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.
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.
The 10th World Water Forum commences today with a grand opening ceremony, marking the beginning of another edition of the largest global convention dedicated to water. Throughout 18-25 May 2024, global leaders, heads of international organisations, high-level government officials, experts, scholars, entrepreneurs, and economists will converge to share their knowledge, experiences, and practices on a wide range of water-related topics. This prestigious event seeks to address and strategise solutions for pressing water issues.
A significant moment in the Forum’s history, particularly for Africa, was the Africa Water Vision 2025 launch during the second Forum in 2000. The 2024 World Water Forum is determining for the continent as it will outline and endorse the region’s priorities and supply more impetus to the post-2025 Africa Water Vision.
The African region, spearheaded by the African Union-mandated African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW), will be duly represented in the Forum following extensive regional consultations in the past months. Through the collaboration of the African Union Commission (AUC), the African Development Bank (AfDB), AMCOW and the African Water Facility (AWF), the 10th Forum is hosting an African Pavilion. The Pavilion will be a hub for information and knowledge sharing, facilitating bilateral engagements among Africa’s water partners. The pavilion will feature 18 technical discussions by African institutions, clustered into seven sessions throughout the week from 20-25 May. The 10th World Water Forum will also deliver more African events, including nine regional processes, one side event, two special sessions, two high-level panels, and one Africa Regional Process Synthesis Session.
Africa invites participants to join these events, with detailed programmes available through AMCOW’s Mailchimp and social media platforms. Click the following link for a more comprehensive programme: https://worldwaterforum.org/provisional-agenda
About the World Water Forum
The World Water Forum, co-hosted by the World Water Council and a host city every three years since 1997, is more than a conference. It includes a three-year preparatory phase, a one-week event phase, and a synthesis phase to present results and support collective action. The Forum unites diverse stakeholders from politics, multilateral institutions, academia, civil society, and the private sector. Participation has grown from a few hundred to tens of thousands from the international community and host countries. For more information and a comprehensive programme of the Forum, please visit the World Water Forum official website: https://worldwaterforum.org/
AMCOW’s statutory meeting of the Technical Experts Committee (TEC) and the Technical Advisory Committee of Central Africa occurred from 22 to 23 April 2024 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. The consultation convened representatives from AMCOW’s Central African member states, the Economic Community of the Central African States (ECCAS), the Lake Chad Basin Commission (CBLT), and other regional institutions, aiming to strengthen institutional linkages and operational arrangements while addressing emerging water-related challenges across the continent.
The key objectives of the meeting included apprising member states of the status of the implementation of the decisions of the 13th General Assembly of AMCOW. The meeting collated Central Africa’s inputs into Africa’s key messages and common position for the 10th World Water Forum. Also, the consultation witnessed the nomination of member states to represent Central Africa in AMCOW’s policy organs for the 2025-2027 tenure.
(Left) AMCOW Vice TAC Chair, Madam Ligia Barros, and (right) Minister of Fisheries and Water Resources, Honourable Francisco Medina Catalán, Equatorial Guinea.
The Minister of Fisheries and Water Resources, Honourable Francisco Medina Catalán, who opened the meeting and delivered the closing remark on the last day, warmly received the delegation. At the opening, the Minister expressed Equatorial Guinea’s pleasure in hosting the meeting and stressed that the country is committed to water resource management in Africa and willing to learn from the experiences of other member states. He highlighted the interconnectedness of water security and the recent food crises in Western and Central Africa. Hon. Francisco Medina Catalán urged collective support for Africa’s participation in global water forums led by AMCOW.
Subsequent statements from AMCOW Vice TAC Chair for Central Africa, Madam Ligia Barros, and representatives from ECCAS and CBLT underscored the importance of collaboration in addressing water management challenges. The TAC Vice Chair emphasised the need for increased regional coordination among the Central African member states and encouraged the delegates to participate actively in the upcoming World Water Forum.
A cross-section of participants of the Central Africa sub-regional meeting
With all member states represented, including other participants from regional organisations, the consultation saw fruitful discussions and presentations. ECCAS shared its ongoing efforts to tackle water security challenges and stressed the importance of funding and collaboration for effective water management. Similarly, CBLT and the Global Water Partnership (GWP) presentations promoted water resource management, transboundary cooperation, and capacity building.
