Background

In accordance with the objectives of its Strategic Operational Plan to align Member States’ sanitation and hygiene policy environments with continental and global commitments, AMCOW developed the  African Sanitation Policy Guidelines.  The ASPGs were developed through a consultative and collaborative process with key sector players and African Union Member States. It provides the recommended core elements and processes for the review, revision, and development of policies, strategies, and plans toward achieving SDGs 6.2. To demonstrate the progress and impact of ASPG utilization over time, AMCOW is establishing a monitoring and reporting mechanism.

The mechanism will comprise the following key elements:

I. Development of an agreed indicator framework for monitoring changes in Member States’ enabling environments for sanitation and hygiene services provision in line with global and continental commitments

II. The institutionalisation of a data collection and information generation protocol, including defining modalities and or systems for:

• Situation assessments to both:
• capture, analyse and store the data gathered and the information generated;
• the periodic reporting cycle.

III. Strengthening capacity at the Member States and other relevant levels to operationalise the monitoring and reporting mechanism;
IV. data gathering and reporting format and
V. information sharing and dissemination approach

Situation assessments will be a key component of the overall framework for monitoring the outcomes of the utilisation of the ASPGs by Member States. They will be useful to:

1. establish individual Member States’ baseline conditions prior to interventions to strengthen the policy environment utilising the ASPGs; and,
2. collect information at regular periodic intervals for use in monitoring changes in the policy environment over time;

Currently, two tools exist for conducting assessments of the sanitation policy environment prior to ASPG utilisation. They are namely:

1. the African Sanitation Policy Assessment Tool (ASPAT); and
2. the Policy Monitoring and Assessment Tool (PMAT).

Against this background, AMCOW seeks to engage the services of a consultant to reconcile the ASPAT and PMAT tools.

Objectives of the Consultancy:
The overarching objective of the consultancy is to reconcile the African Sanitation Policy Assessment Tool (ASPAT) and Policy Monitoring and Assessment Tool (PMAT) into one comprehensive tool for conducting situation assessments of the sanitation and hygiene policy environment. In the context of this assessment, the policy environment includes policy documents, governance arrangements for sanitation and hygiene; regulatory frameworks; institutional arrangements; as well as sector funding mechanisms.
Specific objectives: The specific objectives of the consultancy are to:
i. harmonise terminologies,
ii. identify and address gaps for comprehensive situation assessments that are not covered by the two tools when considered together;
iii. remove redundancies and or repetitions in the information that can be collected using the tools; and,
iv. develop recommendations for a suitable name for the reconciled tool.
Overall, the intent is to improve accuracy and consistency at the stage of data collection and reporting resulting from using the tool.

Scope of Work:
The scope of work for this consultancy entails the following:
• Desk review: a desk review of policy documents will be conducted. Below is an inexhaustive list of documents for review:

• African Sanitation Policy Guidelines (ASPG)
• African Sanitation Policy Assessment Tool (ASPAT)
• Policy Monitoring and Assessment Tool (PMAT)
• AMCOW 2018 – 2030 Strategy
• AMCOW Strategic Operational Plan 2022 – 2024
  • Tools Reconciliation: This involves the reconciliation of the ASPAT and PMAT assessment tools to form a single tool that covers the specific objectives in (2) above.

The table below summarizes the expected tasks and deliverables for this assignment

Tasks/Milestone	Deliverables/Outputs
Virtual inception meeting on the scope of work, clarifications on the assignment	Development of a work plan for the consultancy
Desk review of relevant documents in 3 above	Desk review of relevant documents conducted
Reconciliation of the ASPAT and the PMAT and related documents into a single tool	A draft situation assessment tool presented
Virtual consultation with governments on the draft tool	Consultation meetings with governments and key stakeholders conducted
Virtual validation meeting among key stakeholders	Situation assessment tool validated
Finalization of the situation assessment tool	Reconciled tool finalised
Production of assignment report	Final report produced

Terms of Payment

 Payments will be associated with outputs upon satisfactory delivery of expected results.

