10th World Water Forum: Bali, Indonesia – May 21, 2024

From 4:40 to 6:10 PM on 21 May, the 10th World Water Forum continued its critical discussions at the Africa Pavilion with a session titled “Sustained Provision of Access to Universal Resilient WASH Services.” AMCOW, WaterAid, the Kingdom of Morocco, and Mozambique convened the session in Kintamani 1.

The session tackled the pressing challenges of delivering sustainable and resilient Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services across Africa and shared existing solutions from various member countries. The linkages between climate change and sanitation service provision were discussed, and national approaches to achieving sustainable access to WASH services were explored. It was clear that delivering sustainable and resilient WASH services is an immense challenge in Africa, requiring solutions beyond mere infrastructure coverage.

The main topics covered include a) Financing the Water and Sanitation Sector: Discussions focused on the financial challenges and potential solutions for funding WASH infrastructure. b) Encouraging Treatment and Wastewater Reduction: Strategies to mitigate climate change impacts through effective wastewater management were explored. c) Strengthening Institutions and Policies: The importance of robust regulatory frameworks and national policies to support sustainable WASH services was emphasised.

Challenges identified were:

1. Financing WASH Infrastructure: The need for substantial investment in WASH infrastructure remains a significant hurdle.
2. Weak Implementation of National Commitments: Many countries struggle to implement their WASH commitments effectively.
3. Inadequate Capacity for Bankable Proposals: There is a lack of capacity to develop proposals that attract the necessary funding.

During the discussions, the panellists proposed domesticating continental declarations by incorporating them into national action plans to ensure local relevance and impact. Another solution underscored was prioritising national agendas in countries’ strategic papers to attract financing from multilateral organisations.

Some attendees sought clarity on how communities in poor areas can access funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB). Others inquired why progress in WASH access is slow despite numerous conferences, declarations, and commitments, as well as the specific areas that the post-2025 Africa Water Vision will include to improve sustainable WASH services.

Key takeaway actions include prioritising financing for WASH services in the post-2025 Africa Water Vision and strengthening the policy environment for WASH. This includes policy development, regulatory frameworks, institutional reforms, and developing concrete national priorities in collaboration with finance ministries to attract funding.

Bali, Indonesia – May 21, 2024:

Another significant session titled “Water and Water Infrastructure for Development: Paving the Path for Water Security and Sustainable Development” took place from 1:00 to 2:30 PM in Kintamani 2. The session, convened by AUDA-NEPAD, the World Bank, UNESCO, and the Republic of Benin, brought together experts and policymakers to address the critical issues surrounding climate-resilient water infrastructure.

The session aimed to gather water management professionals, planners, policymakers, and academics to review experiences, identify gaps, and explore solutions for climate-resilient water infrastructure development. Also, it will strengthen approaches to project preparation, coordination, and capacity building and convene representatives from West African governments, river basin organisations (RBOs), regional organisations, and international bodies.

Key areas discussed include:

1. WASH Services Access: The increasing number of people lacking access to water and sanitation due to population growth necessitates a corresponding increase in infrastructure development.
2. Climate-Resilient Infrastructure: Emphasizing the need to incorporate climate resilience into infrastructure design from the outset to avoid the cycle of building and rebuilding.
3. CRIDA Tool: Introduction of the Climate Risk Informed Decision Analysis Tool (CRIDA) by UNESCO, a peer-reviewed methodology aiding in creating climate-proof water infrastructure.

The main topics covered in the projected population increase are putting significant pressure on existing infrastructure and the necessity of transitioning to climate-resilient infrastructure; AUDA-NEPAD’s pivotal role is in supporting regional economic communities (RECs) with capacity building in project preparation and resource mobilisation.

The session identified the need for climate-proof water infrastructure investments and the persistent capacity-building issue to prepare bankable projects, innovative solutions, and best practices. They presented the following solutions:

1. Carbon Markets: Exploring carbon markets as an innovative financing mechanism for infrastructure while understanding the trade-offs involved.
2. CRIDA Methodology: Utilizing the CRIDA tool to incorporate climate resilience in the design and planning of water infrastructure projects.