During the closing, Minister Francisco Medina Catalán expressed gratitude for the nomination of Equatorial Guinea as AMCOW’s Vice President for Central Africa for 2025-2027. Madam Ligia Barros appreciated all participants and acknowledged their engagement and interventions throughout the consultation. The AMCOW Central Africa Sub-Regional Consultation with TEC and TAC concluded with optimism and renewed energy to work together to deliver Africa’s water agenda.
This is to wish you and your loved ones happy holidays as we celebrate Christmas and New Year 2024. For us, it is also a perfect moment to look back at what can be described as an eventful 2023.
On behalf of the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) family, and indeed myself, I would like to express our gratitude for all your support throughout the year. We highly value your collective efforts towards advancing Africa’s water and sanitation agenda at all levels.
As 2023 comes to an end, we would like to take a moment and recall some of the notable activities and achievements across the year.
Fresh in our minds is the 7th Edition of the African Sanitation and Hygiene (AfricaSnan7) Conference, successfully convened with the Africa Union Commission (AUC) and hosted by the Republic of Namibia from 6 – 11 November. Held in the historic coastal city of Swakopmund, the conference gathered about 850 delegates, including 30 Ministers, heads of delegations, and dignitaries, as well as 15 exhibitors. The main outcome of the Conference was the Swakopmund Declaration on “Accelerated Actions for Inclusive, Sustainable and Resilient Sanitation and Hygiene Services Delivery in Africa“. The Declaration also amplified the calls for the African Union to adopt water and sanitation as the theme for the year 2026. Further, AfricaSan7 provided the platform for the launch of the 2023 Ngor Commitments Monitoring Report and outstanding contributions to Africa’s Sanitation as well as Hygiene were recognised and celebrated through awards under different categories.
The 13th General Assembly of the Governing Council of AMCOW hosted by the Arab Republic of Egypt in Cairo in June was the main highlight for the first half of 2023. The Assembly, attended by 40 Ministers and heads of delegation, took decisions aimed at raising the profile of water and sanitation high in political and socio-economic development planning processes. Among the decisions, the Council, through the Specialized Technical Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Environment (STC-ARDWE), appealed to the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union to adopt Water and Sanitation as the African Union (AU) theme for 2026.
Earlier in the year, the AMCOW Executive Secretary undertook missions and courtesy visits aimed at reinforcing diplomatic ties and promoting water and sanitation priorities at the Member States’ level. These included courtesy visit to Ghana, Gambia, Sao Tome, Eswatini, Burkina Faso, and Kenya.
In February, during the 21st International Congress of the African Water Association (AfWASA) and the 7th Faecal Sludge Management Conference held in Abidjan, AMCOW convened a few technical sessions. AMCOW Secretariat used one of the sessions to review progress on the utilisation of the Africa Sanitation Policy Guidelines (ASPG) to foster knowledge exchange among Member States and partners. The Congress was also a perfect platform to engage with sanitation partners towards preparations for the AfricaSan7 Conference.
In March, the spotlight was on the “once in a lifetime” United Nations 2023 Water Conference, where sector leaders joined the African Union Commission and AMCOW to launch the 2022 Africa Water and Sanitation Report. Further, key messages constituting Africa’s common position and input were presented during the UN 2023 Water Conference. These messages contributed key outcomes to the Final Report of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Report. Further, African Heads of State committed to five new Presidential Compacts to accelerate access to water and sanitation services, including increasing budget allocations, reducing open defecation, and delivering climate-resilient services.
The month of April allowed us to strengthen the Secretariat’s internal management and fiduciary systems with the introduction of the new NetSuite Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Application. The application, which went live in June, is designed to streamline our operations, enhance overall efficiency, improve accuracy in financial reporting, and ensure compliance with our regulatory requirements.
In May, AMCOW participated in the High-Level dialogue on Transboundary Water Resources Management in Africa in Entebbe, the Republic of Uganda. The event was convened under the auspices of the African Network of Basin Organisations (ANBO). At its conclusions, the “Kampala Declaration on Transboundary Water Resources Management in Africa” was adopted. The declaration sets the agenda and aims to add impetus to ongoing actions to achieve the targets of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and, in turn, the Africa Agenda 2063.
In August, AMCOW participated in the World Water Week (WWW) 2023. We convened agenda-setting sessions, including the High-Level Africa Focus Day, which provided the platform to discuss issues and shape a water-wise future for Africa. At the WWW, we also launched Africa’s Voice on Water magazine, which aims to cast a spotlight through stories and articles on the progress Africa is making towards water and sanitation goals.
