In this quarter, engagements with existing and new funding partners culminated in agreements being reached for the equivalent of US $3.87 million in grants to implement the AMCOW work programme. Specifically:

• A €2.6million funding agreement with the European Commission through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH for the continental window – the Blue Africa Action – of the Team Europe Initiative on Transboundary Water Management (TEI-TWM).
• A grant agreement of US $ 1 million with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). 

AMCOW’s financial stability is thus secured in the short term. Member States’ commitment to AMCOW’s long-term financial sustainability is demonstrated by their renewed commitment to clear arrears in annual contributions.

AMCOW remains grateful to its existing and new funding partners, including the Bill and Belinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the European Union through GIZ under the TEI-TWM, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). AMCOW also appreciates the support from the African Development Bank (AfDB) through the Africa Water Facility (AWF) towards its work programme and global agenda-setting events, including the 9th Africa Water Week.

Preparations towards the 9th Africa Water Week, scheduled in Cairo, Egypt, from 13 – 18 October, are progressing rapidly. Participants from Africa and worldwide are excited to join over 1500 people in Cairo for this critical event. This presents a special moment to take stock of progress made in our quest to achieve the Africa Water Vision, analyse the status quo and initiate processes for formulating the post-2025 Africa Water Vision and policy with an actionable implementation plan.

The AWW9 will be held at the Triumph Luxury Hotel, Cairo, Egypt, which was strategically selected to foster networking engagements across all participants’ spectrums. Recommended hotels nearer to the conference venue are accessible here:

Over 40 technical sessions will be convened across the five days. Sessions revolve around financing, water and sanitation, water resources management, water infrastructure, knowledge management and youth involvement. Sessions are carefully evaluated to demonstrate practical lessons from the African government, United Nations agencies, the private sector, civil societies and nongovernmental organisations. Thematic plenary sessions will spotlight transboundary water management and the role of parliamentarians in unlocking financial resources for the water and sanitation sector. Interestingly, technical sessions will culminate into synthesis sessions, where outcomes from each session will be juxtaposed with reported progress on the Water Sector and Sanitation Monitoring and Reporting system. A critical analysis of progress will be made to establish convergence on essential elements and aspects to feature in the post-2025 Africa Water Vision and policy.

Networking opportunities exist during the AWW9 to connect participants with partners of interest. The industry has over 30 experts and companies showcasing their brands and products, so it provides an apt atmosphere to engage and initiate long-lasting relationships for collaboration and business opportunities.

The opening and closing ceremonies are equipped with influential sector leaders and government officials to provide direction for the conference, including the AMCOW President, Hon Hani Sewilam, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, and representation of the African Union Commission and African Development Bank. The 14th Executive Committee meeting of the AMCOW executive council will be convened on 16th October to deliberate on the conference outcomes and pronounce blessings for successful implementation. 

Essential links to support your participation towards the conference are presented here:

• Registration: register here. Upon registration, an automatic invitation by the host governments will be available for download. This invitation letter will also be used to apply for a visa.
• Book accommodation here: https://africawaterweek.amcow-online.org/recommended-hotels. These hotels are closer to the conference venue.
• Regular updates about the conference can be accessed via the website https://africawaterweek.amcow-online.org/ and on our social media platforms.
• For visa information, click here: https://www.egyptembassy.org/travel/visa-requirements/

For more information, email the 9th Africa Water Week Team at 9aww@amcow-online.org

On 27 August 2024, the Coca-Cola System in Africa launched its Water Stewardship Initiative to address water-related challenges in hotspot basins and communities across 18 African Union Member States. The initiative is part of Coca-Cola’s goal to support and advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6, focusing on water and sanitation.

AMCOW congratulated the Coca-Cola System in Africa and its partners for launching this New Water Stewardship initiative. Speaking during the launch through a video message, the AMCOW Executive Secretary, Dr Rashid Mbaziira, lauded Coca-Cola for recognising the need to protect and enhance the health of watersheds and facilitate access to water and sanitation services for vulnerable communities.

In his address, Dr Mbaziira reminded Coca-Cola and partners that Africa’s population will reach 1.6 billion by 2030. While this is a potential business market, the implication is that, at the very minimum, food production must increase by 50% to feed that growing population. “Juxtaposed with aspirations for modern economies and social progress, we are looking at a requirement of a tenfold increase in water just for energy production”, added Dr Mbaziira.