Reporting and Task Management

AMCOW will manage this assignment with a direct reporting line to the Policy Officer for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (POWASH), who will be responsible for final approvals of deliverables.

Duration of Assignment

The successful applicant should be available to commence on 20 May 2023. Bearing in mind that progress on the reconciled tool will be presented at the AMCOW Executive Committee meeting on June 12 2023.

Education, Required Skills and Experience of the Consultant.

The following minimum qualifications and experience are required to successfully deliver on this assignment:

• Advanced University degree in social sciences, environment, public policy, and sanitation-related subjects.
• Minimum of 10 years experience in policy-related matters in water resources management, sanitation, and hygiene
• Familiarity with the ASPGs would greatly contribute to this assignment’s success.
• Knowledge of policy development and revision process in Africa and globally
• Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation, including experience in developing a situation assessment tool, would be required to attain success in this assignment.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and report-writing skills in English are desired.
• Submission of Proposals

Interested parties – both individuals and firms – that meet the criteria above are invited to submit proposals (maximum of 15 pages as a single attachment) providing the details below:

1. An expression of interest and technical capability statement;
2. Details of the proposed approach, methodology and activity scheduling;
3. A summary of relevant experience – over the last 5 years – of developing situation assessment tools in both private sector and inter-governmental organisational contexts. Please use the table below for each of the relevant assignments. Contact information of the respective clients should be provided for each of the relevant assignments listed.

Assignment name:	Approx. value of the contract:
Countries:	Duration of assignment:
Name of client and contact details:	Total no. of staff months of the assignment:
Address:	Approx. value of the services provided by your firm/you under the contract:
Start date:   Completion date:	No. of professional staff-months provided by associated consultants:
Name of associated consultants, if any:	Name of the senior professional staff of your firm involved and functions performed: Eg. XXXX YYYYY, Team Leader, hydrologist, hydraulic conditions ZZZZ AAAA, Water Economist BBBB CCCCC, Financial Modeller
Narrative description of the project: (please provide summaries of the background, approach and methods used, and outputs/recommendations)
Description of actual services provided by your staff/you within the assignment:

• the applicant’s resume – for individual consultants – or resumes of the key staff of the bidding firm highlighting relevant expertise;
• a financial proposal containing time and cost estimate for delivery of the above-described deliverables, including a break-down to level of effort and expenses.
• links to samples of the bidder’s written work/deliverables from previous assignments.

9.  How to apply

Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience are invited to submit a formal proposal and resume no later than 10^th May 2023.

The application should be addressed and emailed 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 The same e-mail address can be used to request additional information and or clarifications.

1. Background

The African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) is an intergovernmental institution formed in 2002 in Abuja, Nigeria. The vision of AMCOW is an Africa where there is an equitable and sustainable use and management of water resources for poverty alleviation, socio-economic development, regional cooperation and the environment. AMCOW’s 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. The Organs and structures of AMCOW serve as the working group on Water and Sanitation of the African Union’s Specialized Technical Committee (STC) of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment (ARBE).

Over the past 5 years, AMCOW Secretariat has gone through a number of institutional reforms to improve its operational and governance arrangements to deliver on its mandate effectively. The overall objective is to provide a high-level platform to push the water agenda forward at the continental, regional and country levels. Ultimately, the aspiration is for Member States to ensure effective and sustainable management of water resources for all purposes to address both poverty reduction and social development goals.

2. Rationale

A key outcome of the institutional development support to date has been the establishment of broadly inclusive participatory mechanisms – coordinated by the AMCOW Secretariat – for informing decision-making. Information generated from the Africa Water and Sanitation Sector (WASSMO) system is used to inform continental policy initiatives to coordinate and technically facilitate the water sector in Africa.

On the continuum of institutional growth, the focus has now shifted to assuring both the short-term funding stability and the long-term financial security of AMCOW.

