African Congress on Water and Sanitation concludes with a call for access to water and sanitation for all | African Development Bank

Water sector leaders, development partners and ministries have called for universal guaranteed access to water and sanitation in Africa.

In a communication issued at the end of the 21^st International Congress and Exhibition of the African Water Association and the 7^e Conference on Fecal Sludge Management, participants recognized the burden of inadequate water and sanitation in Africa, and the need for closer coordination between government, development partners and industry to mobilize funding to strengthen the water sector.

1,600 delegates and representatives from 146 global companies attended the February 19-23 joint conference co-sponsored by the African Development Bank.

Dr. Silver Mugisha, president of the African Water and Sanitation Association, stressed that sanitation would be a big part of the Association’s focus in the future and urged others to do the same. “Let’s not just say we added plumbing, but build it in from the ground up.”

Mugisha also added, “Let’s go for action-oriented take-homes to make a difference. Whatever we do, we have to do it for the sake of the people and hopefully this conference has provided us with some things that we can use.”

Osward Chanda, Director of Water Development and Sanitation at the African Development Bank, stressed the importance of innovation, partnerships and new approaches to strengthening the delivery of water services. He expressed his optimism about the possible partnerships formed during the congress to implement innovations and help the water sector.

Chanda also advocated for knowledge enhancement, promoting business models to increase efficiency and scale access to water and sanitation, and involving beneficiary voices in industry conversations.

“We need more beneficiary voices in these conversations so they can bring much-needed experience and knowledge off the ground,” Chanda said. He also reiterated the Bank’s commitment to support actions, initiatives and innovations that will improve livelihoods and make a difference for Africans.

Drissa Diomande, Chief of Staff to the Ivorian Minister of Hydraulics, Sanitation and Hygiene, unveiled the Abidjan 2023 Declaration on Access to Water and Sanitation. The Communication recognizes the need for an integrated approach to water resources management to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6 by 2030.

Mr. Diomande also recommended presenting the Declaration at the United Nations Water Conference in March 2023 in New York.

The next congress of the African Water and Sanitation Association will take place in February 2024 in Guinea Conakry