African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA)

The African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) is a pan-African professional organization that brings together entities, companies, and public operators working in the fields of potable water, sanitation, and environmental management across Africa. Founded with the aim of promoting cooperation and sustainable development in these vital sectors, AfWASA plays a key role in addressing the challenges related to water and sanitation on the African continent.

AfWASA’s Objectives

AfWASA’s main mission is to support the development of water and sanitation infrastructure across Africa. Its objectives include:

1. Strengthening cooperation among sector stakeholders: AfWASA encourages the exchange of ideas, best practices, and technologies among its members to promote more efficient and sustainable water resource management.
2. Promoting universal access to drinking water and sanitation: The association supports projects aimed at improving access to these essential services for all African populations, particularly in rural and underserved urban areas.
3. Encouraging sustainable resource management: AfWASA focuses on sustainable water resource management, the preservation of aquatic ecosystems, and addressing the impacts of climate change.

AfWASA’s Members

AfWASA currently has more than 237 members, including:

• 100 public utility companies operating in the water and sanitation sector across over 40 African countries.
• Public operators and government organizations, as well as private institutions working in the water, sanitation, and environmental sectors.

The association represents a wide range of stakeholders in the sector, from local governments to private companies, as well as NGOs and civil society actors.

AfWASA International Congress and Exhibitions (AfWASA CIE)

AfWASA regularly organizes International Congresses and Exhibitions (AfWASA CIE), which serve as major platforms for discussing water and sanitation challenges in Africa. These events offer members the opportunity to meet, exchange ideas, and discuss the latest developments in the sector.

• Previous edition: The 21st AfWASA Congress and 7th FSMA Conference took place in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from February 18-23, 2023, under the theme: “Acting for the sustainable management of resources and ensuring access to water and sanitation for all”.
• Upcoming editions:
  • Kampala 2025: February 16-20, 2025, at the Speke Resort Convention Centre in Kampala, Uganda, under the theme: “Water and Sanitation for All: A Safe Future for Africa”.
  • Cameroon 2026: February 16-20, 2026, in Yaoundé, Cameroon, under the theme: “Water and Sanitation: Bold Action for Africa”.

Actions and Priorities

AfWASA focuses on several priority actions to improve water and sanitation management in Africa:

• Capacity building for sector actors, particularly through training and workshops.
• Advocacy for effective public policies and dedicated financing for water and sanitation.
• Partnerships with international donors to support innovative and sustainable projects in African countries.
• Promotion of technological innovation and the exchange of best practices within the sector.