Numerous political commitments notwithstanding, the water sector – in general – and AMCOW as an institution – are faced with a chronic challenge of incommensurate funding. The Sharm-el-Sheikh Declaration takes it on with commitments on:

• increasing domestic allocations to the sector;
• developing appropriate financial instruments and investment plans for funding the water and sanitation sector; and,
• mobilising funding support from development partners.

In the N’Gor Declaration, a commitment is made of having established sanitation and hygiene budget lines of a minimum of 0.5% of national GDP by 2020.

For the majority of AMCOW’s Member States, action on these commitments has not matched the enormity of the task of ensuring water security. By extension, statutory contributions to the core budget of AMCOW are insufficient to meet a key stipulation of the AMCOW Governance Framework on funding AMCOW initiatives.

To fund AMCOW activities, the Secretariat is mandated to receive and manage Member States’ contributions, as well as such sources as shall be established by the Executive Secretary. These sources include contributions from the private sector; and funding, technical and implementing partners. The AMCOW Governance Framework, thus, stipulates that the core functions of the Secretariat shall be financed by the Member States themselves to demonstrate commitment and ownership.

As such, strengthening the Secretariat’s capacity to mobilise resources towards implementation of AMCOW’s core functions has implications for the institution’s funding model. The Secretariat’s ability to attract partner investments into AMCOW activities is linked to the ability to demonstrate financial commitment to AMCOW’s core functions.

Hence the ongoing activities to formulate and implement a business plan to set the strategic direction and inject new approaches into AMCOW’s resources mobilisation efforts.

Objectives of the Assignment

Against the background of the foregoing, technical services are sought to prepare an impact oriented AMCOW Business Plan to support implementation of the AMCOW Strategy 2018 – 2030. A key immediate output from the plan will be to put in place measures – including revenue generation – to provide financial stability at the Secretariat.

A key requirement is to concisely articulate strategies – grounded in private sector business acumen – to assure both the short-term funding stability and the long-term financial security of AMCOW.

Scope of Work

Under the overral  guidance of the Executive Secretary and direct supervision of the  Director of Corporate Services, the consultant will be responsible to:

• Conduct detailed consultation on AMCOW programmes and other potential revenue generating products and services, such as Conferences etc, with the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), Management, Staff and key partners/stakeholders.
• Conduct a market analysis and risk assessment, and study the critical sustainability factors for similar entities, including operational gaps, funding loopholes, competitiveness and viability;
• Conduct a thorough review of AMCOW’s governance, management and operational structure, systems and policies to inform the development of a sound and efficient business model and plan;
• Conduct validation sessions to discuss and review the draft Business Plan before it is finalized. This should include proposed products and services; governance, operational and financial management structures, including any tax implications; branding and communication strategies and cost estimates/budget.

Deliverables

A 5-year Business Plan that fully responds to the objectives of the assignment as detailed in Section 2 above. It will include, but not be limited to:

1. clearly defined operational strategies, governance and management structures;
2. details of the key tasks and responsibilities of each actor;
3. a financial and operational plan;
4. cost estimates/budgets of recommended actions, including tax implications;
5. a risk mitigation/management plan, as well as,
6. a plan for measuring performance and impact.

Duration of the Assignment

The assignment is expected to take approximately 30 input days spread over a period of 3 calendar months.

Qualification and Experience

Demonstrated experience in undertaking similar assignments within Intergovernmental mandated institutions such as the AU, Regional Economic Commissions, River and Lake Basin Organisations and the UN and Not-for-Profit Organisations such as NGOs and Civil Societies within the last ten (10) years.

At least a Master’s degree or equivalent in business administration, strategic Management, development studies, Economics or related fields;

Familiarity and strong understanding of the water and sanitation sector in Africa

Strong research and analytical skills, communication (oral and written), interpersonal and facilitation skills.

Ability to work remotely with a multi-disciplinary team

Good leadership and organisational skills.

Language capabilities to function in both English and French is an added advantage.

