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Senior Policy Officer, Water Resources Management

Function:  Regional Engagement and Partnerships Development
Reports to:  Director of Programmes.
Grade: P4 (out of a P1 – P5 professional grading structure)
Posted: 2 August 2023
Closes: 31 August 2023

Background
AMCOW is an intergovernmental, non-budgetary institution working under the Specialised Technical Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Environment of the African Union (AU). Our mission is to provide 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.
For more information, refer to: http://www.amcow-online.org/.
The position of Senior Policy Officer, Water Resources Management is one of the key management functions under the Director of Programmes at the AMCOW Secretariat located in Abuja, Nigeria. The scope of responsibilities of the role is described below.

Responsibilities:
The Senior Policy Officer, Water Resources Management, will be responsible for programming and coordinating implementation of the Secretariat activities to assure sustainable management of Africa’s water resources.
The primary scope of responsibilities consists of the following:

1)     Policy, regulatory and institutional arrangements: Lead AMCOW initiatives to strengthen water governance systems and management structures in Africa. Related interventions promote and facilitate investment-orientated transboundary management and governance of Africa’s water resources. Particular focus is placed on delivering on the commitments of Africa’s political leadership to:
a)     increase domestic allocations to the water, sanitation and hygiene sector, and attract investments for water resources development, utilisation and management. A key AMCOW strategy is to strengthen the business case for water investments in Africa to enhance human and institutional capacities, build infrastructure and improve information systems to support water management;
b)     innovate mechanisms to manage demand and improve efficiency in the production, supply and utilisation of water in agriculture;
c)     contribute to enhancing sanitation governance and services delivery mechanisms vis-à-vis:
i)       improving environmental integrity through wastewater and water quality management;
ii)      promoting circular systems for urban water cycles and productive sanitation; and,
iii)    resilient WASH Programming.
d)     mobilise groundwater networks and actors towards a common, harmonised, and evidence-based approach to sustainable groundwater use and management in furtherance of the Africa Water Vision 2025; the SDGs and AU Agenda 2063;
e)     strengthen the institutional linkages and operational arrangements between AMCOW and AMCOW’s technical, implementing and funding partners within the Water, Energy, Food and Ecosystems (WEFE) nexus framework; and
f)      strengthen mechanisms for tracking sector financing – at AMCOW level – and strengthen mechanisms for coordinating, leveraging and improving efficiency of utilising Official Development Assistance (ODA) funds to the sector.

2)     Stakeholder Engagement: Contribute to strengthening of decision-making processes through technically facilitating the interaction, at all levels, of governmental and non-governmental actors, including the private sector. The incumbent will lead the Secretariat’s efforts to translate AMCOW’s Water Resources Management Priority Action Programme into partnerships for action to:
a)     promote economic accounting for water as a discipline to, among others, improve the financing and investment outlook for water resources management in Africa;
b)     motivate action to improve national-level capacities for collecting complete and reliable hydro-meteorological and piezometric data in all of Africa’s 64 shared river basins;
c)     apply nexus perspective solutions to assure water, food and energy security in Africa;
d)     improve agricultural water management, including facilitating the use of waste as a resource in agriculture at the national level;
e)     catalyse implementation of the prioritised transboundary water projects in the second priority action plan of the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA);
f)      promote and facilitate multifunctional “green” basin development centred on natural and built infrastructure to provide a continuum of water storage solutions;
g)     support Member States and River and Lake Basin Organisations (R/LBOs) to conduct water resources assessments, assessing the availability of groundwater resources and the impact of climate change on freshwater availability;
h)     support Member States to monitor and manage groundwater use;
i)       promote the development of legal, policy and institutional frameworks for wastewater management and safe discharge of effluent into transboundary water courses and aquifers;
j)       increase access to and control of resources, assets, capabilities, agency and opportunities for climate-vulnerable and marginalised groups; and,
k)     mobilise institutional partnerships for strengthening water security.

