The African Water Facility (AWF) – as an initiative of the African Ministers Council on Water (AMCOW), hosted and managed by the African Development Bank – has officially launched its groundbreaking Africa Urban Sanitation Investment Initiative (AUSII) at the 2024 World Water Week in Stockholm. Hon. Carl-Hermann Gustav Schlettwein, Minister for Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, Namibia, Chair of the African Water Facility Governing Council, graced the launch event. Key stakeholders from across the water and sanitation sectors and development partners across the globe attended the event.

In his address, Dr Rashid Mbaziira, Executive Secretary of the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW), highlighted the critical need for innovative solutions to tackle the severe sanitation challenges faced by the urban populations across Africa. “Over 50% of our rapidly growing urban population lacks adequate sanitation services,” he noted. “This translates into an estimated annual economic cost of $40 to $50 billion due to sanitation failures.”

The AUSII aims to reverse this trend by promoting a paradigm shift from conventional infrastructure investments to an inclusive, climate-resilient approach tailored to the diverse needs of Africa’s cities. Over the next decade, the initiative is set to directly improve sanitation access for 15 million urban inhabitants through 50 carefully prepared projects. Furthermore, it aims to mobilize $7 billion in commercial and concessional finance to bolster public and private sector sanitation projects.

Dr Mbaziira emphasised that the initiative is crucial to achieving the Africa Water Vision 2025 targets and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set. “Sanitation is a fundamental human right critical to public health, environmental sustainability, and overall well-being,” he said. He underscored the importance of private sector involvement, noting that AUSII will encourage investments from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to drive sustainable urban sanitation solutions.

At the beginning of his statement, Dr Mbaziira led the participants in observing a moment of silence in honour of the late Albert Diphoorn. Bert, as he was popularly known, was a key figure and played a key role in the establishment of the Africa Water Facility, whose contributions to the sector remain impactful today.

Reflecting on the broader impact of the initiative, Dr Mbaziira expressed confidence in AUSII’s ability to transform Africa’s urban sanitation landscape. “The commitment of AMCOW member states to this initiative is firm,” he said. “We are injecting new approaches to increase domestic allocations to the sector, ensuring inclusive and climate-resilient water security across the continent.”

As the first of its kind, the AUSII launch sets the stage for continued progress in Africa’s water and sanitation sectors. Stakeholders and funding partners, including the African Development Bank and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, were lauded for supporting this initiative.

The AUSII will have a second launch at the upcoming Africa Water Week in Cairo, scheduled for October 2024, where further discussions will be held to ensure its successful implementation across the continent.

To read Dr Mbaziira’s full remarks, click the following link: https://amcow-online.org/amcow-executive-secretarys-remarks-at-the-africa-urban-sanitation-investment-initiative-ausii-launch/

For further information, visit AWF’s official website at https://www.africanwaterfacility.org/ or contact Mar Ajayi M.AJAYI@AFDB.ORG

Bali, Indonesia – May 22, 2024

AMCOW and DHI organised a side event at the 10th World Water Forum. It was a very informative session on “Building Strategic Knowledge Systems for Efficient Water and Sanitation in Africa” from 8:30 to 10:00 AM in Kintamani 5.

The session featured vital partners – South Africa’s Department of Water and Sanitation and the Ministry of Water and Sanitation, Senegal. It made a case for the essential role of knowledge management in enhancing water and sanitation services across Africa. Also, the session launched the second edition of Africa’s Voice on Water (AVOW) magazine. Overall, it was a huge step in promoting efforts for a water-wise Africa.

The AMCOW and DHI collaboration raises awareness about the benefits of establishing requisite knowledge systems – and showcasing South Africa’s Knowledge Management (KM) strategy for the water and sanitation sector. Senegal showcased Pôle Eau Dakar (PED), a digital solution for providing and improving access to water-related knowledge, guiding water-related investments and supporting informed cooperation and governance processes. Code Kraft, AMCOW’s software-building partner, took participants on a tour of AMCOW’s upgraded Knowledge Hub of Hubs. The blend of exercises gave insight into the long-term benefits of having a central continental repository for enhancing water resources management and delivering sustainable sanitation in Africa.