In October, together with the African Union Commission, through the Directorate of Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy, the 4th African Water and Sanitation Partners’ Coordination Platform (PCP) meeting was convened. The PCP helped to set the stage for developing post-African Water Vision 2025, planning PANAFCON-3, and preparing for the 10th World Water Forum (10WWF).
AMCOW was also co-convener of the Africa Finance Ministers’ Meeting (AFMM) held together with UNICEF and SWA at the end of October. The AFMM aimed to mobilise political buy-in to invest in water and sanitation as a driver of sustained economic growth, improved public health, and a reduction in inequalities.
We closed 2023 with our participation at the AUC Specialised Technical Committee(STC) meeting held from 14 – 17 November in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. At the STC, AMCOW submitted the 2022 Annual Report of the Commission on the implementation of the July 2008 Assembly Declaration on the Sharm El Sheikh Commitments for Accelerating the Achievement of Water and Sanitation Goals in Africa. The 5th STC on ARDWE took several decisions related to water and sanitation as follows:
Endorsed for submission to the Assembly the 2022 annual report of the commission on the July 2008 Assembly Declaration regarding the Sharm el-Sheikh Commitments for accelerating the achievement of water and sanitation goals in Africa (Assembly/AU/Decl.1 (XI)).
Endorsed for submission to the Ministerial Committee on Agenda 2063, the request to adopt an African Union theme on water and sanitation for 2026.
Approved the proposal to adopt “assuring sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063” as the African Union theme of the year 2026.
Endorsed the 2023 report on the implementation of the 2015 Ngor Declaration.
Endorsed for submission to the Assembly the Swakopmund Declaration on “accelerated action for inclusive, sustainable, resilient and safely managed sanitation and hygiene services delivery in Africa”.
Underscored the key role of the Member States and encouraged them to actively engage in the ongoing processes to formulate the post-2025 Africa Water Vision.
AMCOW Secretariat remains very grateful to Member States for their continued support and solidarity. Special thanks to our partners, including the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), the Swedish International Development Corporation Agency (SIDA) and the African Development Bank (AfDB).
We are now looking forward to 2024 with much anticipation. The year 2024 marks the beginning of a defining moment as we cast our focus on the development of the Post-2025 Africa Water Vision. We only have two years before the current Africa Water Vision 2025 expires. The Vision, which could also be described as a precursor to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals – in terms of its ambition- has served as the ultimate guide and framework for Africa’s water and sanitation sector development. We remain confident in our collective ability to set the agenda and develop a Post-2025 Africa Water Vision aligned with the aspirations of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want!
May the festive season bring you and your loved ones joy and true happiness.
The African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) has been actively engaged in discussions and cooperation agreements at the 10th World Water Forum 2nd Stakeholders’ Consultation Meeting, held on October 13, 2023, in Bali, Indonesia. This meeting, titled “Interaction Between Processes,” focused on deepening efforts to prepare for the forthcoming 10th World Water Forum in 2024.
AMCOW, represented by its Executive Secretary, Dr. Rashid Mbaziira, and the Chair of the AMCOW Technical Advisory Committee, Dr. Tahani Sileet, attended the event as a member of the Governing Board. A key highlight of AMCOW’s participation was signing a significant Letter of Intent to enhance cooperation and support for the organisation of the 10th World Water Forum. The Letter of Intent, signed between the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, the World Water Council, and the African Minister’s Council on Water, outlines a commitment to collaborative efforts in preparation for the 10th World Water Forum, which is scheduled to take place in Bali, Indonesia, in May 2024. This agreement follows the Framework Agreement signed in October 2022 between the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and the World Water Council for the organisation of the 10th World Water Forum.
AMCOW’s critical role in this agreement highlights its dedication to fostering cooperation, socio-economic development, and adequate water resource management across Africa. As coordinators of the Africa Region of the Regional Process for the 10th World Water Forum, AMCOW plays a vital role in addressing the unique water challenges faced by the African continent. This commitment underscores the importance of the Africa Regional Process in addressing the diverse water needs of the region for shared prosperity.
Indonesia’s active involvement in global water issues and its hosting of the 10th World Water Forum in 2024 reflect its dedication to resolving water challenges on a global scale. The World Water Council, as an international multi-stakeholder platform, is committed to stimulating action on critical water issues at all levels, with a primary focus on the political dimensions of water security, adaptation, and sustainability. The World Water Council also owns the “World Water Forum” brand, recognised as the most significant global event dedicated to water.