3)     Resources Mobilisation: Work in close collaboration with the Senior Policy Officer – Governance and Partnerships to raise funding and coordinate initiatives in support of AMCOW activities. The activities are articulated in the Secretariat workplans; engagement plans with partners, and PIDA-PAP transboundary water projects. The incumbent’s responsibilities include:
a)     instituting mechanisms to implement projects identified for their shared benefits, notably, the ability to attract investments:
b)     leveraging funding streams from partners for the implementation of the AMCOW Work Programme;
c)     leading in the conception and formulation of WRM engagement plans and coordinating their implementation with RECs, R/LBOs, technical and implementing partners; as well as other sector players;
d)     contributing to the meetings and engagements of the Water and Sanitation Sector Development Partners Coordination Framework (DPCF).
Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
1)     Enhance AMCOW’s presence and visibility at the country and regional levels, aiming to promote effective policy-making tools and useful intelligence on sustainable water resources management on the continent.
2)     Promote regional synergies and country-level efforts on water resources management and institutionalise WRM coordinating mechanisms within the Secretariat.

More specifically, the Senior Policy Officer, Water Resources Management is responsible for managing the following key activities:
1)     Ensure consistent and proper use and visibility of AMCOW’s brand by improving WRM activities, effectiveness and outreach in order to enhance awareness and understanding of WRM issues amongst stakeholders through country, regional and wider public events like Africa Water Week and AfricaSan Conferences;
2) Collaborate with the Knowledge Management and Communications Officer to prepare press releases and interview messages, as well as coordinate, proofread and assure content delivery of AMCOW’s newsletters and other types of learning materials and policy documents.

Essential Requirements:
1)     Minimum 12 years of work experience, preferably in the water sector, of which at least six (6) years of experience should be in integrated water resources management (IWRM), water security analysis, planning and advocacy.
2)     Direct experience or experience working with partners supporting WRM-related policy initiatives and work programmes of the AUC, the AMCOW Secretariat, AUDA-NEPAD, the RECs and RLBOs.
3)     Proven commitment to excellence and quality of measured results, programme development and operationalisation in an inter-governmental setting.
4)     A successful track-record of
a)     effective facilitation of technical processes and coordination of high-profile multi-stakeholder processes;
b)     setting priorities and developing implementation arrangements in politically sensitive and technically demanding operational environments; and,
c)     technical responsibility for the quality and content of decision-supporting reports at the political level.
5)     Excellent diplomacy and relationship-building skills with an ability to prioritise, negotiate, and work with a variety of cross-cultural and high-profile technical, implementing and development partners, as well as Member States.
Multi-tasking skills, able to wear many hats in a fast-paced, challenging and rewarding environment.

Education, Professional Qualifications and Certification:
A Master’s Degree or PhD in a field relevant to water and related natural resources management; Engineering; and water supply, sanitation, and hygiene services provision.

Language Requirements:
Fluent and superior mastery of English and/or French through education and experience in a work context. Portuguese and/or Arabic languages would be an asset.

Skills:
1)     Strong proactive business development skills.
2)     Superior communication and presentation skills.
3)     Highly refined diplomacy and persuasive skills.
4)     Very good learning and knowledge-sharing skills.
5) Strong team building and motivating skills.

Computer Literacy:
1)     Expert-level use of the Office suite of applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
2)     Familiarity with project management tools.
3) Good knowledge and preferably work experience with Cloud-based technologies.

Age Requirement:
Candidate shall not be more than 55 years as of 01 August 2023.

Values:
1)     High professional ethics beyond legal compliance.
2)     Commitment to the public good.
3)     Commitment to quality and excellence, knowledge sharing and maintaining public trust.
4)     Accountability to AMCOW Secretariat, the AU member States and AMCOW Partners and Stakeholders.
5) Transparency, honesty and integrity, including cross-cultural openness and flexibility.