Submission of Proposals

Interested parties – both individuals and firms – that meet the criteria above are invited to submit proposals (maximum of 15 pages as a single attachment) providing the details below:

1. an expression of interest and technical capability statement;
2. details of the proposed approach, methodology and activity scheduling;
3. a summary of relevant experience – over the last 5 years – of preparing business plans in both private sector and inter-governmental organisational contexts. Please use the table below for each of the relevant assignments. Contact information of the respective clients should be provided for each of the relevant assignments listed.

Assignment name:	Approx. value of the contract:
Countries:	Duration of assignment:
Name of client and contact details:	Total no. of staff-months of the assignment:
Address:	Approx. value of the services provided by your firm/you under the contract:
Start date:   Completion date:	No. of professional staff-months provided by associated consultants:
Name of associated consultants, if any:	Name of senior professional staff of your firm involved and functions performed: Eg. XXXX YYYYY, Team Leader, hydrologist, hydraulic conditions ZZZZ AAAA, Water Economist BBBB CCCCC, Financial Modeller
Narrative description of project: (please provide summaries of the background, approach and methods used, and outputs/recommendations)
Description of actual services provided by your staff/you within the assignment:

• the aplicant’s resume – for individual consultants – or resumes of the key staff of the bidding firm highlighting relevant expertise;
• a financial proposal containing time and cost estimate for delivery of the above-described deliverables, including a break-down to level of effort and expenses.
• links to samples of the bidder’s written work/deliverables from previous assignments
• How to apply

Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience are invited to submit a formal proposal and resume not later than 8^th May 2023.

The application should be 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

The same e-mail address can be used for requests for additional information and or clarifications.

In March 2023, delegates from around the world convened at the United Nations Headquarters in New York for the UN 2023 Water Conference. AMCOW, the African Ministers’ Council on Water, played a crucial role in shaping the discussions and outcomes of the conference, showcasing Africa’s commitment to water security and sanitation for all.

One of the highlights was the AMCOW/OSAA side event, a collaboration between AMCOW and the United Nations Office of the Special Adviser on Africa. This event addressed sustainable water availability for all purposes, emphasising the importance of water access and management.

Another significant moment was the official launch of the Team Europe Initiative. AMCOW was pivotal in supporting this initiative to enhance collaboration between Africa and Europe in tackling water-related challenges.

A significant highlight was the launch of the 2022 Report on the ‘Implementation of the July 2008 Sharm el-Sheikh Declaration.’ This report, compiled with contributions from 44 Member States, responds to AMCOW’s mandate from the African Union Heads of State and Government to report yearly on the State of Water and Sanitation in Africa. It provides valuable insights that position Africa to build a better Africa Water Vision, particularly as we approach the post-2025 period.

Furthermore, AMCOW partners and Member States organised several side events, providing valuable platforms for knowledge exchange, sharing best practices, and showcasing innovative water management and sanitation solutions.

AMCOW also engaged in bilateral meetings with government officials, international organisations, and financial institutions throughout the conference. These meetings fostered important dialogues, explored collaboration opportunities, and strengthened partnerships.

AMCOW extends its gratitude to Member States, the leadership of partner institutions, and all participants for their invaluable contributions, which shaped the outcomes of the conference.

AMCOW appreciates the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs for the opportunity to participate in this conference, amplifying Africa’s voice and commitment to water security and sanitation for all. Together with stakeholders, AMCOW is determined to implement the outcomes of the UN 2023 Water Conference and work towards a sustainable future.

To download our full Briefing Note, go to AMCOW Knowledge Hub: https://knowledgehub.amcow-online.org/resource/briefing-note-on-amcows-activities-at-the-un-2023-water-conference

The Team Europe Initiative (TEI) launch took place during the week of the UN 2023 Water Conference, with David Lymer representing the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). Sida supports the Abuja-based African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW). The ongoing contribution to AMCOW builds institutional capacity for 2018-2023 (40 MSEK) to support their role and mandate as an African mechanism for water and sanitation under the African Union – with the natural entry points to the African Union and water ministries of African countries.