During the session, the participants asked two crucial questions, including:

• How can countries better integrate climate resilience into their infrastructure planning?
• What are the trade-offs when using carbon markets to finance water projects?

Participants suggested enhancing regional cooperation to share knowledge on best practices and improve transparency and accountability in implementing water infrastructure projects.

Agreed Actions

Participants suggested developing actionable strategies to incorporate climate resilience in all new infrastructure projects. They also agreed to focus on capacity building to ensure that projects are bankable and attract necessary investments. Overall, the session spotlighted the urgency of incorporating climate resilience into water infrastructure projects to ensure sustainable development in Africa. It highlighted the critical need for capacity building and innovative financing mechanisms to address the challenges of climate change and population growth.

10th World Water Forum Updates: Day 2 African Events

Bali, Indonesia – May 21, 2024

Day 2 of the 10th World Water Forum saw a critical session on “Mobilising Political Commitment for Accelerating Climate-Resilient Water Investments in Africa.” GWPSA, AUDA-NEPAD, AUC, and AMCOW convened the session from 10:20 to 11:50 AM in Kintamani 7. The session focused on transforming political commitments into actionable investments in Africa’s water sector.

In his opening remarks, HE Jakaya Kikwete, the Alternate Chair of the AUC’s IHL Panel, emphasised the critical need for immediate action. UN Deputy Secretary-General HE Amina Mohamed echoed his sentiments, stressing that Africa’s water security is crucial for sustainable development.

Ministerial Contributions

Statements from ministers of Namibia, Egypt (current AMCOW President), Uganda, Zimbabwe, Senegal, and Tanzania all converged on a common theme: while political commitments abound, the urgent challenge is their implementation. They highlighted the necessity for domestic resource mobilisation and public sector reforms to stimulate a conducive environment for private-sector investment.

Insights from Panel Discussion

A robust panel discussion featuring African Development Bank (AfDB/AWF) representatives, World Bank, UNCDF, UNICEF, GWP, and the European Commission explored strategies to scale up and accelerate investments. The discussion underscored that 90% of current investments in the water sector come from public funds, with private sector contributions lagging at just 10%.

Identified Challenges and Solutions

Participants identified three primary challenges: the gap between political commitments and actionable implementation, the paradox of Africa’s abundant resources juxtaposed with widespread poverty, and the water sector’s limited appeal to private investors.

To address these, innovative solutions such as blended finance were proposed. The Green Bond issued by TANGA Waterboard in Tanzania, which saw overwhelming investor interest, was cited as a successful model of domestic resource mobilisation.

Participants agreed on several actions to drive progress, such as developing clear plans to translate political commitments into tangible actions, enhancing domestic revenue streams to finance water infrastructure and implementing public sector reforms to attract private investment.

It appears that the issue is not a lack of commitment but a need for action kept recurring in the ministerial statements. The panel discussion highlighted “Blended finance, like Tanzania’s Green Bond, as showing the way forward. The session underscored the urgent need to convert political promises into concrete actions, leveraging domestic resources and reforming public sectors to ensure a climate-resilient water future for Africa.

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.

Bali, Indonesia, 20 May 2024 –

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/

10^th May 2024

Background

The African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) has the primary mission of providing political leadership, policy direction and advocacy in the provision, use, and management of water resources for sustainable social and economic development and maintenance of African ecosystems. AMCOW serves as a delivery mechanism on water and sanitation to the Specialized Technical Committee (STC) on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Environment (ARDWE) of the African Union Commission.  At the African Union Heads of State and Government Summit of July 2008, the African Minister’s Council on Water (AMCOW) was mandated to report annually on progress achieved in implementing the African Union (AU) commitments made in the 2008 Sharm El-Sheikh Commitments on water and sanitation, taking into account several international agreements including the Africa Water Vision 2025, the Africa Agenda 2063, as well as the global Sustainable Development Goals 6 (SDG-6) targets on clean water and sanitation.