The session highlighted challenges such as the lack of emphasis on knowledge management – as KM is often overlooked in favour of data and information management, leading to inadequate resources dedicated to KM initiatives. The session further highlighted other challenges, such as the transition from data to knowledge – the difficulty of moving beyond data management to actual knowledge creation and sharing. Also discussed was the issue of evidence-based policy development – strategies and policies are often not evidence-based due to insufficient insights into real situations.

The session further proffered innovative solutions, such as:

• Developing Knowledge Championship: South Africa, like the AMCOW Secretariat, has deployed efforts to drive knowledge building and dissemination and enhance sector data and reporting by developing national-level knowledge focal points.
• Sector Non-technical Database: AMCOW Secretariat unveiled an initiative to build a non-technical database of service providers across the continent – accessible on the knowledge hub of hubs – to accelerate private sector involvement in the sector and networking.
• Senegal’s Pole Eau Dakar (PED): The Republic of Senegal is building a web-based open-access portal to facilitate access to knowledge to guide water and sanitation investments and support governance processes.

Participants were actively engaged throughout the session. A creative video of a football masterclass illustrated the difference between data and knowledge and captivated the audience. Attendees sought clarity on how rural stakeholders without internet access could be engaged. In response, consideration was given to establishing community knowledge centres to facilitate knowledge exchange in local areas. Senegal expressed how it applies quality control protocols in validating information and knowledge resources uploaded to online platforms.

DHI, South Africa, Senegal, and other partners will reconvene at World Water Week in August 2024 to consolidate their preparation for a robust KM programme.

Bali, Indonesia – May 22, 2024

On the sidelines of the 10th World Water Forum, Dr Rashid Mbaziira, the Executive Secretary of the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW), paid a courtesy call to Nizar Baraka, the Hon. Minister of Equipment and Water of the Kingdom of Morocco. The meeting took place at the Moroccan Pavilion, where we discussed the Kingdom of Morocco’s strong commitment to AMCOW’s goals and its recent election into the AMCOW Policy Organs as Vice President for northern Africa for the 2025-2027 term.

During the meeting, the Executive Secretary thanked the Minister for strengthening Morocco’s commitment to AMCOW and apprised him and his team about the significant activities AMCOW is undertaking. Key among these is the implementation of the AMCOW Strategy, the preparation for the post-2025 Africa Water Vision and the upcoming Africa Water Week. The Executive Secretary emphasised the importance of Morocco’s continued support and encouraged the Minister to consider opportunities to back these initiatives.

The Minister of Water Resources, keen on the developments within AMCOW, inquired about the progress of a roadmap for the post-2025 Africa Water Vision. He stated, “We are glad to be identified with AMCOW, and as the vision is being developed, we are expectant and willing not only to align ourselves but also to provide the needed support to ensure that the vision is implemented.”

This meeting reflects the collaborative efforts between AMCOW and its member states, aiming to enhance water resource management and sanitation across Africa. The commitment from the Kingdom of Morocco sets a promising precedent for future initiatives and collective actions in addressing water challenges on the continent.

As the preparations for the post-2025 Africa Water Vision advance, the support and involvement of countries like Morocco will be vital in achieving sustainable water solutions for the region.

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.

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.

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.

The African Ministers Council on Water (AMCOW) has joined forces with key partners in an event to address critical issues surrounding gender, sanitation, and overall quality of life.

The event, titled “Convening on Gender, Sanitation, and Quality of Life: Accelerating Progress on Universal Access to Sanitation,” was organised by the African Population and Health Research Centre (APHRC) and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). Supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), the meeting convened in Nairobi, Kenya, from February 7th to 8th, 2024. The primary objective was to chart a course of action linking gender, sanitation, and quality of life across policy, practice, and research.

