Africa Water Facility Newsletter

The African Water Facility (AWF) has published the first issue of its 2023 newsletters. Under the theme ‘working for water’, the newsletter underlines the need to continue to deploy resources across sectors and industries to achieve access to water and sanitation for all in Africa.

In this first edition of the 2023 newsletter, you’ll find news on AWF’s updated investment case, knowledge management products, an overview of the Africa Urban Sanitation Investment Initiative (AUSII) – a sanitation window to be hosted by the AWF, some highlights of AWF’s activities and industry moments in the first quarter of 2023, and more.

To read the newsletter in English or French, download it via the links below:

https://knowledgehub.amcow-online.org/admin/resources/working-for-water-issue1

La Facilité africaine de l’eau (FAE) a publié le premier numéro de sa lettre d’information 2023. Sous le thème “Travailler pour l’eau”, elle souligne la nécessité de continuer à déployer des ressources à travers les secteurs et les industries afin d’assurer l’accès à l’eau et à l’assainissement pour tous en Afrique.

 Dans ce bulletin, vous trouverez des informations sur le dossier d’investissement actualisé de la FAE, des produits de gestion des connaissances, un aperçu de l’Initiative d’investissement pour l’assainissement urbain en Afrique (AUSII) – une fenêtre d’assainissement qui sera hébergée par la FAE, quelques points forts des activités de la FAE et des moments forts de l’industrie au cours du premier trimestre 2023, et bien d’autres choses encore.

 Pour lire la lettre d’information en anglais ou en français, téléchargez-la via les liens ci-dessous:

https://knowledgehub.amcow-online.org/admin/resources/oeuvrer-pour-lacces-a-leau-numero-1

ENTEBBE, Uganda – On May 25, 2023, a four-day high-level meeting was held at the Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort in Kampala, culminating in the si­gning of the Kampala Declaration on Transboundary Water Resour­ces Management in Africa. This pi­oneering gathering, organised by the African Network of Basin Or­ganizations (ANBO) in collabora­tion with NBI, African Ministers‘ Council on Water (AMCOW), GIZ, and the World Bank, aimed to fos­ter closer cooperation among these institutions. The focus was enhan­cing their organisational capacities and increasing their responsiveness to the continent‘s pressing water needs.

The Kampala Declaration commits several key stakeholders, including the African Ministers‘ Council on Water (AMCOW), the African Re­gional Communities (RECs), the African Network of Basin Organiz­ations (ANBO), the River and Lake Basin Organisations (RLBOs), the African Development Bank, and other Development Partners, to specific actions:

1. Strengthen Collaboration: The declaration‘s signatories will work towards reinforcing collaboration mechanisms between River and Lake Basin Organisations. By doing so, they can ensure more effective management of shared water resources, paving the way for socio-economic development in Africa.
2. Leverage Resources: Deve­lopment Partners will provide technical and financial resources through existing and new coope­ration arrangements to support transboundary water manage­ment. This collaborative effort will be instrumental in achieving regi­onal and global goals, including the African Union Agenda 2063, Africa Water Vision 2025, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 6 and its targets.
3. Investment in Transboundary Projects: Efforts to invest in trans­boundary projects will be inten­sified, aligning with regional and global goals. This approach will fa­cilitate progress toward key deve­lopment objectives and enhance water, energy, and food security while protecting the environment.
4. Collaboration in Data and In­formation Services: The stake­holders recognise the critical role of data and information services in informed decision-making. By strengthening cooperation in this area, they aim to improve knowledge-based decision-ma­king processes across the conti­nent.
5. Institutionalise High-Level Engagements: The heads of River and Lake Basin Organisations will engage in regular high-level inter­actions to assess progress, share lessons, and prioritise actions. The institutionalisation of these en­gagements will be supplemented by annual meetings to be con­ducted under the auspices of the Governing Council of the AMCOW Executive Committee.

The meeting commenced with the opening remarks by the Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, First De­puty Prime Minister and Minister of East African Community Affairs, who emphasised the need for ade­quate water governance at appro­priate levels. Professor Patrick Oti­eno Lumumba delivered a stirring keynote address, highlighting the importance of unity among river and lake basin organisations and the significance of self-reliance.

Representatives from Develop­ment Partners, including Anders Jägerskog and Dr Malte Grossman, underscored the value of trans­boundary water cooperation in preventing conflicts and building climate resilience—the President of the African Network of Basin Orga­nizations, Eng. Sylvester Matemu, highlighted the critical role of coo­peration in achieving water, energy, food security and environmental protection.

The closing remarks by Hon. Be­atrice Atim Anywar, Uganda‘s State Minister for Water and En­vironment, emphasised adopting a cooperative approach to tack­le the threats to water resources. Dr Rashid Mbaziira, the Executi­ve Secretary of AMCOW, called on stakeholders to implement the commitments outlined in the Kam­pala Declaration and institutiona­lise this high-level gathering as an annual event for monitoring pro­gress.

The meeting concluded with an excursion to Jinja, where the dele­gates visited the Source of the Nile River and a hydroelectric power plant, further highlighting the im­portance of sustainable water re­source management.