Citizenship Requirements:
National of any of the AU Member States.
Any interested candidates should send a CV and Cover letter to: info@amcow-online.org
Click the link below to download Job Description: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/9s3tohegw449ms4mp0qjs/JD_Senior_Policy_Officer_Water_Resources_Management_Final.docx?rlkey=8joeyyg8ms3s9clz5t20i75ex&dl=0
AMCOW Jobs Senior Policy Officer-Water Resources Management
Archives

Chargé de mission principal, Gestion des ressources en eau

Grade : P4 (dans une grille de gradation professionnelle allant de P1 à P5)

Contexte de base :
AMCOW est une institution intergouvernementale et non budgétaire qui travaille sous l’égide du Comité technique spécialisé sur l’agriculture, le développement rural, l’eau et l’environnement de l’Union africaine (UA). Notre mission est de fournir un leadership politique, une orientation politique et un plaidoyer dans la fourniture, l’utilisation et la gestion des ressources en eau pour un développement social et économique durable et le maintien des écosystèmes africains. Pour plus d’informations, veuillez consulter : http://www.amcow-online.org/. Le poste de Chargé de mission principal, Gestion des ressources en eau, est l’une des principales fonctions de gestion relevant du directeur des programmes au secrétariat de l’AMCOW, situé à Abuja, au Nigeria. L’étendue des responsabilités du poste est décrite ci-dessous.

