Swakopmund, Namibia – 10 November, 2023

The AfricaSan 7 Conference, a flagship event for sanitation and hygiene in Africa, culminated on 10 November 2023 with a series of impactful sessions and declarations to foster accelerated actions for inclusive, sustainable, and resilient sanitation and hygiene services delivery across the continent.

The day kicked off with the screening of a short film showcasing Namibia’s commitment to sanitation, setting the tone for a day of insightful discussions and commitments.

Dr Rashid Mbaziira, the Executive Secretary of AMCOW, opened the day with an introductory statement highlighting the significance of collective efforts in addressing sanitation and hygiene challenges. He emphasised the role of partnerships and cooperation in achieving the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) goals.

Hon. Carl Hermann Gustav Schlettwein, Minister for Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform of the Republic of Namibia and AWF Governing Council Chairperson, delivered a welcome statement, setting the stage for the subsequent sessions. This was followed by a statement from AMCOW President, Prof Dr Hani Sewilam, Minister for Water Resources and Irrigation of the Arab Republic of Egypt. In his remark, quoting the data from the 2022 Africa Water and Sanitation Sector Monitoring (WASSMO) Report, he called for increased efforts toward ensuring access to potable water for the over 400 million in need and access to safely managed sanitation and essential hygiene services to the approximately 800 million who do not have them.

H.E. Amb Josefa Leonel Correla Sacko, Commissioner of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment at the African Union Commission, was represented by the AUC’s Director of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment, Harsen Nyambe. He appreciated the collaboration of the Republic of Namibia and AMCOW in organising such an important conference. Also, he observed that Africa’s population, which is over 1.4 million people is overstretching existing sanitation services. Director Nyambe highlighted that the youth form the most part of this population and urged that they be included in sanitation-related decisions. The AUC representative further stressed that one of the major challenges faced in similar conferences has been the inability to implement the outcomes of the events. He, therefore, called on all participants and sector actors to ensure that the AfricaSan7 Conference Decisions are implemented.

One of the high points of the conference segment was the launch of the 2023 Ngor Report on Sanitation and Hygiene, shedding light on the status and future priorities in the sector. Before the launch, the conference viewed a film summarising the report’s findings, and copies were distributed to participants.

The AfricaSan8 Hosting Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between AMCOW Secretariat and the Republic of Ghana, represented by the Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Hon. Dr. Freda Prempeh. In her remarks, the Minister assured the conference that the Republic of Ghana is willing and ready to host the event and welcomes Africa and the world to AfricaSan8 in Accra, Ghana from 12 – 18 October 2025.

The conference received video-recorded goodwill messages from some representatives of some AMCOW partners: UNICEF’s Executive Director Catherine Russell, Director of the Water Development and Sanitation Department, Africa Development Bank, Osward Mulenga Chanda, World Water Council (WWC) President, Loïc Fauchon, and the USAID Global Water Coordinator/Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator Nancy Eslick.

Dr. T. E Ngurare directed the AfricaSan 7 Conference Closing Plenary, featuring cultural entertainment and a youth message resonating with the importance of intergenerational collaboration.

Session convenors delivered their collective message also, through a recorded video leading to the conference declaration. The occasion occurred with the reading of the Swakopmund Declaration on “Accelerated Actions for Inclusive, Sustainable and Resilient Sanitation and Hygiene Services Delivery in Africa” by Ms. Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, AMCOW TAC Chair. Click on the links to download copies in English and French.

The day concluded with a high-level visit to the exhibition stands where the host Minister, Hon Carl Schlettwein, and the President of AMCOW Prof Dr Hani Sewilam in the company of other participants visited the exhibition booths. The event included anthems and a communal lunch, fostering networking and collaboration among participants.

Empowering Change in the Sanitation Sector – Insights from Local Authorities

The AfricaSan7 Conference continues to serve as a platform for driving transformative change in the sanitation sector, particularly in the sphere of local authorities’ critical role in implementation.

Day 2 of the conference witnessed an enlightening plenary session highlighting the multi-sectoral approach essential for progress in sanitation. The session emphasised five key accelerators: financing, data and information, governance, capacity building, and technology and innovation, sparking discussions on initiatives beyond 2030.

Insights from Panel Discussions

Discussing the road to universal access, Namibia showcased measures, emphasising legal frameworks, revised water strategies, and substantial budget allocations across sectors to achieve universal access. On private sector involvement, Senegal highlighted the role of strong institutions and transparent responsibilities in involving the private sector, focusing on regulatory aspects, capacity building, and accountability. Zambia stressed innovation, discussing funding mechanisms, skills development, government cooperation, and technological challenges in the sanitation sector.