In response to this directive, AMCOW in collaboration with the African Union Commission, and with financial support from Africa Water Facility (AWF) through the Africa Development Bank (AfDB), developed a web-based reporting system, the African Water and Sanitation Sector Monitoring and Reporting System (WASSMO) in October 2015: https://www.africawat-sanreports.org/Ui. This platform provides for reporting on water and sanitation sector indicators under seven themes: water infrastructure for growth; managing and protecting water resources; water supply, sanitation, hygiene, and wastewater; climate change and disaster risk reduction (DRR); governance and institutions; and financing.

To further enhance the WASSMO system’s efficacy, AMCOW is set to upgrade its capabilities by incorporating a new model for improving the tracking of indicators related to water and sanitation. The model, designed to better monitor decreasing and increasing indicators, is depicted as follows:

• For decreasing indicators:
  t* = tLst + {LOG(Y*/YLst)} / {LOG(1+r-bar)}
• For increasing indicators:
  t* = tLst + {Y* – YLst} / q-bar

Incorporating this model will allow for a more precise and nuanced understanding of the sector’s progress and challenges, ensuring that the system remains relevant and robust in the face of evolving sector dynamics.

This model integration initiative will be facilitated by the AMCOW M&E Team and the consultant who will assist in embedding the model into the online system, as part of AMCOW’s continuous efforts to improve data quality and reporting standards. The consultant’s role will be critical in ensuring that the WASSMO system is not only comprehensive but also capable of producing high-quality, actionable insights for policy-making and strategic planning. The AMCOW Secretariat is seeking a Data Analyst and Visualisation Consultant (DAVC) to support analysis, visualisation and to provide quality assurance checks on the data to produce the 2023 WASSMO report for high-level recommendations and decisions.

1. Tasks and Responsibilities

Through a consultative and participatory process, the consultant will work with the AMCOW Secretariat to perform the following activities:

• Support the integration of the new model for tracking water and sanitation indicators into the WASSMO system, ensuring compatibility and functionality within the existing framework.
• Perform data validation and cleaning to ensure accuracy and reliability, following international data standards.
• Interpret data, analyse results using statistical techniques
• Develop and implement databases, data collection systems, data analytics and other strategies that optimize statistical efficiency and quality.
• Identify, analyse, and interpret trends or patterns in complex data sets
• Filter and “clean” data by reviewing computer reports, printouts
• Assist the team in improving and streamlining processes regarding data flow and data quality assurance checks to improve data accuracy, viability, and value.
• Support the delivery of analytics and reporting solutions using BI/Data Visualization software or others.
• Provide analysis presentation – A Data Analyst Consultant will present the findings of the WASSMO report to the AMCOW Secretariat.

Deliverables

• WASSMO/AFRICASAN data exploration, analysis and modelling performed on the database, resulting in a clean data set to inform the 2023 WASSMO report narrative.  
• Any additional deliverables that are part of the WASSMO/AFRICASAN data analytics outputs (infographics, charts, etc.).
• The brief report with the highlights of the findings.

Qualification and Experience

• A minimum of master’s degree in management information systems, statistics, Business Intelligence, Computer Science, or Statistics is required.
• Relevant work experience as a data analyst or business data analyst and visualisation for both quantitative and qualitative data.
• Familiarity with the water and sanitation sector landscape.
• Ability to write a concise and clear analytical research report on the results of the WASSMO Member States’ data.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English. French will be an advantage.

Skills and Abilities

• Highly skilled in research and analysis: Very strong qualitative and analytic skills; keen attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Technical expertise regarding data models, database design development, data
• mining and segmentation techniques
• Knowledge of statistics and experience using statistical packages for analysing
• datasets (Excel, SPSS, SAS etc)
• Excellent communication skills: Strong knowledge of and experience with
• reporting packages (Business Objects etc), databases (SQL etc), and data
• visualization tools (Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, etc).
• Other: Demonstrated competence with using standard data software packages
• (MS Excel, MS Access, etc).

Contract Duration: The contract will be effective from the date of signing and will last for not more than 90 days.

Reporting language: English and French

Mode and Logistics: The consultancy service will be provided remotely.

How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience are invited to submit:

• updated CV
• cover letter explaining their motivation and suitability for the assignment.
• 1 copy of previous work
• Budget

Interested applicants should submit their formal proposal and resume not later than May 27^th, 2024 in English, addressed and email to:

The Executive Secretary

African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW)

No. 11, T.Y. Danjuma Street, Asokoro District

Abuja, Nigeria.