These 55 Member Countries of AMCOW are represented by their water Ministers in the AMCOW steering committee. Preliminary findings in a Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the Sida support to AMCOW demonstrate excellent and tangible results.

Sida’s engagement within the ”Team European Initiative for Transboundary Water Management in Africa” has been carried out so far through our support to AMCOW. In the dialogue with the European Union (EU) around the TEI, Sida has demanded a clear and coordinating role for AMCOW. Sida is currently discussing with AMCOW about a second phase of support (50 MSEK, 2023-2026).

The African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) has released the 2022 Report of the “Implementation of the July 2008 Sharm el-Sheikh Declaration (Assembly/AU/Decl.1 (XI)). This version has been compiled with contributions from 44 Member States through the conduction of self-assessments.

The 2022 Africa Water and Sanitation Report marks a significant milestone for Africa’s water and sanitation sector. Recognised and supported by key stakeholders, the report provides a comprehensive overview of the continent’s current state of water and sanitation. By offering valuable insights and recommendations, the 2022 Africa Water and Sanitation Report aims to inspire a revolution in Africa’s water and sanitation sector.

Endorsed by African Ministers responsible for water in October 2022, the WASSMO Report was officially launched during the prestigious UN 2023 Water Conference in New York in March. Esteemed representatives from the African Union, Member States, the African Development Bank, and other partners have praised the report, recognising its significance in implementing commitments to water and sanitation.

Launching the Report marks a significant step in addressing the challenges and opportunities in Africa’s water and sanitation sector. By offering valuable insights, recommendations, and comprehensive data, the report aims to inspire change in the management and provision of water and sanitation services in Africa. The goal of ensuring access to safe and reliable water and sanitation services for all Africans can be achieved through collaboration and collective efforts. Let us join hands together to improve Africa’s water and sanitation landscape.

Beyond mere statistics, the 2022 Water and Sanitation Report provides a comprehensive overview of the achievements, challenges, and critical recommendations for the future of water and sanitation in Africa. As significant actors in the sector, AMCOW believes this report will be indispensable for individuals and organisations seeking to impact water and sanitation positively.

Cite the WASSMO Data

Cite the Africa Water and Sanitation Report in your discussions, presentations and other materials to raise awareness and deepen the understanding of the vital issues surrounding water and sanitation in Africa. The ultimate goal is to ensure that safe and reliable water and sanitation services reach every corner of the continent.

Download your copies in French and English.

Click the links to watch our YouTube videos: English video and the French version.

4th Extraordinary Session of the Executive Committee of the African Ministers’ Council on Water, held on Thursday, 23 February 2023.

Honourable Ministers,

Esteemed Members of the TAC

Colleagues from the Secretariat,

I am honoured to deliver this vote of thanks and gratitude to our leadership.

I will start with you, Honourable Carl Herman Gustav Schlettwein in both your capacity as the Minister for Agriculture, Water and Land Reform of the Republic of Namibia and the AMCOW President for 2021 – 2023.

Working under your leadership has been a truly enriching experience, characterised by immense learning and growth at the Secretariat.

With your guidance, we have been able to scale to new heights.

You have passionately defended AMCOW’s interests and always been direct in negotiations on behalf of AMCOW in Africa and globally. This has demonstrated our strength as an organisation and improved our franchise value globally. Your leadership has revitalised AMCOW’s convening power as demonstrated by:

1. the response by the substantive Ministers responsible for water affairs in Africa to your invitation to the 13^th Ordinary Session of the Executive Committee;
2. a similar response to your hosting of the Africa Focus Seminar at the 2022 World Water Week;
3. the response by high-level dignitaries from all over the world to your hosting of the Focus on Africa session at the 2022 UN Summit on Groundwater; and,
4. the response to the advocacy campaign that AMCOW has led for the nomination of a Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General on Water.

It is thus our collective responsibility to jealously preserve this legacy and continue – under the leadership of Honourable Prof Hani Sewilam – on the growth path you have set. And to you Hon Eng Suleiman Adamu, AMCOW’s host Minister in Nigeria and Vice President for West Africa for the period 2021-2023.