Governance’s Crucial Role and Notable Success Stories

The role of governance was emphasised, highlighting its interconnectedness with all accelerators in impacting the sanitation sector. Success stories from Kenya, Nigeria, and diverse regions like Burkina Faso, Tanzania, Egypt, Malawi, and Namibia showcased investments, partnerships, and executive support driving impactful change.

The session underscored that collaborative efforts, partnerships, capacity building, and innovative strategies are paramount to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Discussions also stressed the valorisation of costs related to purification stations, emphasising a circular economy approach.

Strengthening Sanitation Professionals: ‘Inspire’ and ‘SOS Programme’

The conference unveiled ‘Inspire,’ a groundbreaking capacity-building program targeting sanitation professionals, focusing on leadership, communication, and technical skills. With a bilingual approach and support from key partners, this initiative aims to bridge the gaps in knowledge and leadership. Notably, the program remains open to the public sector, civil society, and private entities, recognising the need for a holistic approach to solving sanitation challenges.

The ‘SOS Programme,’ a year-long initiative, emphasised the adaptation to technological advancements, regulatory frameworks, and economic aspects within the sanitation sector. The discussion revolved around the crucial role of the private sector and NGOs, stressing the importance of technical expertise, leadership, and advocacy skills.

Addressing Gender Equality, Youth Inclusion, and Social Aspects in Sanitation Policies

The session on gender equality, youth inclusion, and social aspects in sanitation policy underlined the need for policy harmonisation, evidence-based approaches, and promotion of women’s representation. Discussions highlighted AMCOW’s strategies, the engagement of civil society, and the imperative for evidence-based, gender-transformative practices in policy development.

Challenges and the Way Forward

Throughout these sessions, various challenges surfaced, including the need for broader accessibility through online training, language barriers, and refining partnership formats. The discussions emphasised the importance of refining approaches to ensure inclusive policies, harnessing technology and continuously adapting to the changing needs of the sanitation sector.

The AfricaSan7 conference continues to catalyse change in the sanitation sector. With dynamic discussions and collaborative insights, it aims to bridge critical gaps and foster sustainable solutions. As the event moves forward, the upcoming AFWASA event seeks to further this discourse, focusing on sanitation and water management.

The cumulative efforts showcased at the conference underline the significance of collaboration, evidence-based decision-making, and innovative strategies to achieve impactful and sustainable change in the sanitation sector.

The Day 2 sessions at AfricaSan7 unveiled transformative initiatives, acknowledged challenges, and emphasised collaborative efforts across sectors. As the conference progresses, it remains a platform for effective exchanges, assuring a sustainable future in the sanitation sector. With initiatives like ‘Inspire’ and discussions on local authorities and gender equality, the drive for change and innovation remains at the forefront.

On the AfricaSan7 platform, relevant actors can continue to unite and collaborate to steer the sanitation sector towards achieving safely managed sanitation in Africa.

Stay tuned for more updates from AfricaSan7 and the continued efforts in advancing Africa’s sanitation and hygiene.

Disclaimer: We‘d like to point out that the information and initiatives shared are based on the latest sessions and discussions at the AfricaSan7 conference and may be subject to further developments and updates.

Opening Remarks and Context Setting

The AfricaSan7 Conference began with a celebration of the Republic of Namibia, the Anthem, a short film about its landscape, development and culture. The conference is hosted by the Republic of Namibia under the auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform led by Hon Carl Hermann-Gustav Schlettwein.

The Executive Director Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, Namibia, Ms Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, moderated the opening of the AfricaSan7 Conference. The Conference, themed “Strengthening Systems and Partnerships for Accelerated Action on Safely Managed Sanitation and Hygiene” seeks to unite key stakeholders to address sanitation and hygiene challenges in Africa and globally.

The Governor of Erongo Region, Hon. Neville Andre, welcomed the conference delegates. In his welcome address, he highlighted the disparities in sanitation between rural and urban areas and the need for improved systems and partnerships.