The Letter of Intent signifies the Parties’ intent to jointly carry out activities in preparing the Africa Regional Process for the 10th World Water Forum. These activities will be defined further in subsequent agreements, specifying the roles and responsibilities of each Party. Notably, the Letter of Intent does not create legal obligations under international law, but only a commitment to cooperation in successfully organising the 10th Forum in Bali in May 2024.
During this strategic engagement, Dr. Rashid Mbaziira, the Executive Secretary of AMCOW, seized the opportunity to exchange insights with Indonesia’s Honourable Minister for Public Works and Housing, Hon. Basuki Hadimuljono. Their discussions revolved around critical issues within the water and sanitation sector, including the highly anticipated AfricaSan7 Conference.
Furthermore, Dr. Mbaziira discussed with various other African delegates at the event. Among these notable figures were Mamadou Mamour Diallo, the Director-General of the National Office for Sanitation (ONAS) in Senegal, Mouhamadou Gueye, the Director of Autonomous Sanitation, also from Senegal, and Dr. Diatta, who represented Senegal as well.
(From left to right) Mamadou Mamour Diallo, Director-General of the National Office for Sanitation (ONAS), Senegal, Mouhamadou Gueye, OSAS Director of Autonomous Sanitation, Senegal, Minister for Public Works and Housing, Indonesia, Hon. Basuki Hadimuljono, Dr Rashid Mbaziira, AMCOW Executive Secretary and Dr. Mohamed Diatta, Senegal
These interactions underscore the commitment of AMCOW and its key members to the sustainable management of water resources in Africa and the broader global community. By actively participating in the preparatory meetings and engaging in constructive dialogues, AMCOW is ensuring that the African perspective contributes effectively to global water and sanitation policies and the achievement of sustainable development goals.
Overall, AMCOW’s presence at the 10th World Water Forum Stakeholders’ Consultation Meeting and its participation in this cooperation agreement reaffirm its dedication to addressing critical water issues and advancing water management solutions in Africa and on a global scale. The collaboration between these parties sets the stage for a promising and impactful 10th World Water Forum in 2024.
The hunt is on for the public and private sector institutions contributing most to private capital mobilization and developing bankable and investable Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) projects in Africa.
Africa, as a continent, needs to mobilise $3trn to meet its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) projects by 2030, while the whole world only managed to mobilise $2.8trn for renewable energy investments over the past 20 years, with Africa only receiving 2% of that global sum.
Announced at the Global NDC Conference in Berlin, the 2023 NDC Investment Summit and Awards will be presented in December at COP28 in the UAE.
Hosted by the African investor (Ai) and sponsored by the African Green Infrastructure Investment Bank (AfGIIB), these NDC awards are the only international, pan-African NDC investment awards that recognize and reward both public and private sector institutions that are working to innovate and break new ground to mobilize private capital and private sector participation at scale, to Africa’s bankable NDC investment commitments and projects.
Could your organisation or project be a 2023 NDC Investment Initiative of the Year?
Entry is a simple 500-word nomination outlining how your organisation meets the awards criteria. Entries from any public or private institution, whether African or international, are welcome, provided they meet the attached category criteria.
NDC Investment Awards will be presented in the following categories:
Best NDC Sector Initiatives of the Year:
Best Waste NDC Initiative of the Year
Best Energy NDC Initiative of the Year
Best Transport NDC Initiative of the Year
Best Urban Development NDC of the Year
Best Forestry NDC Initiative of the Year
Best Agriculture NDC Initiative of the Year
Best Education NDC Initiative of the Year
Best Health NDC Initiative of the Year
Best Water NDC Initiative of the Year
Best Tourism NDC Initiative of the Year
Private Capital Mobilization Initiatives of the Year:
Best Investable NDC Adaption Initiative of the Year
Best Bankable Donor NDC Initiative of the Year (technical assistance/financing/project development).
Best Blended Investment NDC Initiative of the Year
Best Financeable NDC City Initiative of the Year
Best GreenTech NDC Initiative of the Year
The NDC Awards Secretariat will present the following Honorary NDC Presidential Investment Statesman of the Year Awards to recognise exemplary Presidential investment leadership on Africa’s climate transition.