Responsabilités :
Le Chargé de mission principal, Gestion des ressources en eau, sera responsable de la programmation et de la coordination de la mise en œuvre des activités du Secrétariat visant à assurer la gestion durable des ressources en eau de l’Afrique.
Ses principales responsabilités sont les suivantes :
1)     Arrangements politiques, réglementaires et institutionnels : Diriger les initiatives de l’AMCOW visant à renforcer les systèmes de gouvernance de l’eau et les structures de gestion en Afrique. Les interventions connexes promeuvent et facilitent la gestion et la gouvernance transfrontalières des ressources en eau de l’Afrique, axées sur l’investissement. L’accent est mis en particulier sur le respect des engagements pris par les dirigeants politiques africains en vue de :
a)     augmenter les dotations nationales au secteur de l’eau, de l’assainissement et de l’hygiène, et attirer les investissements pour le développement, l’utilisation et la gestion des ressources en eau. L’une des principales stratégies de l’AMCOW consiste à renforcer les arguments économiques en faveur des investissements dans le secteur de l’eau en Afrique afin d’améliorer les capacités humaines et institutionnelles, de construire des infrastructures et d’améliorer les systèmes d’information à l’appui de la gestion de l’eau ;
b)     innover dans les mécanismes de gestion de la demande et améliorer l’efficacité de la production, de l’approvisionnement et de l’utilisation de l’eau dans l’agriculture ;
c)     contribuer à l’amélioration de la gouvernance en matière d’assainissement et des mécanismes de prestation de services en ce qui concerne:
i)       améliorer l’intégrité environnementale par la gestion des eaux usées et de la qualité de l’eau
ii)     promouvoir les systèmes circulaires pour les cycles de l’eau urbaine et l’assainissement productif ; et,
iii)    un programme WASH résilient.
d)     mobiliser les réseaux d’eau souterraine et les acteurs vers une approche commune, harmonisée et basée sur des preuves de l’utilisation et de la gestion durable des eaux souterraines dans le cadre de la Vision africaine de l’eau 2025, des ODD et de l’Agenda 2063 de l’UA ;
e)     renforcer les liens institutionnels et les accords opérationnels entre l’AMCOW et ses partenaires techniques, de mise en œuvre et de financement dans le cadre du nexus eau, énergie, alimentation et écosystèmes (WEFE) ; et
f)      renforcer les mécanismes de suivi du financement du secteur – au niveau de l’AMCOW – et renforcer les mécanismes de coordination, d’effet de levier et d’amélioration de l’efficacité de l’utilisation des fonds de l’aide publique au développement (APD) dans le secteur.
2)     Engagement des parties prenantes : Contribuer au renforcement des processus décisionnels en facilitant techniquement l’interaction, à tous les niveaux, des acteurs gouvernementaux et non gouvernementaux, y compris le secteur privé. Le titulaire du poste dirigera les efforts du secrétariat pour traduire le programme d’action prioritaire de l’AMCOW en matière de gestion des ressources en eau en partenariats d’action visant à :
a)     promouvoir la comptabilité économique de l’eau en tant que discipline pour, entre autres, améliorer les perspectives de financement et d’investissement pour la gestion des ressources en eau en Afrique ;
b)     motiver les actions visant à améliorer les capacités nationales de collecte de données hydrométéorologiques et piézométriques complètes et fiables dans l’ensemble des 64 bassins fluviaux partagés de l’Afrique ;
c)     appliquer des solutions fondées sur la perspective du lien entre l’eau, l’alimentation et l’énergie pour assurer la sécurité de l’eau, de l’alimentation et de l’énergie en Afrique ;
d)     améliorer la gestion de l’eau agricole, notamment en facilitant l’utilisation des déchets comme ressource agricole au niveau national ;
e)     catalyser la mise en œuvre des projets prioritaires relatifs aux eaux transfrontalières dans le deuxième plan d’action prioritaire du programme pour le développement des infrastructures en Afrique (PIDA) ;
f)      promouvoir et faciliter le développement multifonctionnel des bassins “verts” axé sur les infrastructures naturelles et construites afin de fournir un continuum de solutions de stockage de l’eau ;
g)     aider les États membres et les organisations de bassins fluviaux et lacustres à réaliser des évaluations des ressources en eau, en évaluant la disponibilité des ressources en eaux souterraines et l’impact du changement climatique sur la disponibilité de l’eau douce ;
h)     aider les États membres à surveiller et à gérer l’utilisation des eaux souterraines ;
i)       promouvoir l’élaboration de cadres juridiques, politiques et institutionnels pour la gestion des eaux usées et le déversement en toute sécurité des effluents dans les cours d’eau et les aquifères transfrontaliers ;
j)       améliorer l’accès et le contrôle des ressources, des actifs, des capacités, de l’agence et des opportunités pour les groupes vulnérables au climat et marginalisés ; et,
k)     mobiliser les partenariats institutionnels pour renforcer la sécurité de l’eau.
3)     Mobilisation des ressources  : Travailler en étroite collaboration avec le Chargé de mission principal – Gouvernance et partenariats pour mobiliser des fonds et coordonner des initiatives à l’appui des activités d’AMCOW. Les activités s’articulent autour des plans de travail du secrétariat, des plans d’engagement avec les partenaires et des projets PIDA-PAP sur les eaux transfrontalières. Les responsabilités du titulaire sont les suivantes :
a)     instituer des mécanismes pour mettre en œuvre des projets identifiés pour leurs avantages partagés, notamment la capacité d’attirer des investissements :
b)     l’exploitation des flux de financement des partenaires pour la mise en œuvre du programme de travail de l’AMCOW ;
c)     diriger la conception et la formulation de plans d’engagement en faveur de la gestion des ressources en eau et coordonner leur mise en œuvre avec les CER, les organisations régionales et locales, les partenaires techniques et de mise en œuvre, ainsi qu’avec d’autres acteurs du secteur ;
d)     contribuer aux réunions et aux engagements du cadre de coordination des partenaires au développement du secteur de l’eau et de l’assainissement (CCPD).
Les autres responsabilités comprennent, sans s’y limiter à :
1)     Renforcer la présence et la visibilité d’AMCOW au niveau national et régional, dans le but de promouvoir des outils de prise de décision efficaces et des informations utiles sur la gestion durable des ressources en eau sur le continent.
2)     Promouvoir les synergies régionales et les efforts nationaux en matière de gestion des ressources en eau et institutionnaliser les mécanismes de coordination de la gestion des ressources en eau au sein du Secrétariat.
Plus précisément, le chargé de mission principal, Gestion des ressources en eau, est responsable de la gestion des activités clés suivantes :
1)     Assurer une utilisation et une visibilité cohérentes et appropriées de la marque AMCOW en améliorant les activités, l’efficacité et la portée de la gestion des ressources en eau, afin de renforcer la sensibilisation et la compréhension des questions de gestion des ressources en eau parmi les parties prenantes par le biais d’événements nationaux, régionaux et grand public tels que la Semaine africaine de l’eau et les Conférences AfricaSan ;                        
Collaborer avec le responsable de la gestion des connaissances et de la communication pour préparer les communiqués de presse et les messages d’interview, ainsi que pour coordonner, relire et assurer la diffusion du contenu des bulletins d’information d’AMCOW et d’autres types de matériel d’apprentissage et de documents politiques.

