWF, an initiative of AMCOW, is a crucial instrument hosted by the African Development Bank for funding projects preparation towards pursuing water and sanitation goals in Africa.

The meeting was attended by representatives of organisations, including the, the Deputy Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Republic of Ghana, S E M Sidonie Moussirou, Le ministre délégué auprès du ministre d’État, ministre de l’Énergie et des Ressources hydrauliques, Ms Tine Anbaek, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Ms Agnes Moser, Austrian Development Agency, Mr Aage Jorgensen, Nordic Development Fund, Mr James Dumpert, USAID, Jan Willem Rosenboom, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, M Ridha Gabouj, Director General Tunisia, Mr Osward Chanda, Director AHWS/AWF, and Mr Johannes Mtchera Chirwa, Coordinator AWF.

As part of the annual statutory meetings of AWF, the 22nd GCM reviewed the progress of the fiscal year of 2022, gave strategic direction, and approved the work plan and budget for 2023. As a Member of the Governing Council, AMCOW’s involvement in the AWF’s statutory meeting is essential to set the agenda for supporting project preparation. The event presented an opportunity for the AMCOW Secretariat and the AWF to reinforce the implementation of their work plans as follows mutually:

  • To jointly work on investment promotion/resources mobilisation activities;
  • To leverage AMCOW’s convening mandate to facilitate dialogue processes among riparian Member States to unblock bottlenecks constraining progress on implementing transboundary projects; and,
  • To utilise engagements with the leadership of Member States to draw attention to sorely needed solutions to the political challenges faced on some of the projects.

The 22nd Governing Council Meeting of the AWF made critical decisions on the following:

  1. The endorsement of the plans for investment promotion to secure downstream investment for AWF grant-funded investment-ready projects
  2. Continued engagement between the AWF and partners to articulate an appropriate mechanism for supporting project preparation, particularly in non-fragile Member States. Mechanisms modelled on a reimbursable grant window to be explored to strengthen the sustainability of the Facility;
  3. Endorsement of agreed changes to AWF Operational Procedures and Establishment instrument;
  4. Approval to operationalise a dedicated window for the Africa Urban Sanitation Fund (AUSIF); and,
  5. The approval of the 2023 AWF Work Plan and Budget.

The AWF will continue its revitalisation effort to assure the world of its relevance in supporting Africa’s funding requirements for project preparation. On the other hand, AMCOW Secretariat will continue to work with the AWF team to advance the opportunities for mutual reinforcement of the implementation of each other’s work plans.

By Obinna Anah
Decisions of the 13th Ordinary Session of the EXCO – African Ministers’ Council on Water
News
October 19, 2022

Decisions of the 13th Ordinary Session of the EXCO – African Ministers’ Council on Water

Under the Rules of Procedure of the Governing Council of AMCOW, the 13th Ordinary Session of the Executive Committee of the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) convened in Windhoek, Namibia, on 10-13 October 2022.

The 13th EXCO was hosted under Namibia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, led by the Honourable Minister and AMCOW’s President, His Excellency Carl Herman Gustav Schlettwein. The meeting was chaired by Mrs Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, Executive Director, Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Republic of Namibia and AMCOW Technical Advisory Committee Chairperson.

African Ministers responsible for water affairs in attendance were:

H.E. Hon. Carl Hermann Gustav Schlettwein; the AMCOW President and Minister for Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Republic of Namibia, Her Excellence Cecília Chamutota; AMCOW Vice President – Southern Africa, and Vice Minister for Public Works, Housing and Water Resources, H.E. Hon. Engr Suleiman ADAMU; AMCOW Vice President – West Africa, Minister for Water Resources, Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Hon. Serigne Mbaye THIAM; Minister for Hydraulics and Sanitation, Republic of Senegal, H.E. Hon. Prof. Dr Hani Atef Nabhan Sweilam; Minister for Water Resources and Irrigation, Arab Republic of Egypt, and Hon. Jumaa Hamidu AWESO (MP); Minister for Water, United Republic of Tanzania.

Her Excellency Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko, Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture of the African Union Commission, joined the meeting virtually. The Director of Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy of the AUC, Mr HarsemnNyambe, was present to represent the Commissioner in person.

Hon. John Francis Bande, Deputy Minister for Water and Sanitation, represented Malawi. Mr Sylvain Guebanda represented the Central African Republic, Dr Zebene Lakew Teffera represented Ethiopia and H E Hon. Kone Sakaria represented Cote d’Ivoire.

The Ordinary Session comprised the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) session (from 10-12 October 2022) and the Ministerial Session (on 13 October 2022).

The EXCO received and considered progress reports on the implementation of the AMCOW Work Programme, the 2021 audit and financial progress report, AMCOW’s 3-Year Programme and budget and other matters arising from continental initiatives.

Rising on 13 October 2022, the 13th Ordinary Session of EXCO took the following decisions in the link below:

https://knowledgehub.amcow-online.org/resource/decisions-of-the-13th-ordinary-session-of-the-executive-committee-of-the-governing-council-of-amcow-held-on-13th-october-2022-in-windhoek-namibia

By Obinna Anah
AMCOW President
FeaturedNews
October 13, 2022

Decisions of the 13th Ordinary Session of the EXCO – African Ministers’ Council on Water

The 13th Ordinary Session of the Executive Committee of the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) convened in Windhoek, Namibia, on 10-13 October 2022.

By Obinna Anah
AMCOW visits Mauritania’s Minister for Hydraulic and Sanitation
News
September 19, 2022

AMCOW visits Mauritania’s Minister for Hydraulic and Sanitation

Since the 9th World Water Forum in Dakar, Senegal, the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) has intensified engagement and closer work with African Ministers responsible for water and sanitation. The idea is to discuss Member States’ water and sanitation priorities and possible solutions to their challenges. Also, the Secretariat apprises the Ministers of AMCOW’s programmes and project activities – to get their continued strategic advisory and oversight.

On Friday, 16th of September, AMCOW’s Executive Secretary, Dr Rashid Mbaziira, was on a courtesy visit with the Minister for Hydraulic and Sanitation, the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, H. E. Sidi Mohamed Ould TALEB AMAR. 

A critical issue discussed during the meeting was the impacts of the flood in Mauritania – caused by heavy rains and the emergency action plan.

Also, they discussed AMCOW’s Governance Structure, including Mauritania’s role as AMCOW’s Vice President for North Africa, the mobilisation of EXCO Ministers from North Africa, and the Hon. Minister’s participation at COP27 Egypt. The Hon. Minister and Dr Rashid deliberated on AMCOW’s role and mandate as a support mechanism to the African Union‘s Specialised Technical Sub-Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Environment (ARDWE). 

They further deliberated on the Honourable Minister’s participation in the upcoming AMCOW Executive Council (EXCO) meeting hosted by Namibia in October 2022.

You can read more about AMCOW Secretariat’s engagement with Nigeria’s Hon. Engr Suleiman, Mozambique’s H.E. Carlos Alberto Fortes Mesquita, H E Muhammed Aty of Egypt, and the Deputy Minister for Water and Sanitation, Republic of Malawi, Hon. John Bande.

By Obinna Anah