The private sector is all too aware of the business risk that water insecurity presents, noted Dr Mbaziira. So, too, is its yet-to-be-fully-tapped potential for collective action to guarantee business continuity and ensure shared prosperity. Dr Mbaziira expressed optimism about the new water stewardship initiative by the Coca-Cola Africa System, and partners responded to that reality.

AMCOW stated that lasting solutions to deliver transformative change, eradicate poverty and eliminate hunger must tackle the governance and institutional capacity constraints underlying water insecurity. The need to attract investments to the water sector that match Africa’s development ambitions is significant.

During the launch, Coca-Cola Systems and partners were informed that efforts are underway to formulate an Africa Water Vision and Policy that responds to these challenges and provides a strategic framework towards inclusive and climate-resilient water security on the continent. Ultimately, the vision and policy must motivate action to achieve the African Union Agenda 2063 goal of environmentally sustainable and climate resilient economies and communities through assuring water security, among others. Concluding his address, Dr Mbaziira invited the private sector and the partners to actively engage and contribute to formulating the post-2025 Vision and Policy. He used the opportunity to call on the Coca-Cola System in Africa to champion private sector engagement in this process, which will start at the upcoming 9^th Africa Water Week.

From July 17 to 20, 2024, the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) conducted a strategic courtesy visit to key water sector stakeholders in Côte d’Ivoire. The mission was led by Executive Secretary Dr Rashid Mbaziira, alongside Patrice Leumeni and Comfort Kanshio – Policy Officers Monitoring and Reporting and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene—the mission aimed to reinforce synergy and align efforts with critical sector actors to address Africa’s water-related challenges.

The visit was marked by high-level meetings with stakeholders, including the Ministry of Water and Forestry, the Africa Water Facility (AWF), and the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA).

During the courtesy call to Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Water and Forestry, Hon. Laurent Tchagba, AMCOW emphasised the importance of regional cooperation in addressing Africa’s pressing water challenges. The discussions focused on the outcomes of the 10th World Water Forum in Bali, the need for capacity building, and the critical role of domestic financing for African water projects. Minister Tchagba pledged Côte d’Ivoire’s support for AMCOW’s objectives, expressing willingness to host a future major AMCOW event and confirming participation in the 9th Africa Water Week in Cairo this October.

The AMCOW delegation also engaged with the Africa Water Facility (AWF), represented by AfDB Director of Water and Sanitation, Oswald Chanda. The dialogue appraised the collaboration at the 10th World Water Forum and explored ways to sustain the momentum raised. The AWF committed to supporting the 9th Africa Water Week and contributing to the post-2025 Africa Water Vision consultation process.

Further discussions with AfWASA led to agreements on joint efforts for data collection and reporting, particularly for the Africa Water and Sanitation Sector Monitoring and Reporting (WASSMO) platform. AfWASA confirmed its participation in the 9th Africa Water Week and committed to collaborating on advocacy for the post-2025 Africa Water Vision.

This visit is one of those demonstrations of AMCOW’s coordination role in Africa’s water sector. Côte d’Ivoire’s government pledged support for AMCOW’s future initiatives. The mission provided valuable insights into strengthening advocacy efforts, improving data collection mechanisms, and advancing the next phase of Africa’s water sector strategy.

AMCOW will continue to build on these partnerships and creating synergies, with follow-up actions planned for supporting national water projects in Côte d’Ivoire, revising the WASSMO third phase proposal, and advancing stakeholder consultations for the post-2025 Africa Water Vision. These efforts are crucial to ensuring a sustainable and water-secure future for Africa.

April 16, 2024

The African Ministers’ Council on Water – AMCOW Northern Africa Sub-Regional Ministerial Consultation commenced on 16 April 2024, per the Council’s Rules of Procedures to determine regional water resource priorities. Hosted by the Arab Republic of Egypt, the event brings together esteemed delegates, the Technical Expert Committee (TEC), and the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) members from Northern Africa. Dr Tahani Sileet, the Minister Assistant for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, Egypt and AMCOW TAC Chair, led the meeting.

The two-day meeting, scheduled for April 16-17, 2024, featured a comprehensive agenda to encourage collaboration, review ongoing initiatives, and set strategic priorities for water resources management in Northern Africa. The provisional agenda, outlined meticulously, encompasses various sessions focusing on critical aspects of water governance, the financial sustainability of AMCOW, regional cooperation, and continental engagement.