Caractéristiques essentielles:
1)     Au moins 12 ans d’expérience professionnelle, de préférence dans le secteur de l’eau, dont au moins 6 ans d’expérience dans la gestion intégrée des ressources en eau (GIRE), l’analyse de la sécurité de l’eau, la planification et le plaidoyer.
2)     Expérience directe ou expérience de travail avec des partenaires soutenant les initiatives politiques liées à la GIRE et les programmes de travail de la CUA, du secrétariat de l’AMCOW, de l’AUDA-NEPAD, des CER et des organismes régionaux de bassin.
3)     Engagement avéré en faveur de l’excellence et de la qualité des résultats mesurés, du développement et de l’opérationnalisation des programmes dans un cadre intergouvernemental.
4)     Une expérience probante dans les domaines suivants :
a)     la facilitation efficace des processus techniques et la coordination des processus multipartites à forte visibilité ;
b)     la fixation de priorités et l’élaboration de dispositions de mise en œuvre dans des environnements opérationnels politiquement sensibles et techniquement exigeants ; et,
c)     la responsabilité technique de la qualité et du contenu des rapports d’aide à la décision au niveau politique.
5)     Excellentes compétences en matière de diplomatie et d’établissement de relations, avec une capacité à établir des priorités, à négocier et à travailler avec une variété de partenaires techniques, de mise en œuvre et de développement interculturels et de haut niveau, ainsi qu’avec les États membres.
Aptitude à effectuer plusieurs tâches à la fois, capable de porter plusieurs chapeaux dans un environnement rapide, stimulant et gratifiant.

Formation, qualifications professionnelles et certification :
Un master ou un doctorat dans un domaine lié à la gestion de l’eau et des ressources naturelles connexes, à l’ingénierie et à la fourniture de services d’approvisionnement en eau, d’assainissement et d’hygiène.

Exigences linguistiques :
Maîtrise courante et avancée de l’anglais et/ou du français grâce à l’éducation et à l’expérience dans un contexte professionnel.
La maîtrise du portugais et/ou de l’arabe serait un atout

Compétences :
1)     Solides compétences proactives en matière de développement commercial.
2)     Compétences supérieures en matière de communication et de présentation.
3)     Diplomatie et capacité de persuasion très raffinées.
4)     Très bonnes aptitudes à l’apprentissage et au partage des connaissances.
5) Solides compétences en matière de constitution d’équipes et de motivation.

Compétences informatiques :
1)     Utilisation experte de la suite d’applications Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
2)     Familiarité avec les outils de gestion de projet.
3) Bonne connaissance et, de préférence, expérience professionnelle des technologies basées sur l’informatique en nuage.

Conditions d’âge :
Le candidat ne doit pas être âgé de plus de 55 ans à la date du 1er août 2023.

Valeurs :
1)     Une éthique professionnelle élevée au-delà de la conformité légale.
2)     Engagement envers le bien public.
3)     Engagement en faveur de la qualité et de l’excellence, du partage des connaissances et du maintien de la confiance du public.
4)     Responsabilité envers le secrétariat d’AMCOW, les États membres de l’UA et les partenaires et parties prenantes d’AMCOW.
5) Transparence, honnêteté et intégrité, y compris ouverture et flexibilité interculturelles.