Honorary NDC Presidential Investment Statesman of the Year Awards.
1) Presidential ” Green Infrastructure Investment Statesman” of the Year
2) Presidential “Just Transition Investment Statesman ” of the Year
3) Presidential ” Carbon Exchange Investment Statesman” of the Year
4) Presidential” Transport Investment Statesman” of the Year
5) Presidential “Water Investment Statesman” of the Year
6) Presidential “Agriculture Investment Statesman” of the Year
The 2023 NDC Investment Awards high-level Adjudication panel consists:
Dr. Hubert Danso, Chairman of Africa Investor Group and the Chair of the NDC Awards Adjudication panel.
Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and UN SRSG for Sustainable Energy for All, Co-Chair of UN-Energy.
John Denton, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).
Ziad-Alexandre Hayek, President of the World Association of PPP Units (WAPPP).
Kandeh Yumkella, Former UN Under-Secretary-General and Secretary-General’s Special Representative and CEO.
Commenting on the Ai NDC Investment Awards winners, Dr Hubert Danso, Chairman of Africa Investor Group and the Chair of the NDC Awards Adjudication panel, said, “Africa investor (Ai) is proud to use its global investment platform to showcase and recognize Africa’s NDC project sponsors, developers, financiers, investors and Presidential Champions. This growing community of leaders are critical to the continent mobilising the required $3trn of green investment for our NDCs by 2030 to pursue Africa’s NetZero aspirations.
He went on to say, “The importance of these global NDC Investment Awards cannot be overstated, given the scale, urgency and fact that the majority of Africa’s $3trn of NDC’s investment requirements will need to mobilize and secure unprecedented allocations of private capital at scale and speed, which is why we are pleased to add this year, a dedicated Private Capital Mobilization category.
The deadline for entry submissions is August 31 this year, and the shortlist will be announced the following month, on September 22, during UN Climate Week in New York. The Award winners will be announced in December at COP28 in the UAE.
The African Green Infrastructure Investment Bank (AfGIIB) is an African Union-convened and supported African institutional investor-led, global climate investment platform to catalyze private capital for Africa’s green transition. Visit www.afgiib.com for more information.
About Africa investor (Ai) Group
Africa investor (Ai) Group is an institutional investment holding platform that aligns its pools of capital from sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, family offices, and long-term investors with vetted infrastructure, private equity, and technology investment opportunities in Africa. Visit www.africainvestor.com
Over 41 African Member States gathered today at the African Ministers’ Council on Water’s (AMCOW) 13th General Assembly in Cairo, Egypt. The highly anticipated event, held under the esteemed leadership of Dr Tahani Sileet, Chairperson of AMCOW’s Technical Advisory Committee, saw the participation of Technical Advisory Committee members from 41 countries and various partners.
The General Assembly began with captivating opening remarks from esteemed personalities, setting the stage for an impactful meeting. Dr Rashid Mbaziira, Executive Secretary of AMCOW, presented the Governance Framework and Rules of Procedures, providing a solid foundation for the statutory meetings. The discussions that followed were nothing short of remarkable.
(From left to right) Engr Tahani Sileet, Head of Central Department for External Cooperation Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation The Arab Republic of Egypt and AMCOW TAC Chair, Dr Rashid Mbaziira, AMCOW Executive Secretary
Participants were treated to an inspiring documentary film – An Overview of AMCOW – that shed light on the history and purpose of AMCOW. The film eloquently captured the motivations of AMCOW’s founding leaders and emphasised the critical value of water. Notably, Mr Bai Mas Tall, the first substantive Executive of AMCOW, passionately proclaimed that AMCOW stands as the only Ministerial Council on Water worldwide.
Buoyed up by these powerful anecdotes, attendees delved into other crucial presentations, including the AMCOW Strategy 2018-2030, the 2022 Annual Report on the Implementation of the July 2008 Assembly Declaration (also known as the Africa Water and Sanitation Monitoring Report), the Audit Report on the Financial Statement for the Year ended 31st December 2022, and 2023. The revised AMCOW Gender and Youth Inclusion Strategy took centre stage, garnering extensive attention as it neared adoption and presentation to the Council of Ministers. Ensuring that the strategy genuinely reflected the voice of the Member States became a shared priority.
According to Dr Tahani, the urgency to facilitate action on achieving the water and sanitation goals of the continent cannot be overemphasised. Hence this 13th Ordinary Session of the General Assembly at this time.