The opening session saw esteemed dignitaries and representatives delivering remarks, including Prof. Dr Hani Sewilam, Minister of Water and Irrigation of the Arab Republic of Egypt and AMCOW President, who opened the event, highlighted the challenges that Africa faces in managing water resources, and called for concerted action to address them effectively. Dr. Tahani Sileet, AMCOW TAC Chair, warmly welcomed participants, emphasising Egypt’s commitment to regional collaboration in water resource management.

Key sessions throughout the consultation included an overview of regional priorities, implementation of council decisions, and discussions on improving continental reporting. Participants engaged in constructive dialogue, sharing insights and perspectives to enhance water governance frameworks and address the region’s unique challenges.

The agenda for the second day focused on reviewing programs and projects, updating continental initiatives, preparing for continental and global events, and considering the annotated agenda. With a packed schedule ahead, delegates were poised to indulge in developing key messages and a common position ahead of the 10th World Water Forum in Bali. Also, the region held a closed session to nominate the countries to represent the region in the AMCOW Governing Council from 2025 to 2027.

Africa must seize the opportunities presented by the upcoming continental and global events, such as the 10th World Water Forum, World Water Week, Africa Water Week and Cairo Water Week. These are good opportunities to raise the profile of Africa’s water sector on broader stages, says Prof Sewilam. Dr. Tahani Sileet, AMCOW TAC Chair, echoed these sentiments, emphasising the critical objectives of the consultation and urging active participation from all stakeholders to ensure its success.

In his vote of thanks, the AMCOW Vice Chair for North Africa and TAC member for Mauritania, Mr Gaye Assene, applauded Egypt and the Secretariat for organising such a consultation. He affirmed the region’s willingness to work together to achieve Africa’s water agenda. In closing, Dr Tahani thanked every participant for coming to Egypt and emphasised that this was a memorable event – having the representation of all the countries.

ENTEBBE, Uganda – The four-day high-level meeting held from May 22 to May 25, 2023, at the Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort in Kampala concluded with the landmark Kampala Declaration on Transboundary Water Resources Management in Africa. This significant gathering, organized by the African Network of Basin Organizations (ANBO) in collaboration with the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI), African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW), GIZ, and the World Bank, marked the first of its kind and emphasized the crucial need for enhanced cooperation among these institutions.

During the meeting, key stakeholders, including the African Regional Communities (RECs), the River and Lake Basin Organizations (RLBOs), the African Development Bank, and other Development Partners, agreed on the Kampala Declaration. This declaration outlines a comprehensive set of commitments to strengthen collaboration, leverage resources, advance transboundary projects, enhance data and information services, and institutionalise high-level engagements. The shared objective is to effectively manage and develop shared water resources in support of Africa’s socio-economic growth, regional integration, and the achievement of key regional and global goals, such as the African Union Agenda 2063, Africa Water Vision 2025, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on SDG 6 and its targets.

The meeting commenced with an opening address by the Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, First Deputy Prime Minister and East African Community Affairs Minister. She emphasised the importance of effective water governance and policy harmonisation in addressing the continent’s water challenges. Professor Patrick Otieno Lumumba delivered an inspiring keynote address, underscoring the pivotal role of the river and lake basin organizations in Africa’s socio-economic transformation and the need for self-reliance.

Representing the Development Partner perspective, Anders Jägerskog, Program Manager of the Cooperation in International Waters in Africa (CIWA), highlighted the World Bank’s commitment to supporting transboundary water cooperation as a public good that fosters conflict prevention and climate resilience. Dr Malte Grossman, Head of Nile Basin Projects at GIZ Uganda, stressed the significance of peer-to-peer learning among River and Lake Basin Organizations, emphasising the importance of sustained networking.

Eng. Sylvester Matemu, President of the African Network of Basin Organizations, underscored the regional importance of this high-level stakeholder engagement, stating that transboundary water cooperation is vital for sustainable water management, development, and the protection of the environment. Hon. Beatrice Atim Anywar, Uganda’s State Minister for Water and Environment, emphasised the cooperative approach required to address water resources’ threats.

Dr Rashid Mbaziira, the Executive Secretary of AMCOW, called upon all stakeholders to act on the commitments outlined in the Kampala Declaration, urging them to institutionalise this high-level gathering as an annual event for monitoring progress. As part of the meeting’s agenda, delegates also visited the Source of the Nile River in Jinja and a hydroelectric power plant, highlighting the practical aspects of transboundary water management. AMCOW’s active participation and collaboration in this high-level stakeholder engagement have resulted in the development of the Kampala Declaration. This comprehensive framework sets the stage for enhanced cooperation, sustainable development, and protection of African shared water resources.