Conditions de citoyenneté :
Le ou la candidat/e doit être un/e ressortissant/e d’un des États membres de l’UA

Les candidats intéressés par ce poste doivent soumettre leur candidature officielle au plus tard le 31 août 2023 à l’adresse électronique suivante :

Dépôt des candidatures
Le Secrétaire exécutif,
Conseil des ministres africains chargés de l’eau  (AMCOW),
No. 11, T.Y. Danjuma Street, Asokoro District,
Abuja, Nigeria .
Email : info@amcow-online.org;
 
Les candidatures féminines sont vivement encouragées.
Veuillez noter que seuls les candidats présélectionnés seront contactés.
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Special Messages

Financing nature – A Call for financial solutions for biodiversity and climate adaptation

Sida is issuing a Call for expressions of interest, to mobilise private sector capital towards positive impact for biodiversity and climate adaptation globally and regionally in Africa.

Why a call for nature?

Climate change and loss of biodiversity present two increasingly important challenges for modern civilisation. Biologically diverse ecosystems are critical for livelihoods, health and well-being, and nature underpins a majority of economic activities. Ecosystem services are also central in society’s response to climate change, in building resilience and adapting to its effects.

The objective of this Call is to identify and select partners suitable for a Sida guarantee, for mobilising capital towards outcomes, services and behaviours that benefit nature.

The Sida guarantee is a flexible risk mitigation instrument, designed to share risk with private actors to mobilise capital. When Sida shares risk with investors they can raise additional capital and take on additional risks that otherwise would not be possible. Click here to: visit the Sida website for full application details.

Nelson Gomonda
Special Messages

AMCOW Welcomes its New Director of Programmes (DP)- Mr Nelson Gomonda

The African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) welcomes a new Director of Programmes in the person of Mr Nelson Gomonda.

Nelson Gomonda is a highly accomplished development professional from Malawi with a track record of over 26 years in the field. With a strong focus on the Water and Sanitation Sector, he has amassed over 15 years of consistent experience at various levels.

Recently, Nelson served as the Senior Policy Specialist at WaterAid, where he played a pivotal role in driving governance initiatives. Before this, he was a consultant supporting renowned institutions, including the African Union. During his tenure at the African Development Bank in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire, Nelson excelled as a Water Supply and Sanitation Consultant for over three years until December 2021.

His expertise extends to his time at Sanitation and Water for All (SWA), where he contributed as a WASH Specialist in supporting High-Level Political Dialogue held at UNICEF in New York. Nelson’s impactful work also includes his leadership role at the Africa Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) Secretariat in Abuja, where he spearheaded the development of a web-based monitoring and reporting system for Africa’s water and sanitation sector.

Throughout his career, Nelson has garnered valuable experience working with esteemed organizations such as WaterAid, the European Union (EU) Delegation in Malawi, the DFID-supported Poverty and Policy Project, the UNDP-supported Malawi Poverty Reduction Strategy (MPRS) project under the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, and GIZ.

Nelson holds a Master’s Degree in Policy Studies, which he earned in 2000 through a joint program offered by the Universities of Zimbabwe and Fort Hare in South Africa. His multifaceted background and his passion for sustainable development position him as a seasoned professional in driving positive change within the Water and Sanitation Sector.

Join us to receive Nelson heartily as he resumes office on 1 July 2023 at AMCOW Secretariat to continue his impactful work advancing water and sanitation initiatives across Africa.

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Introductory Meeting with AMCOW Knowledge Management Focal Points

The African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) has organised an introductory meeting for its first batch of knowledge management (KM) focal persons from 13 member states. It is a significant step forward in its commitment to enhancing KM in the water and sanitation sector. This initiative aligns with the Africa Water and Sanitation Knowledge Management Challenge, launched by AMCOW during the Stockholm World Water Week 2021.