Email: info@amcow-online.org 

For more information, kindly refer to http://www.amcow-online.org Note: Female candidates with required qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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.

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.

Distinguished Stakeholders of the African Water Sector,

The AMCOW Secretariat provides the update below on the major achievements from AMCOW’s engagements during the 37^th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union. These are in line with ongoing processes to implement Council Decision EXCO/13/2022/WDH/1 on raising the profile of water and sanitation. The Council appealed, through the Specialised Technical Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Environment (STC on ARDWE), to the Assembly of the African Union to adopt water and sanitation as the theme of the Union in 2026.

To provide context to how the decisions of the organs of the African Union are taken, a basic illustration of the policy organs of the AU is presented below.

The 5^th Ordinary Session of the STC on ARDWE was held in November 2023 in Addis Ababa in November 2023. It endorsed, among others, the appeal of the Council of Ministers to make 2026 a year of the African Union on Water and Sanitation.

The full report of the STC on ARDWE is herewith provided as Ref_002b (EX.CL/1471(XLIV)).

The report – EX.CL/1471(XLIV) – was tabled for the consideration of the Executive Council (EX.CL) during its 44^th Ordinary Session held on 14-15 February 2024. The relevant decisions of the Executive Council are as follows:

1. EX.CL/Dec.2(XLIV)Rev.1/31: ENDORSED for submission to the to the AU in February 2024, the following documents:

ii) the 2022 Annual Report of the Commission on the July 2008 Assembly Declaration regarding the Sharm ElSheikh Commitments for Accelerating the Achievement of Water and Sanitation Goals in Africa, as per Assembly Decision (Assembly/AU/Decl.1 (XI)).

Iii) the Swakopmund Declaration on “Accelerated Action for Inclusive, Sustainable, Resilient and Safely Managed Sanitation and Hygiene Services Delivery in Africa”.

• EX.CL/Dec.2(XLIV)Rev.1/32: CONSIDERS and ENDORSES the following frameworks, guidelines and strategies to accelerate agricultural transformation, rural development, water and environment management:

(xx) commitments for Accelerating the Achievement of Water and Sanitation goals in Africa

• EX.CL/Dec.2(XLIV)Rev.1/33: FURTHER CONSIDERS AND ADOPTS the following Reports:

(iv) the 2023 Report on the Implementation of the 2015 Ngor Declaration

• EX.CL/Dec.2(XLIV)Rev.1/39: URGES the AUC:

(iii) develop an African Water Policy that provides a strategic framework towards inclusive and climate-resilient water security in the continent

(iv) and AMCOW to further strengthen the Partners Coordination Platform (PCP)

• EX.CL/Dec.2(XLIV)Rev.1/40: URGES all African Union Member States to:

(ii) develop national climate-resilient water investment programmes and in developing programmes to access climate finance for climate-resilient and inclusive water security programmes.

• EX.CL/Dec.2(XLIV)Rev.1/42: APPROVES 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.

The 37^th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU HoSG) was held on 17 – 18 February 2024. The Assembly, among others, adopted the recommendations of the Executive Council on the report of the 5th Ordinary Session of the Specialized Technical Committee (STC) on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Environment (ARDWE).

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Members of the TAC and the TEC Members for taking the necessary steps to engage Foreign Affairs to elevate water and sanitation issues. It is as a result of this support that the decisions in the foregoing were possible to achieve.

Français

Un thème relatif à l’Eau pour l’Union africaine en 2026 :

Mesdames et Messieurs les membres du Comité technique consultatif et du Comité d’experts de l’AMCOW.

Nous vous présentons ci-dessous les principales réalisations de nos engagements au cours de la 37^ème session ordinaire de l’Assemblée de l’Union africaine. Ces réalisations s’inscrivent dans le cadre des processus en cours visant à mettre en œuvre la décision EXCO/13/2022/WDH/1 du Conseil sur l’amélioration de l’image de l’eau et de l’assainissement. Le Conseil, par l’intermédiaire du Comité technique spécialisé sur l’agriculture, le développement rural, l’eau et l’environnement (CTSE), a demandé à l’Assemblée de l’Union africaine d’adopter l’eau et l’assainissement comme thème de l’Union en 2026.