1. Your accessibility and enviable willingness to give freely of your time to advance AMCOW matters;
2. Your profound insight into the political economy of motivating concrete action to move the water and sanitation agenda forward; and
3. Your prioritisation of AMCOW have been invaluable to our achievements in your tenure.

You have been a tireless AMCOW Brand Ambassador.

You made the AMCOW@20 celebrations without a doubt one of the highlights of the 9^th World Water Forum.

In your tenure, the Secretariat has lacked for nothing that relates to what is provided for under the Headquarters Agreement. Indeed, you have spearheaded ongoing efforts to secure land for the construction of a permanent Secretariat as per the Headquarters Agreement. This will not only address the requirements for space given the growth at the Secretariat, but will also contribute to assuring our financial sustainability.

And of course, it would be amiss of me not to mention the generous update to our fleet by the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria through your office. We are forever in your debt.

Hon Schlettwein, Hon Adamu, allow me to reiterate that it has been an immense privilege to serve the two of you in this role, and I hope to learn more from both of you as we move forward.

Our appreciation goes out to all the Members of the Executive Committee for the period 2021 – 2022. The Vice Presidents: Hon. Engr Suleiman ADAMU; Hon. Sidi Mohamed TALEB AMAR; S E M Eloundou ESSOMBA GASTON; Hon. Dr. Eng. Habitamu Iteffa Geleta; and S E M Carlos A Fortes Mesquita ably represented by Hon Cecilia Chamutota. The guidance received during the tête-à-tête consultations with you shaped the regional priorities that in turn informed the decisions of the 13^th Ordinary Session of the EXCO on the AMCOW triennial work programme for 2022 to 2024.

Your leadership made it possible – for the first time – for us to have 5 regional consultations prior to an ordinary session of the Council. In so doing, we operationalised the bottom-up and top-down approach that is the cornerstone of responsive continental policy initiatives.

Allow me to also single out:

1. Hon Abida Sidik Mia and Hon John Bande of Malawi
2. Hon Cecilia Abena Dapaah of Ghana
3. Hon Alice Muthoni Wahome of Kenya
4. S E M Dr Maminata Traore Coulibaly of Burkina Faso
5. Hon Amb Jeanne Mujawamariya of Rwanda
6. Hon Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu of Zimbabwe
7. S E M Samou Seidou Adambi of Benin
8. The Kingdom of e-Swatini
9. Hon Eng Dr Habitamu Iteffa Geleta of Ethiopia
10. S E M Fidiniavo Rovoktra of Madagascar
11. Hon Sam Cheptoris of Uganda
12. Hon Jumaa Hamidu Aweso of the United Republic of Tanzania
13. Hon Kefentse Mzwinila of Botswana
14. Hon Senzo Mchunu of South Africa
15. Hon Eng Suleiman Adamu of Nigeria
16. Hon Carl Gustav Hermann Schlettwein of Namibia; and
17. Hon Prof Hani Sewilam of Egypt

You have led by example through contributing to ensuring the financial stability of the Secretariat to advance Africa’s water, sanitation and hygiene agenda. Allow me to highlight that your commitment to finance the core activities of AMCOW lies at the heart of the renewed interest from our funding partners to support AMCOW programmes.

To our Members of the Technical Advisory Committee, the policy initiatives undertaken during your tenure came to fruition with the benefit of your technical expertise. You invested your time to analyse all propositions and improve them to facilitate higher-level decision making and eventual practical implementation. This is what resulted in the delivery of, among others, the:

1. the African Sanitation Policy Guidelines;
2. the African Groundwater Programme; and,
3. the AMCOW Knowledge Hub.

To our TAC Chair, Mme Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata.

1. Your open-mindedness and disposition to listen;
2. your agility;
3. your decisiveness; and
4. your commitment to improve the financial situation at the Secretariat have all been crucial to our success during your tenure.