The Kampala Declaration marks a pivotal step towards greater trans­boundary water cooperation in Af­rica. The commitments made by key stakeholders demonstrate their dedication to addressing the region‘s pressing water challen­ges and working collaboratively for sustainable development and env­ironmental preservation. By acting on these commitments and insti­tutionalising the annual gathering, African nations can foster a future of shared prosperity and resilience through cooperative management of their precious water resources.

Click here to download the Kampala Declaration.

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 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.

On 27 January, the African Ministers’ Council on Water Secretariat paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry for Sanitation and Water, Ghana. The delegation, led by the Executive Secretary of AMCOW, Dr Rashid Mbaziira, was received by the Minister of Water Resources, Ghana, Honourable Cecilia Abena Dapaah.

During the meeting, the Minister stated that Ghana had made strides in the sector. She highlighted that, by implementing some of its projects between 2018-2021, the Ministry has provided over 40 000 household toilets to help reduce open defecation in the country.

According to the 2021 Population and Housing Census released by the Ghana Statistical Service, the population with improved toilet facilities is about 80.9%. Of this, 25.3% of the populace use exclusive household toilet facilities (basic sanitation), and the remaining 55.6% use shared toilet facilities with multiple households. In addition, the 2021 Population and Housing Census released by the Ghana Statistical Service states that 87.7% of the populace has access to basic water supply services. During the meeting with Dr Rashid Mbaziira, Hon Mrs Cecilia Abena added that Ghana is on course to attain the Sustainable Development Goals Target 6.1.1. come 2030.

Regarding data management and information, the Minister reiterated that reliable and accurate data is critical for decision-making and planning, especially in a situation of limited resources.

She added that Ghana had participated actively during the production of the WASSMO report since 2011. In the last edition, Ghana was cited as one of the best-performing countries in data collection and reporting regarding meeting the WASSMO System’s numerous targets.

Even though developing the WASSMO report has been going on for some time, many countries, including Ghana, still find it difficult to provide data for some of the required indicators. Weaknesses exist in some national data, information management and monitoring systems, and the lack of credible and sufficient reporting on the state of the water resources within the African Continent, including Ghana, which has been the subject of various regional and global stakeholders’ fora.

In Ghana, a lot has been done to establish a robust monitoring system to help track the water and sanitation sector’s progress and to inform decision-making towards accelerated access to clean and safely managed water and sanitation services for all. Ghana will always play a key role in AMCOW. It will support policy revisions and the creation of reverse linkages for Ghana to share her experience and provide support to other Member States, says the Hon Minister.

On the revision of the African Water Vision, she added that Ghana is ready to be part of the countries to champion the commitment of developing a roadmap to formulate the post-2025 Africa Water Vision. The vision should be audacious enough to largely influence the post-2030 Developmental Agenda of the United Nations. The NGOR declaration in Senegal on ending Open defecation found space in the 2030 SDG targets, and the same must be the vision as we formulate the post-2025 Africa Water Vision. The Continent is blessed with substantial water resources, and the time has come to effectively harness these resources to better the lives of people within the Continent.

On 15-18 November 2022, AMCOW joined the Eastern and Southern Africa Water and Sanitation (ESAWAS) at the first African Water Supply and Sanitation Regulators Conference. The workshop, held in Zanzibar, Tanzania, aimed to change the water supply and sanitation regulation narrative across Africa through strengthened sector accountability.

African water professionals convened in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on 7-8 November 2022 for a final consultation on the mid-term review of the UN Water Action Decade implementation. Led by the African Union Commission, the engagement was jointly coordinated by the UN Economic Commission of Africa (ECA), the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) and the African Development Bank.

The meeting was declared open by Dr Adam Karia, Rector and Executive Water Officer of Tanzania Water Institute, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Eng. Anthony Sanga. Other participants include representatives of the AU, Member States, regional economic communities, river and lake basins, civil societies and relevant institutions.

In December 2016, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the resolution “International Decade (2018–2028) for Action – Water for Sustainable Development” to help put a greater focus on the water during the ten years ahead. This meeting prepares Africa’s position ahead of the UN 2023 Water Conference.

The 2^nd regional consultation reviewed the first report and outcome statements, which took place on the 13 and 14th of June 2022. The second consultation identified the gaps in the first report and made proposals to improve the record. Through this engagement, the participants adopted Africa’s priorities. Participants agreed on a harmonised approach for presenting Africa’s inputs to the Mid-Term Review of the International Water Decade, “Water for Sustainable Development”, in March 2023.

Considering the overarching water needs as postulated in the Africa Water Vision 2025 and Agenda 2063. The meeting received presentations on the following:

i. Objectives and expected outcomes of the Water Action Decade’s regional consultations,

ii. African Union Technical Paper, Africa’s water, sanitation and hygiene progress and

iii. The Blue Deal for Water Security and Sanitation for Development and Peace set the stage for meaningful interventions

Group and plenary sessions were conducted, and participants provided inputs on regional priorities across the five themes from the UN General Assembly (UNGA) Dialogue of water for development, climate resilience, cooperation, health, and water action decade.