Pour situer le contexte dans lequel les décisions des organes de l’Union africaine sont prises, une illustration de base des organes politiques de l’UA est présentée ci-dessous.

La 5^ème session ordinaire du CST sur l’ARDWE s’est tenue en novembre 2023 à Addis-Abeba. Elle a approuvé, entre autres, l’appel du Conseil des ministres à faire de 2026 une année de l’Union africaine sur l’eau et l’assainissement.

Le rapport complet du STC sur l’ARDWE est joint au présent document en tant que Ref_002b (EX.CL/1471(XLIV)).

Le rapport – EX.CL/1471(XLIV) – a été soumis à l’examen du Conseil exécutif (EX.CL) lors de sa 44^ème Session ordinaire tenue les 14 et 15 février 2024. Les décisions pertinentes du Conseil exécutif sont les suivantes :

1. EX.CL/Dec.2(XLIV)Rev.1/31 : APPROUVE, pour soumission à l’UA en février 2024, les documents suivants :

ii) le rapport annuel 2022 de la Commission sur la Déclaration de l’Assemblée de juillet 2008 concernant les engagements de Sharm El-Sheikh pour accélérer la réalisation des objectifs en matière d’eau et d’assainissement en Afrique, conformément à la décision de l’Assemblée (Assembly/AU/Decl.1 (XI)).

Iii) la déclaration de Swakopmund sur « l’action accélérée pour la fourniture de services d’assainissement et d’hygiène inclusifs, durables, résilients et gérés en toute sécurité en Afrique ».

• EX.CL/Dec.2(XLIV)Rev.1/32 : CONSIDÈRE et APPROUVE les cadres, lignes directrices et stratégies suivants pour accélérer la transformation de l’agriculture, le développement rural, la gestion de l’eau et de l’environnement :

(xx) les engagements pour accélérer la réalisation des objectifs en matière d’eau et d’assainissement en Afrique

• EX.CL/Dec.2(XLIV)Rev.1/33 : EXAMINE ET ADOPTE les rapports suivants :

(iv) le rapport 2023 sur la mise en œuvre de la déclaration de Ngor de 2015

• EX.CL/Dec.2(XLIV)Rev.1/39 : demande instamment à la CUA :

(iii) élaborer une politique africaine de l’eau qui fournisse un cadre stratégique pour une sécurité de l’eau inclusive et résiliente au climat sur le continent

(iv) et AMCOW à renforcer davantage la plateforme de coordination des partenaires (PCP)

• EX.CL/Dec.2(XLIV)Rev.1/40 : PRIE INSTAMMENT tous les États membres de l’Union africaine de :

(ii) élaborer des programmes nationaux d’investissement dans l’eau résistants au climat et des programmes d’accès au financement climatique pour des programmes de sécurité de l’eau résistants au climat et inclusifs.

• EX.CL/Dec.2(XLIV)Rev.1/42 : APPROUVE la proposition d’adopter «Assurer une disponibilité durable de l’eau et des systèmes d’assainissement sûrs pour atteindre les objectifs de l’Agenda 2063 » comme thème de l’Union africaine pour l’année 2026.

La 37^ème session ordinaire de la Conférence des chefs d’État et de gouvernement de l’Union africaine (AU HoSG) s’est tenue les 17 et 18 février 2024. La Conférence a, entre autres, adopté les recommandations du Conseil exécutif sur le rapport de la 5ème session ordinaire du Comité technique spécialisé (CTS) sur l’agriculture, le développement rural, l’eau et l’environnement (ARDWE).

Nous voudrions profiter de cette occasion pour remercier les membres du TAC et les membres du TEC d’avoir pris les mesures nécessaires pour inciter le ministère des Affaires étrangères à mettre en avant les questions relatives à l’eau et à l’assainissement. C’est grâce à ce soutien que les décisions mentionnées ci-dessus ont pu être prises.

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.