The dedication with which your team at the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform organised the 13^th Ordinary Session of the EXCO is reflected by success it was. You left an indelible memory of Windhoek and the Land of the Brave on all that took part in the 13^th Session of the EXCO.

Suffice it to say that your leadership has been inspiring and we will utilise all available opportunities to continue to benefit from it.

To my colleagues at the Secretariat, I would like to thank you for your excellent work. Your collective efforts have contributed significantly to the results reported in the AMCOW President’s handover report. Let us remain committed to the delivery of the expected outputs from our triennial work programme. We are bound to face setbacks along the way. What is important is for us to learn from our shortfalls and push forward with even more dedication.

In conclusion, I look forward to working with the new leadership while maintaining our engagement with the outgoing team. We remain at your service at all times, and I believe that by working together, we can achieve even greater success for AMCOW.

I thank you.

Abidjan, Ivory Coast – February 25, 2023

The 21st International Congress and Exhibition of the African Water Association (AfWA) and the 7th International Faecal Sludge Management Alliance presented a strategic platform for advancing African sanitation. This joint effort, held in Abidjan from February 19 to 23, marked the first time the two congresses converged under the theme, “Acting for sustainable resources management and access for all to water and sanitation in Africa.”

AMCOW participated prominently in the congress to contribute to shaping the conference’s outcomes and to promote Africa’s sanitation agenda among broader water and sanitation actors.

Central to the outcomes of AMCOW’s involvement was the presentation of the 2022 Africa Water and Sanitation Sector Monitoring (WASSMO) Report in commitment to strengthening national data systems. Progress in utilising the African Sanitation Policy Guidelines (ASPG) was shared, including   Member States and implementing partners’ experiences. Also, AMCOW and the AfricaSan International Task Force (AITF) organised an AfricaSan7 preparatory meeting to determine the conference subthemes and share roles among partners for more effective coordination.

To crown it all, AMCOW and UNICEF delivered training to members of the Partner-Coordination and Engagement Platform (PCEP) to enhance their understanding of safely managed sanitation and hygiene practices.

AITF’s Preparation Ahead of the Seventh AfricaSan Conference

Some highlights of AMCOW’s activities during the congress are as follows:

1. Opening and Closing Plenary: AMCOW delivered a keynote address urging support for the ASPGs in Action initiative and received encouragement from AfWASA and FSMA to take ownership of commitments in the Blue Deal for Water Security and Sanitation.
2. Catalysing the actions for sanitation and hygiene policy reforms: A technical session focused on evidence-based data systems for sanitation and hygiene reforms.
3. Presentation of progress on adapting and implementing the African Sanitation Policy Guidelines (ASPGs): Here, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation emphasised the need for effective coordination in strengthening the policy environment for sanitation and hygiene.
4. Accelerating Progress to Safe Sanitation for All – a session co-organised by UNICEF and AMCOW focusing on global initiatives with the SDG6 framework: Here, partners demonstrated their contributions to governance, data and information, capacity development, and innovation.
5. Training of Partner Coordination Platform (PCEP): AMCOW, in collaboration with UNICEF, facilitated a training session on safely managed sanitation, enhancing ASPG utilization among PCEP members.
6. City-Wide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) Platform of Dialogue: AMCOW took a leading role in data and sanitation policy-related matters during this side meeting, bringing together global partners.
7. Strengthening Partnership and Facilitating Dialogue: Six bilateral meetings were held with partners, focusing on collaborative initiatives and knowledge exchange.

AMCOW’s AfWA and FSMA congress engagement promoted sanitation and hygiene efforts across Africa. It increased awareness, inspired collaboration, and provided a platform for showcasing best practices, ultimately contributing to the continent’s progress towards universal access to safely managed sanitation. The upcoming AfricaSan7 conference, with its finalized themes and engaged sector representatives, promises to be a crucial milestone in furthering these efforts. AMCOW’s commitment to partnerships and dialogue positions it as a key player in shaping the future of water and sanitation in Africa.