26 Focal Points (14 males, 12 females) attended the meeting, representing Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gambia, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, South Sudan, Togo, Botswana, and Rwanda. These professionals bring diverse expertise in water supply engineering, general water research, groundwater research, hydrogeology, international relations, water resources development, urban sanitation, data management, geology, knowledge management, and more.

The introductory meeting aimed to welcome the KM Focal Points, familiarise them with the Africa Water and Sanitation KM Challenge and outline the upcoming activities. In his opening remarks, Dr Rashid Mbaziira, the Executive Secretary of AMCOW, represented by Patrice Leumeni, AMCOW’s Monitoring and Reporting Lead, emphasised the importance of the initiative. The Focal Points will undergo training in KM principles and practices and develop country-specific KM strategies. Their contributions will help create a continental Knowledge Agenda for Africa’s water and sanitation sector. They will also help to drive the broader awareness and use of the yearly Africa Water and Sanitation Sector Monitoring (WASSMO) Report produced by AMCOW. Dr Mbaziira also expressed his desire for the Focal Points to actively participate in AMCOW’s sub-regional consultations to deepen their understanding of AMCOW’s programmes.

The meeting featured presentations that provided an overview of AMCOW, the composition of activities within the Knowledge Management Challenge, and subsequent implementation plans. Additionally, the Focal Points were informed that they would also serve as drivers for gender and youth inclusion in their respective countries, where such initiatives may not yet be in place.

An exciting highlight of the meeting was the realisation that the Focal Points would play a vital role in fostering robust south-south collaboration, knowledge creation, and exchange among AMCOW member state through the outlined initiatives. AMCOW Secretariat, in cooperation with its partners, will continue to cultivate and strengthen this initiative while also mobilising the participation of other member states to achieve the target nomination of 110 focal points (two from each country, one male and one female). The Knowledge Management Challenge was launched by the Honourable Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Republic of Namibia and AMCOW President 2020-2022, H E Carl Hermann Schlettwein. Water This introductory meeting marks a significant milestone in AMCOW’s ongoing commitment to improving African water and sanitation practices through enhanced knowledge management. The dedication and expertise of the Focal Points will play a crucial role in achieving the goals of the Africa Water and Sanitation KM Challenge, contributing to sustainable development across the continent.

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Day 1 of AMCOW’s 13th General Assembly Sparks Expectancy and Renewed Commitment to Africa’s Water Vision

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.

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Press Release

Egypt to Host AMCOW’s 13th General Assembly

The 13th Ordinary Session of the General Assembly (GA) of the Governing Council of the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) will be hosted by the Arab Republic of Egypt in Cairo.

The GA, which will hold from 13-15 June 2023, will consider and guide the formulation and pursuits of AMCOW aspirations and ongoing interventions. These include mobilising the active involvement of the Member States and partners in the formulation of the post-2025 Africa Water Vision and advocating cooperation in the management of water resources through multi-sectoral approaches and water-energy-food-ecosystem perspectives.

The GA will also raise its profile and increase awareness of the value of water as the most precious resource for life and key to climate change adaptation and resilience. The assembly also presents a platform for setting a biennial agenda for Africa’s water and sanitation sector by the Council of Ministers. The principles of a bottom-up-top-down approach will be applied to adopt continental policy initiatives informed by Member States’ priorities at the national and regional levels.

Similarly, ownership of these initiatives is demonstrated by their domestication for implementation at the appropriate levels. It is in this regard that AMCOW executes its mandate as the working group on water and sanitation of the Africa Union’s Specialised Technical Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment (ARDWE).

The expected outcome would guide cooperative action in the management of Africa’s water resources to support continent-wide aspirations for social transformation, economic growth, regional integration, peace and security. It will also guide the application of information and knowledge resources to promote best practices in water policy reforms and water, food and energy security.

