Programmes & Initiatives
Introduction: Monitoring Africa’s Water and Sanitation Progress
In July 2008, the African Union Assembly Decision (Assembly/AU/ Decl.1 (XI)) reaffirmed Africa’s commitment to the Africa Water Vision 2025 and the Sirte Declaration on Agriculture and Water in Africa. To fulfill this commitment, the Assembly mandated the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) to annually report to the AU Assembly on the progress made in implementing water and sanitation-related targets set by Heads of State and Government (HoSGs). Subsequently, in 2013, the African Union Commission (AUC) and AMCOW joined forces to operationalise the African Water and Sanitation Sector Monitoring and Evaluation (WASSMO) System.
The Birth of WASSMO
In response to this directive from the Assembly of the African Union, AMCOW, in collaboration with the AU Commission, sought financial support from Africa Water Facility (AWF) through the African Development Bank (AfDB). This partnership bore fruit in October 2015 when the African Water and Sanitation Sector Monitoring and Reporting System (WASSMO) was launched. This web-based platform was designed to facilitate the reporting of water and sanitation sector indicators, focusing on seven critical 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
- Financing
- Information management and capacity building
The Impact of WASSMO
WASSMO has been crucial in monitoring and evaluating the progress of water and sanitation initiatives across the African continent. It serves as a vital tool for assessing the achievements and challenges faced by Member States in their pursuit of water and sanitation goals. Moreover, WASSMO fosters collaboration and cooperation among stakeholders, thereby promoting a unified approach to generating evidence-based data for address water and sanitation issues in Africa.
Update on 2022 Continental Report
The 2022 continental report on the status of water and sanitation in Africa marked a significant milestone in assessing the progress towards achieving these critical targets. The comprehensive report sheds light on several key areas of concern, prompting a re-evaluation of the WASSMO system. It emphasised the need to enhance the system’s effectiveness and recommended measures to facilitate experiential learning and the sharing of proven solutions among Member States.
Furthermore, the report underscored the importance of mobilising partnerships to scale up financing for water resources management, and water supply, sanitation, and hygiene programs. This strategic move is aimed at ensuring sustainable access to clean water and sanitation for all Africans, aligning perfectly with AMCOW’s overarching goal.
AMCOW’s Response
In response to these recommendations, AMCOW swiftly took action. Since October 2022, we have embarked on a series of activities designed to accelerate progress towards achieving the water and sanitation targets set by the HoSGs. These activities encompass a wide range of initiatives, including the enhancement of the WASSMO System, fostering experiential learning, and encouraging the sharing of best practices among Member States.
Moreover, AMCOW is actively engaged in mobilising partnerships and resources to scale up water sector financing across Africa. By working together with various stakeholders, we aim to ensure that clean water and sanitation become accessible and sustainable for all Africans.
For more details click the links below for the 2022 Africa Water and Sanitation Sector Report:
French: https://knowledgehub.amcow-online.org/resource/rapport-2022-sur-leau-et-lassainissement-en-afrique
Also, visit the WASSMO website: https://www.africawat-sanreports.org/Ui