AMCOW’s role was significant in the convening, represented by its Monitoring and Evaluation Support Officer and Youth and Gender Lead, Mr. Emmanuel Uguru. He provided regional perspectives and shed light on the intricate connections between sanitation, gender dynamics, and their impact on quality of life. He shared information on AMCOW’s strategic priorities, including monitoring and reporting the state of Africa’s water and sanitation to the African Union. Also, Mr Uguru apprised the participants of AMCOW’s new Youth and Gender Inclusion Strategy and the toolkit for mainstreaming gender and youth in Africa’s water and sanitation development agenda.

The meeting underscored the urgency of ensuring universal and inclusive access to safely managed sanitation before the coming mid-term review of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As part of critical actions agreed upon during the event, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, the World Health Organisation and other key partners will collaborate in supporting AMCOW’s gender and youth initiatives in Africa. This partnership will focus on developing and validating gender-specific indicators to enrich reporting mechanisms. These partners will jointly develop and publish an academic article to provide insight into the intricate nexus between gender, sanitation, and quality of life. Also, a community of practice will be established and hosted on the AMCOW knowledge hub to sustain the relationship and momentum generated during the convening.

On Wednesday, 17 January 2024, the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) advocated for climate action in a post-COP28 multistakeholder national dialogue organised by the Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDevNet).

The event, aimed at addressing climate change challenges, was held in Abuja, Nigeria, under the auspices of the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation. The consultation gathered vital stakeholders, including government officials, parliamentarians, and representatives of development partners.

AMCOW’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Rashid Mbaziira, was represented by Dr. Tanko Azzika, Senior Policy Officer-Governance and Partnership. Azzika delivered a goodwill message, expressing warm greetings and Happy New Year 2024 on behalf of Dr. Mbaziira. While unable to attend in person due to conflicting schedules, Dr. Mbaziira conveyed his sincere apologies and eagerness to contribute to the dialogue.

The dialogue focused on “Unpacking COP28 Outcome: Accelerating Nigeria’s Climate Action,” Azzika commended the organisers, the Climate and Sustainable Development Network and the Pan Africa Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), for their efforts. He underscored the relevance of the discussion, considering the current climate challenges facing the continent.

In his opening remark, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees at CSDevNet, Prof. Ibrahim Choji, applauded the bold global decision to move away from fossil fuels. He observed its threats to livelihoods, ecosystems, and the essence of existence. However, the Chairman assured participants that COP28 presents an opportunity for better aspirations.

Azzika emphasised the essential role of water, sanitation, and hygiene as catalysts and solutions to climate change. He highlighted AMCOW’s mission of providing political leadership, policy direction and advocacy for sustainable water resource management in Africa. He stressed that the 2018-2030 Strategy of AMCOW prioritises water security, sanitation, water governance, and climate resilience as critical elements for sustainable development.

Drawing attention to the 2023 Report on Implementing the Sharm el-Sheikh Declaration, Azzika noted that climate change has hampered progress towards water and sanitation goals. He highlighted the urgent need to revitalise efforts to combat climate change, aligning with the African Union Agenda 2063.

African Union’s Senior Climate Change Advisor, Dr Sam Ogallah, stressed that Africa holds the key to resolving the global climate crisis – while demonstrating the continent’s possession of more than half the world’s essential minerals. “If we transition to renewables, electric vehicles, and other initiatives, where do you propose we obtain the essential minerals? They lie beneath our soil,” he said.   

A key theme of the dialogue was the need for partnership, networking, and collaboration to address water-related challenges arising from climate change. Azzika called upon the government to prioritise climate-resilient financing, especially for vulnerable populations impacted by climate change.

Furthermore, Azzika called on stakeholders to support the Nigerian Government in utilising the African Sanitation Policy Guidelines (ASPGs) to enhance progress in achieving safely managed sanitation and hygiene.