AMCOW’s Executive Secretary, Dr Rashid Mbaziira, welcomed all the AfricaSan7 Conference participants to the opening plenary. He demonstrated how honoured it was for him to address all the participants, experts, policymakers, practitioners, and advocates who are committed to improving hygiene and sanitation across Africa. Dr Rashid emphasised the Africa Sanitation Conference as a platform for technical and political dialogue with governments and stakeholders for knowledge-sharing. He further stressed the urgency required of addressing sanitation conditions in the continent to improve livelihoods.

Unveiling of AfricaSan7 Banner

Host Minister, Hon Carl Hermann Gustav Schlettwein, unveiled the AfricaSan7 Banner – an initiative launched to promote integration of arts and youth inclusion in African Sanitation and Hygiene. AMCOW has introduced the AfricaSan Banner Design Award as one of the AfricaSan Awards. The idea is to challenge young Africans under 35 to illustrate sanitation conditions as known to them within their communities or to demonstrate future sanitation aspirations in the continent. This aligns with promoting the thoughts behind the African Union Agenda 2063-the Africa We Want. 

Goodwill messages, Policy, and Technical Discussions

Various speakers, including Eric Momani from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, discussed technical issues and the importance of partnerships, government policies, and funding mechanisms to improve sanitation services. The African Development Bank (AfDB) outlined their support and strategic priorities, which align with their high-level goals, including a new sanitation investment initiative. The World Toilet Organisation (WTO), through its founder, Prof. Jack Sim, highlighted the role of the private sector while speaking on the Sanitation Economy and Private Sector Engagement.

Opening address by Hon Carl Hermann Gustav Schlettwein

The high point of the event was the opening address by Hon Carl Hermann Gustav Schlettwein, the Minister for Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, Republic of Namibia, AWF Governing Council Chairperson, and AMCOW President (2021-2023). The Minister warmly welcomed the conference participants and urged them to ensure that the meeting delivers a solid water and sanitation agenda by the end of the week. Hon Schlettwein, delivered a inspirational insights demonstrating the value of water and access to sanitation services beyond money. The profile of water and sanitation was immediately raised in the mind of each individual listening to his remarks.

Cultural Engagement and Private Sector Involvement

The conference included cultural elements, such as traditional Namibian dance. In a vibrant display of Namibian cultural heritage, traditional dancers took the stage at the conference’s opening plenary. With rhythmic movements and purely native attire, the performers brought to life the rich traditions and cultural essence of Namibia. Participants were captivated by their spirited and charming native dance – you could see them watching with rapt attention and many capturing photographs with their mobile devices.

Regional Insights and Commitments Hon. Dr Esther Muinjangue, Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services, Republic of Namibia, set the scene for the Thematic Sessions – speaking on the Strategic Priorities for Sanitation and Hygiene in Namibia. Representatives from various African regions shared their progress and challenges. Senegal showcased its institutional organisation and resource mobilisation for sanitation, while Namibia discussed efforts toward waste reuse and environmental protection. South Africa and Ethiopia shared their approaches to mobilise resources and ensure coordination and leadership in sanitation efforts.

October 14, 2023 – BALI, INDONESIA

The African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) has been actively engaged in discussions and cooperation agreements at the 10th World Water Forum 2nd Stakeholders’ Consultation Meeting, held on October 13, 2023, in Bali, Indonesia. This meeting, titled “Interaction Between Processes,” focused on deepening efforts to prepare for the forthcoming 10th World Water Forum in 2024.

AMCOW, represented by its Executive Secretary, Dr. Rashid Mbaziira, and the Chair of the AMCOW Technical Advisory Committee, Dr. Tahani Sileet, attended the event as a member of the Governing Board. A key highlight of AMCOW’s participation was signing a significant Letter of Intent to enhance cooperation and support for the organisation of the 10th World Water Forum. The Letter of Intent, signed between the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, the World Water Council, and the African Minister’s Council on Water, outlines a commitment to collaborative efforts in preparation for the 10th World Water Forum, which is scheduled to take place in Bali, Indonesia, in May 2024. This agreement follows the Framework Agreement signed in October 2022 between the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and the World Water Council for the organisation of the 10th World Water Forum.

AMCOW’s critical role in this agreement highlights its dedication to fostering cooperation, socio-economic development, and adequate water resource management across Africa. As coordinators of the Africa Region of the Regional Process for the 10th World Water Forum, AMCOW plays a vital role in addressing the unique water challenges faced by the African continent. This commitment underscores the importance of the Africa Regional Process in addressing the diverse water needs of the region for shared prosperity.