Following a rejuvenating health break, participants invested significant time deliberating the Action on Water Adaptation and Resilience (AWARe) initiative and AMCOW’s involvement at the UN 2023 Water Conference. These conversations illuminated the regional and national priorities embedded in AMCOW’s work programmes.
Moreover, the meeting addressed the importance of increasing Member States’ involvement in AMCOW’s programs and the need to sustain initiatives within AMCOW even as they evolve into institutionalised entities. The sense of unity and shared commitment among participants fueled anticipation for the outcomes of this gathering.
As the 13th General Assembly unfolds, hopes run high for its transformative impact on the water sector. The post-2025 Africa Water Vision is set to receive a substantial boost, with countries eagerly raising their priorities and embracing an invigorated drive towards its realisation. AMCOW remains steadfast in its mission to guide and implement strategies that ensure Africa’s water resources are managed sustainably and inclusively.
This General Assembly is a testament to African Member States’ enduring dedication and collective determination to overcome water challenges and create a brighter future for the continent. With renewed energy and shared aspirations, AMCOW marches towards a future where clean water and sanitation are accessible to all Africans.
The Team Europe Initiative (TEI) launch took place during the week of the UN 2023 Water Conference, with David Lymer representing the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). Sida supports the Abuja-based African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW). The ongoing contribution to AMCOW builds institutional capacity for 2018-2023 (40 MSEK) to support their role and mandate as an African mechanism for water and sanitation under the African Union – with the natural entry points to the African Union and water ministries of African countries.
These 55 Member Countries of AMCOW are represented by their water Ministers in the AMCOW steering committee. Preliminary findings in a Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the Sida support to AMCOW demonstrate excellent and tangible results.
Sida’s engagement within the ”Team European Initiative for Transboundary Water Management in Africa” has been carried out so far through our support to AMCOW. In the dialogue with the European Union (EU) around the TEI, Sida has demanded a clear and coordinating role for AMCOW. Sida is currently discussing with AMCOW about a second phase of support (50 MSEK, 2023-2026).
The 2022 Africa Water and Sanitation Report marks a significant milestone for Africa’s water and sanitation sector. Recognised and supported by key stakeholders, the report provides a comprehensive overview of the continent’s current state of water and sanitation. By offering valuable insights and recommendations, the 2022 Africa Water and Sanitation Report aims to inspire a revolution in Africa’s water and sanitation sector.
Endorsed by African Ministers responsible for water in October 2022, the WASSMO Report was officially launched during the prestigious UN 2023 Water Conference in New York in March. Esteemed representatives from the African Union, Member States, the African Development Bank, and other partners have praised the report, recognising its significance in implementing commitments to water and sanitation.
(From left to right) African Development Bank Director Water Development and Sanitation, Osward M. Chanda, Minister of Water Resources, Nigeria, H E Suleiman Adamu, H.E. Amb. Josefa L. Sako. Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment African Union Commission (AUC), Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Egypt, Prof Dr Hani Sewilam, the Special Adviser, UN Office of the Special Adviser on Africa (OSAA) Cristina Duarte, Minister of Water and Sanitation (South Africa), HE Senzo Mchunu, Minister of Water and Energy Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, H E Habtamu Itefa Geleta, AMCOW Executive Secretary, Dr Rashid Mbaziira.
Launching the Report marks a significant step in addressing the challenges and opportunities in Africa’s water and sanitation sector. By offering valuable insights, recommendations, and comprehensive data, the report aims to inspire change in the management and provision of water and sanitation services in Africa. The goal of ensuring access to safe and reliable water and sanitation services for all Africans can be achieved through collaboration and collective efforts. Let us join hands together to improve Africa’s water and sanitation landscape.
Click the image to download the 2022 Africa Water and Sanitation Report
Beyond mere statistics, the 2022 Water and Sanitation Report provides a comprehensive overview of the achievements, challenges, and critical recommendations for the future of water and sanitation in Africa. As significant actors in the sector, AMCOW believes this report will be indispensable for individuals and organisations seeking to impact water and sanitation positively.
Cite the WASSMO Data
Cite the Africa Water and Sanitation Report in your discussions, presentations and other materials to raise awareness and deepen the understanding of the vital issues surrounding water and sanitation in Africa. The ultimate goal is to ensure that safe and reliable water and sanitation services reach every corner of the continent.