The dialogue also addressed the importance of strengthening national-level data systems. AMCOW is operationalising the Africa Water and Sanitation sector reporting system (WASSMO) to address data quality challenges and meet reporting obligations at continental and global levels. Dr Azzika challenged participants to bring innovative and sustainable approaches to the table, urging the institutionalisation of the dialogue as an annual event. AMCOW looks forward to an action-oriented outcome document that will further accelerate climate action on both continental and global fronts.

Swakopmund, Namibia – 10 November, 2023

The AfricaSan 7 Conference, a flagship event for sanitation and hygiene in Africa, culminated on 10 November 2023 with a series of impactful sessions and declarations to foster accelerated actions for inclusive, sustainable, and resilient sanitation and hygiene services delivery across the continent.

The day kicked off with the screening of a short film showcasing Namibia’s commitment to sanitation, setting the tone for a day of insightful discussions and commitments.

Dr Rashid Mbaziira, the Executive Secretary of AMCOW, opened the day with an introductory statement highlighting the significance of collective efforts in addressing sanitation and hygiene challenges. He emphasised the role of partnerships and cooperation in achieving the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) goals.

Hon. Carl Hermann Gustav Schlettwein, Minister for Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform of the Republic of Namibia and AWF Governing Council Chairperson, delivered a welcome statement, setting the stage for the subsequent sessions. This was followed by a statement from AMCOW President, Prof Dr Hani Sewilam, Minister for Water Resources and Irrigation of the Arab Republic of Egypt. In his remark, quoting the data from the 2022 Africa Water and Sanitation Sector Monitoring (WASSMO) Report, he called for increased efforts toward ensuring access to potable water for the over 400 million in need and access to safely managed sanitation and essential hygiene services to the approximately 800 million who do not have them.

H.E. Amb Josefa Leonel Correla Sacko, Commissioner of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment at the African Union Commission, was represented by the AUC’s Director of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment, Harsen Nyambe. He appreciated the collaboration of the Republic of Namibia and AMCOW in organising such an important conference. Also, he observed that Africa’s population, which is over 1.4 million people is overstretching existing sanitation services. Director Nyambe highlighted that the youth form the most part of this population and urged that they be included in sanitation-related decisions. The AUC representative further stressed that one of the major challenges faced in similar conferences has been the inability to implement the outcomes of the events. He, therefore, called on all participants and sector actors to ensure that the AfricaSan7 Conference Decisions are implemented.

One of the high points of the conference segment was the launch of the 2023 Ngor Report on Sanitation and Hygiene, shedding light on the status and future priorities in the sector. Before the launch, the conference viewed a film summarising the report’s findings, and copies were distributed to participants.

The AfricaSan8 Hosting Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between AMCOW Secretariat and the Republic of Ghana, represented by the Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Hon. Dr. Freda Prempeh. In her remarks, the Minister assured the conference that the Republic of Ghana is willing and ready to host the event and welcomes Africa and the world to AfricaSan8 in Accra, Ghana from 12 – 18 October 2025.

The conference received video-recorded goodwill messages from some representatives of some AMCOW partners: UNICEF’s Executive Director Catherine Russell, Director of the Water Development and Sanitation Department, Africa Development Bank, Osward Mulenga Chanda, World Water Council (WWC) President, Loïc Fauchon, and the USAID Global Water Coordinator/Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator Nancy Eslick.

Dr. T. E Ngurare directed the AfricaSan 7 Conference Closing Plenary, featuring cultural entertainment and a youth message resonating with the importance of intergenerational collaboration.

Session convenors delivered their collective message also, through a recorded video leading to the conference declaration. The occasion occurred with the reading of the Swakopmund Declaration on “Accelerated Actions for Inclusive, Sustainable and Resilient Sanitation and Hygiene Services Delivery in Africa” by Ms. Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, AMCOW TAC Chair. Click on the links to download copies in English and French.

The day concluded with a high-level visit to the exhibition stands where the host Minister, Hon Carl Schlettwein, and the President of AMCOW Prof Dr Hani Sewilam in the company of other participants visited the exhibition booths. The event included anthems and a communal lunch, fostering networking and collaboration among participants.