Indonesia’s active involvement in global water issues and its hosting of the 10th World Water Forum in 2024 reflect its dedication to resolving water challenges on a global scale. The World Water Council, as an international multi-stakeholder platform, is committed to stimulating action on critical water issues at all levels, with a primary focus on the political dimensions of water security, adaptation, and sustainability. The World Water Council also owns the “World Water Forum” brand, recognised as the most significant global event dedicated to water.

The Letter of Intent signifies the Parties’ intent to jointly carry out activities in preparing the Africa Regional Process for the 10th World Water Forum. These activities will be defined further in subsequent agreements, specifying the roles and responsibilities of each Party. Notably, the Letter of Intent does not create legal obligations under international law, but only a commitment to cooperation in successfully organising the 10th Forum in Bali in May 2024.

During this strategic engagement, Dr. Rashid Mbaziira, the Executive Secretary of AMCOW, seized the opportunity to exchange insights with Indonesia’s Honourable Minister for Public Works and Housing, Hon. Basuki Hadimuljono. Their discussions revolved around critical issues within the water and sanitation sector, including the highly anticipated AfricaSan7 Conference.

Furthermore, Dr. Mbaziira discussed with various other African delegates at the event. Among these notable figures were Mamadou Mamour Diallo, the Director-General of the National Office for Sanitation (ONAS) in Senegal, Mouhamadou Gueye, the Director of Autonomous Sanitation, also from Senegal, and Dr. Diatta, who represented Senegal as well.

These interactions underscore the commitment of AMCOW and its key members to the sustainable management of water resources in Africa and the broader global community. By actively participating in the preparatory meetings and engaging in constructive dialogues, AMCOW is ensuring that the African perspective contributes effectively to global water and sanitation policies and the achievement of sustainable development goals.

Overall, AMCOW’s presence at the 10th World Water Forum Stakeholders’ Consultation Meeting and its participation in this cooperation agreement reaffirm its dedication to addressing critical water issues and advancing water management solutions in Africa and on a global scale. The collaboration between these parties sets the stage for a promising and impactful 10th World Water Forum in 2024.

Nairobi, Republic of Kenya – September 6, 2023 – The African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) held a two-day East Africa Sub-Regional Ministerial Consultation and Technical Expert Committee Meeting in Nairobi, Kenya. The event, which took place from September 6 to 7, 2023, convened key stakeholders to discuss critical water and sanitation issues facing the Eastern Africa region. The Governance Framework of AMCOW requires that its subsidiary bodies such as the Sub-Regional Ministerial Committees (SRMCs) and Technical Expert Committees (TECs), hold annual meetings. This is essential to ensure that the decisions of the Governing Council are informed and influenced by the real needs of the Member States across Sub-Regions. Against this background, the East Africa Sub-Regional meeting was held to discuss key water priorities that are unique to the Sub-Region.

The Director Department of Transboundary Water Resources, Ministry of Water and Sanitation and Irrigation, Mrs Gladys Wekesa chaired the meeting. In her remarks, she stated that the consultation is a significant follow-up to the 13th Ordinary Session of the AMCOW Council of Ministers held from June 13 to 15, 2023 in Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt.

During the meeting, experts discussed vital topics, including AMCOW Secretariat’s financial progress report from January 2023 to June 2023, progress towards the achievement of goals of the 2008 Sharm el-Sheikh Declaration on water and sanitation, the post-2025 Africa Water Vision, and the AfricaSan 7 Conference, Action on Water Adaptation and Resilience (AWARe) Initiative, and Africa’s preparatory process towards the 10th World Water Forum to be held in May 2024 in Indonesia.

This subregional meeting also presented an opportunity for AMCOW to highlight several ongoing initiatives and key events, including the AMCOW Youth and Gender Inclusion (YoGI) Strategy, and AMCOW’s Communications and Visibility Strategy and the Africa’s Voice on Water (AVoW) magazine. Further discussions were on the preparations towards the Africa Water Facility (AWF) Governing Council Meeting, the 5th Specialised Technical Committee (STC) on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Environment (ARDW), and the Cairo Water Week 2023.

Overall, the consultation is a critical platform for fostering cooperation, sharing knowledge, and making collective decisions to address the water challenges in the regions. AMCOW remains committed to advancing water-related issues for the benefit of the people and the environment across the five Sub-Regions in Africa. The proposed decisions reached by the Technical Experts Committee were documented in the Aide Memoire and recommended for submission for the consideration of the Ministerial Council.