The Council would also agree on transboundary water resources management and water services provision, initiatives, action on climate change adaptation and mitigation studies and developing policies and strategies for mitigating and managing water-related disaster risks.

AMCOW plans to strengthen mechanisms to assure commensurate financial flows to the sector to deliver on continental and global commitments to achieve African water and sanitation goals.

About 135 participants are expected, including representatives of the African Union Commission (AUC), the 55 Ministers responsible for water, 55 TAC and Technical Experts Committees (TEC) members, staff of the Ministry for Water and Irrigation of the Arab Republic of Egypt and AMCOW secretariat.

Photo Credit. Nile River by Harold Edwin Hurst, Charles Gordon Smith, Magdi M. El-Kammash: Encyclopedia Britannica

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Uncategorized

Africa Shapes a Kampala Declaration on Transboundary Water Resources Management

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.

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News

AMCOW Secretariat discusses with Kenya plans for its 13th General Assembly

We are excited to announce that the Executive Secretary of the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW), Dr Rashid Mbaziira, recently visited Kenya to discuss plans for the upcoming 13th General Assembly of the Governing Council.

The General Assembly is a crucial event for AMCOW as it provides an opportunity for the African Ministers responsible for water to come together and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the water sector in Africa. Hosted by the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Ordinary Session will hold from 13-15 June – with two major sessions comprising a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Session and a Ministerial Session.

(From left to right) Executive Secretary of AMCOW, Dr Rashid Mbaziira and Kenya Cabinet Secretary (CS), Hon Alice Wahome.

During his visit, Dr Mbaziira met with AMCOW’s EXCO Member and Vice President of the Eastern Africa Region, CS Hon Alice Wahome.

The meeting was held on 26th March and was focused on discussing the preparations for the upcoming General Assembly. Dr Mbaziira and CS Hon Alice Wahome discussed various plans and strategies to ensure the success of the General Assembly. They also discussed the importance of ensuring the event is inclusive and representative of all African countries.

We are confident that the upcoming General Assembly will be a success, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Arab Republic of Egypt and EXCO Members.

We look forward to welcoming the African Ministers responsible for water to the 13th General Assembly of the Governing Council of the African Ministers’ Council on Water.

We will provide more updates on this significant event.

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News

Africa Water Facility Publishes its 2023 Newsletter

Africa Water Facility Newsletter

The African Water Facility (AWF) has published the first issue of its 2023 newsletters. Under the theme ‘working for water’, the newsletter underlines the need to continue to deploy resources across sectors and industries to achieve access to water and sanitation for all in Africa.

In this first edition of the 2023 newsletter, you’ll find news on AWF’s updated investment case, knowledge management products, an overview of the Africa Urban Sanitation Investment Initiative (AUSII) – a sanitation window to be hosted by the AWF, some highlights of AWF’s activities and industry moments in the first quarter of 2023, and more.

To read the newsletter in English or French, download it via the links below:

https://knowledgehub.amcow-online.org/admin/resources/working-for-water-issue1

Africa Water Facility Newsletter 2023

La Facilité africaine de l’eau (FAE) a publié le premier numéro de sa lettre d’information 2023. Sous le thème “Travailler pour l’eau”, elle souligne la nécessité de continuer à déployer des ressources à travers les secteurs et les industries afin d’assurer l’accès à l’eau et à l’assainissement pour tous en Afrique.

 Dans ce bulletin, vous trouverez des informations sur le dossier d’investissement actualisé de la FAE, des produits de gestion des connaissances, un aperçu de l’Initiative d’investissement pour l’assainissement urbain en Afrique (AUSII) – une fenêtre d’assainissement qui sera hébergée par la FAE, quelques points forts des activités de la FAE et des moments forts de l’industrie au cours du premier trimestre 2023, et bien d’autres choses encore.

 Pour lire la lettre d’information en anglais ou en français, téléchargez-la via les liens ci-dessous:

https://knowledgehub.amcow-online.org/admin/resources/oeuvrer-pour-lacces-a-leau-numero-1