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.
4th Extraordinary Session of the Executive Committee of the African Ministers’ Council on Water, held on Thursday, 23 February 2023.
Honourable Ministers,
Esteemed Members of the TAC
Colleagues from the Secretariat,
I am honoured to deliver this vote of thanks and gratitude to our leadership.
I will start with you, Honourable Carl Herman Gustav Schlettwein in both your capacity as the Minister for Agriculture, Water and Land Reform of the Republic of Namibia and the AMCOW President for 2021 – 2023.
Working under your leadership has been a truly enriching experience, characterised by immense learning and growth at the Secretariat.
With your guidance, we have been able to scale to new heights.
You have passionately defended AMCOW’s interests and always been direct in negotiations on behalf of AMCOW in Africa and globally. This has demonstrated our strength as an organisation and improved our franchise value globally. Your leadership has revitalised AMCOW’s convening power as demonstrated by:
the response by the substantive Ministers responsible for water affairs in Africa to your invitation to the 13th Ordinary Session of the Executive Committee;
a similar response to your hosting of the Africa Focus Seminar at the 2022 World Water Week;
the response by high-level dignitaries from all over the world to your hosting of the Focus on Africa session at the 2022 UN Summit on Groundwater; and,
the response to the advocacy campaign that AMCOW has led for the nomination of a Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General on Water.
It is thus our collective responsibility to jealously preserve this legacy and continue – under the leadership of Honourable Prof Hani Sewilam – on the growth path you have set. And to you Hon Eng Suleiman Adamu, AMCOW’s host Minister in Nigeria and Vice President for West Africa for the period 2021-2023.
Your accessibility and enviable willingness to give freely of your time to advance AMCOW matters;
Your profound insight into the political economy of motivating concrete action to move the water and sanitation agenda forward; and
Your prioritisation of AMCOW have been invaluable to our achievements in your tenure.
You have been a tireless AMCOW Brand Ambassador.
You made the AMCOW@20 celebrations without a doubt one of the highlights of the 9th World Water Forum.
In your tenure, the Secretariat has lacked for nothing that relates to what is provided for under the Headquarters Agreement. Indeed, you have spearheaded ongoing efforts to secure land for the construction of a permanent Secretariat as per the Headquarters Agreement. This will not only address the requirements for space given the growth at the Secretariat, but will also contribute to assuring our financial sustainability.
And of course, it would be amiss of me not to mention the generous update to our fleet by the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria through your office. We are forever in your debt.
Hon Schlettwein, Hon Adamu, allow me to reiterate that it has been an immense privilege to serve the two of you in this role, and I hope to learn more from both of you as we move forward.
Our appreciation goes out to all the Members of the Executive Committee for the period 2021 – 2022. The Vice Presidents: Hon. Engr Suleiman ADAMU; Hon. Sidi Mohamed TALEB AMAR; S E M Eloundou ESSOMBA GASTON; Hon. Dr. Eng. Habitamu Iteffa Geleta; and S E M Carlos A Fortes Mesquita ably represented by Hon Cecilia Chamutota. The guidance received during the tête-à-tête consultations with you shaped the regional priorities that in turn informed the decisions of the 13th Ordinary Session of the EXCO on the AMCOW triennial work programme for 2022 to 2024.
Your leadership made it possible – for the first time – for us to have 5 regional consultations prior to an ordinary session of the Council. In so doing, we operationalised the bottom-up and top-down approach that is the cornerstone of responsive continental policy initiatives.
Allow me to also single out:
Hon Abida Sidik Mia and Hon John Bande of Malawi
Hon Cecilia Abena Dapaah of Ghana
Hon Alice Muthoni Wahome of Kenya
S E M Dr Maminata Traore Coulibaly of Burkina Faso
Hon Amb Jeanne Mujawamariya of Rwanda
Hon Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu of Zimbabwe
S E M Samou Seidou Adambi of Benin
The Kingdom of e-Swatini
Hon Eng Dr Habitamu Iteffa Geleta of Ethiopia
S E M Fidiniavo Rovoktra of Madagascar
Hon Sam Cheptoris of Uganda
Hon Jumaa Hamidu Aweso of the United Republic of Tanzania
Hon Kefentse Mzwinila of Botswana
Hon Senzo Mchunu of South Africa
Hon Eng Suleiman Adamu of Nigeria
Hon Carl Gustav Hermann Schlettwein of Namibia; and
Hon Prof Hani Sewilam of Egypt
You have led by example through contributing to ensuring the financial stability of the Secretariat to advance Africa’s water, sanitation and hygiene agenda. Allow me to highlight that your commitment to finance the core activities of AMCOW lies at the heart of the renewed interest from our funding partners to support AMCOW programmes.
To our Members of the Technical Advisory Committee, the policy initiatives undertaken during your tenure came to fruition with the benefit of your technical expertise. You invested your time to analyse all propositions and improve them to facilitate higher-level decision making and eventual practical implementation. This is what resulted in the delivery of, among others, the:
the African Sanitation Policy Guidelines;
the African Groundwater Programme; and,
the AMCOW Knowledge Hub.
To our TAC Chair, Mme Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata.
Your open-mindedness and disposition to listen;
your agility;
your decisiveness; and
your commitment to improve the financial situation at the Secretariat have all been crucial to our success during your tenure.
The dedication with which your team at the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform organised the 13th Ordinary Session of the EXCO is reflected by success it was. You left an indelible memory of Windhoek and the Land of the Brave on all that took part in the 13th Session of the EXCO.
Suffice it to say that your leadership has been inspiring and we will utilise all available opportunities to continue to benefit from it.
To my colleagues at the Secretariat, I would like to thank you for your excellent work. Your collective efforts have contributed significantly to the results reported in the AMCOW President’s handover report. Let us remain committed to the delivery of the expected outputs from our triennial work programme. We are bound to face setbacks along the way. What is important is for us to learn from our shortfalls and push forward with even more dedication.
In conclusion, I look forward to working with the new leadership while maintaining our engagement with the outgoing team. We remain at your service at all times, and I believe that by working together, we can achieve even greater success for AMCOW.
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.