AMCOW is making concerted effort to advance the adoption of the post-2025 Africa Water Vision at the forthcoming African Union Summit in February 2026. As a result, the Executive Secretary, Dr Rashid Mbaziira embarked on a diplomatic mission across several member states, including Gambia, Sao Tome, Eswatini, and Burkina Faso. The purpose of these visits, held in July-August 2023, was to raise awareness and foster engagement among member states on critical water and sanitation issues and priorities.

Focusing on Water and Sanitation for Africa’s Development

During these diplomatic visits, the AMCOW Executive Secretary emphasised the critical role of water and sanitation in driving socio-economic development throughout the continent. He stressed water’s vitality across multiple sectors, spanning extraction, production, finance, insurance, real estate, public administration, ICT, transportation, and trade. He also demonstrated how effective water management, coupled with the provision of water, sanitation, and hygiene services, exerts a profound impact on economic growth, job creation, labour productivity, prosperity, general wellbeing, peace, and security.

Dr Rashid highlighted how data from the Africa Water and Sanitation Sector Monitoring (WASSMO) system reveal substantial gaps in the pursuit of water and sanitation goals across Africa. He went forward to explain how these gaps hold direct implications for Africa’s overarching agenda, aiming at fostering economic growth and prosperity for all.

The Post-2025 Africa Water Vision

With less than three years remaining before the final milestone of the Africa Water Vision 2025 (AWV2025), meticulous preparations are already underway to transition into the post-2025 era. AMCOW Executive Secretary presented the principal goal of securing the adoption of the post-2025 Africa Water Vision by the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU-HoSG), while also ensuring its alignment with AU Agenda 2063. In line with this, there has been a proposal to adopt ‘Water Security and Sanitation for Peace and Development’ as the theme for the African Union in 2026.

AfricaSan7 Conference and Commitments to Sanitation

Another critical aspect of the engagements with member states was to underscore the significance of active participation in the forthcoming 7th edition of the Africa Sanitation and Hygiene (AfricaSan7) Conference, scheduled to take place from November 6-11, 2026. Dr Mbaziira stressed that the conference will facilitate the assessment of progress by member states in meeting their sanitation and hygiene commitments, as outlined in the 2023 AfricaSan Ngor report. He further explained that the conference will consider the recommendations from the Dakar Declaration of the 9th World Water Forum and commitments arising from the UN 2023 Water Conference.

Enhancing Data for Informed Decision-Making

The visits discussed efforts to mobilise member states’ contribution to the preparation of the 2023 WASSMO report. He demonstrated that the report will be the foundational framework for crafting technical proposals for the post-2025 Africa Water Vision, while keeping Africa Agenda 2063 in sight. He spoke about the importance of collecting high-quality data as it is essential for effectively addressing the actual challenges to water security in Africa. He also stressed that efforts to harness Africa’s vast water resources for social transformation, economic growth, trade, peace, and security necessitates the creation of a comprehensive action framework.

Regional Engagement for Ownership and Impact

Furthermore, Dr Mbaziira highlighted that the imperativeness of member states’ ownership in water-related initiatives has made AMCOW embark on efforts to operationalise water management functions at the regional level. He stressed that the approach acknowledges that continental policy initiatives must be closely aligned with the genuine needs of member states and developed through a Bottom-Up-Top-Down approach. The strategy entails the annual convening of sub-regional Ministerial Committee meetings across AMCOW’s five regions, wherein member states actively participate in shaping continental policy formulation and implementation.

Anticipated Outcomes

These engagements with member states are underpinned by four overarching priorities:

1. The adoption of ‘Water Security and Sanitation for Peace and Development’ as the theme for the African Union in 2026.
2. Active engagement and leadership of Ministers responsible for water, sanitation, and hygiene affairs at the AfricaSan7 Conference.
3. The active contribution of information from a minimum of 50 member states for the preparation of the 2023 WASSMO Report, thereby providing a solid situational analysis for shaping the post-2025 Africa Water Vision.
4. Active involvement of member states in sub-regional Ministerial Committee meetings, serving as the driving force behind continental policy formulation and implementation.

The commitment of AMCOW, in partnership with its member states, remains unwavering in tackling the water and sanitation challenges facing Africa.

The hunt is on for the public and private sector institutions contributing most to private capital mobilization and developing bankable and investable Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) projects in Africa.

Africa, as a continent, needs to mobilise $3trn to meet its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) projects by 2030, while the whole world only managed to mobilise $2.8trn for renewable energy investments over the past 20 years, with Africa only receiving 2% of that global sum.

Announced at the Global NDC Conference in Berlin, the 2023 NDC Investment Summit and Awards will be presented in December at COP28 in the UAE.

Hosted by the African investor (Ai) and sponsored by the African Green Infrastructure Investment Bank (AfGIIB), these NDC awards are the only international, pan-African NDC investment awards that recognize and reward both public and private sector institutions that are working to innovate and break new ground to mobilize private capital and private sector participation at scale, to Africa’s bankable NDC investment commitments and projects.

Could your organisation or project be a 2023 NDC Investment Initiative of the Year?

Entry is a simple 500-word nomination outlining how your organisation meets the awards criteria. Entries from any public or private institution, whether African or international, are welcome, provided they meet the attached category criteria.

DOWNLOAD NDC INVESTMENT AWARDS ENTRY PACK HERE

NDC Investment Awards will be presented in the following categories:

Best NDC Sector Initiatives of the Year:

1. Best Waste NDC Initiative of the Year
2. Best Energy NDC Initiative of the Year
3. Best Transport NDC Initiative of the Year
4. Best Urban Development NDC of the Year
5. Best Forestry NDC Initiative of the Year
6. Best Agriculture NDC Initiative of the Year
7. Best Education NDC Initiative of the Year
8. Best Health NDC Initiative of the Year
9. Best Water NDC Initiative of the Year
10. Best Tourism NDC Initiative of the Year

Private Capital Mobilization Initiatives of the Year:

1. Best Investable NDC Adaption Initiative of the Year
2. Best Bankable Donor NDC Initiative of the Year (technical assistance/financing/project development).
3. Best Blended Investment NDC Initiative of the Year
4. Best Financeable NDC City Initiative of the Year
5. Best GreenTech NDC Initiative of the Year

The NDC Awards Secretariat will present the following Honorary NDC Presidential Investment Statesman of the Year Awards to recognise exemplary Presidential investment leadership on Africa’s climate transition.

Honorary NDC Presidential Investment Statesman of the Year Awards.

1) Presidential ” Green Infrastructure Investment Statesman” of the Year

2) Presidential “Just Transition Investment Statesman ” of the Year

3) Presidential ” Carbon Exchange Investment Statesman”  of the Year

4) Presidential” Transport Investment Statesman” of the Year

5) Presidential “Water Investment Statesman” of the Year

6)  Presidential “Agriculture Investment Statesman” of the Year

The 2023 NDC Investment Awards high-level Adjudication panel consists:

• Dr. Hubert Danso, Chairman of Africa Investor Group and the Chair of the NDC Awards Adjudication panel.
• Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and UN SRSG for Sustainable Energy for All, Co-Chair of UN-Energy.
• John Denton, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).
• Ziad-Alexandre Hayek, President of the World Association of PPP Units (WAPPP).
• Kandeh Yumkella, Former UN Under-Secretary-General and Secretary-General’s Special Representative and CEO.

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He went on to say, “The importance of these global NDC Investment Awards cannot be overstated, given the scale, urgency and fact that the majority of Africa’s $3trn of NDC’s investment requirements will need to mobilize and secure unprecedented allocations of private capital at scale and speed, which is why we are pleased to add this year, a dedicated Private Capital Mobilization category.

The deadline for entry submissions is August 31 this year, and the shortlist will be announced the following month, on September 22, during UN Climate Week in New York. The Award winners will be announced in December at COP28 in the UAE.

Please see and feel free to share this entry pack link widely with your networks, which sets out the entry criteria and submission dates: https://ndcinvestmentawards.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/NDC-Investment-Awards-2023-F1.pdf

To submit your entry, please click here.

ENDS**

Note to Editors

For more information on the Ai African NDC Investment Awards, visit: www.ndcinvestmentawards.com, or email: tmutasa@africainvestor.com

About The NDC Investment Awards Headline sponsor

The African Green Infrastructure Investment Bank (AfGIIB) is an African Union-convened and supported African institutional investor-led, global climate investment platform to catalyze private capital for Africa’s green transition. Visit www.afgiib.com for more information.

About Africa investor (Ai) Group

Africa investor (Ai) Group is an institutional investment holding platform that aligns its pools of capital from sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, family offices, and long-term investors with vetted infrastructure, private equity, and technology investment opportunities in Africa. Visit www.africainvestor.com

See how Ai is combating climate change

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.

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.

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.

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.