In a speech on his behalf, the AUC Director for Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy (SEBE), Mr Harsen Nyambe, commended the Executive Committee (EXCO) of the Governance of AMCOW. He stated that the AUC was happy to see the 13th Ordinary Session – call for consolidation of the Africa common position and input to the UN 2023 Water Conference.

At the preparatory engagement of the second consultation, AMCOW’s Acting Director of Programmes, Dr Azzika Tanko, said, “the meeting provides an opportunity to fill the gaps between the first, the AMCOW EXCO meeting and the 2022 WASSMO report – to consolidate key messages to the UN 2023 Water Conference in 2023.”

In a statement on his behalf, ECA Director for Technology, Climate Change and Natural Resources Management, Mr Jean-paul Adam, underlined the need for bolder and transformative interventions in the second half of the Water Action Decade. In this regard, he said that innovative financing sources for water are essential and shared work being carried out by ECA and partners, including on green and sustainability bonds and the Great Blue Wall Initiative.

At the end of the two days, participants considered and refined messages for the high-level political forum and Water for Sustainable Development Conference (WAD 2023), the roadmap of reviews and activities, African inputs into the Groundwater Summit 2022, road Map of activities to International Decade Mid-Term Review Conference 2023 and the recommendations on the revitalisation of UN-Water Africa.

Click on this link for a report on the first Africa regional consultation.

On 3-4 November 2022, the 22nd Governing Council Meeting of the African Water Facility and 2nd Donors Meeting, held in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire – with AMCOW in participation.

The AWF, an initiative of AMCOW, is a crucial instrument hosted by the African Development Bank for funding projects preparation towards pursuing water and sanitation goals in Africa.

The meeting was attended by representatives of organisations, including the, the Deputy Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Republic of Ghana, S E M Sidonie Moussirou, Le ministre délégué auprès du ministre d’État, ministre de l’Énergie et des Ressources hydrauliques, Ms Tine Anbaek, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Ms Agnes Moser, Austrian Development Agency, Mr Aage Jorgensen, Nordic Development Fund, Mr James Dumpert, USAID, Jan Willem Rosenboom, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, M Ridha Gabouj, Director General Tunisia, Mr Osward Chanda, Director AHWS/AWF, and Mr Johannes Mtchera Chirwa, Coordinator AWF.

As part of the annual statutory meetings of AWF, the 22^nd GCM reviewed the progress of the fiscal year of 2022, gave strategic direction, and approved the work plan and budget for 2023. As a Member of the Governing Council, AMCOW’s involvement in the AWF’s statutory meeting is essential to set the agenda for supporting project preparation. The event presented an opportunity for the AMCOW Secretariat and the AWF to reinforce the implementation of their work plans as follows mutually:

• To jointly work on investment promotion/resources mobilisation activities;
• To leverage AMCOW’s convening mandate to facilitate dialogue processes among riparian Member States to unblock bottlenecks constraining progress on implementing transboundary projects; and,
• To utilise engagements with the leadership of Member States to draw attention to sorely needed solutions to the political challenges faced on some of the projects.

The 22^nd Governing Council Meeting of the AWF made critical decisions on the following:

1. The endorsement of the plans for investment promotion to secure downstream investment for AWF grant-funded investment-ready projects
2. Continued engagement between the AWF and partners to articulate an appropriate mechanism for supporting project preparation, particularly in non-fragile Member States. Mechanisms modelled on a reimbursable grant window to be explored to strengthen the sustainability of the Facility;
3. Endorsement of agreed changes to AWF Operational Procedures and Establishment instrument;
4. Approval to operationalise a dedicated window for the Africa Urban Sanitation Fund (AUSIF); and,
5. The approval of the 2023 AWF Work Plan and Budget.

The AWF will continue its revitalisation effort to assure the world of its relevance in supporting Africa’s funding requirements for project preparation. On the other hand, AMCOW Secretariat will continue to work with the AWF team to advance the opportunities for mutual reinforcement of the implementation of each other’s work plans.

Under the Rules of Procedure of the Governing Council of AMCOW, the 13^th Ordinary Session of the Executive Committee of the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) convened in Windhoek, Namibia, on 10-13 October 2022.

The 13^th EXCO was hosted under Namibia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, led by the Honourable Minister and AMCOW’s President, His Excellency Carl Herman Gustav Schlettwein. The meeting was chaired by Mrs Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, Executive Director, Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Republic of Namibia and AMCOW Technical Advisory Committee Chairperson.

African Ministers responsible for water affairs in attendance were:

H.E. Hon. Carl Hermann Gustav Schlettwein; the AMCOW President and Minister for Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Republic of Namibia, Her Excellence Cecília Chamutota; AMCOW Vice President – Southern Africa, and Vice Minister for Public Works, Housing and Water Resources, H.E. Hon. Engr Suleiman ADAMU; AMCOW Vice President – West Africa, Minister for Water Resources, Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Hon. Serigne Mbaye THIAM; Minister for Hydraulics and Sanitation, Republic of Senegal, H.E. Hon. Prof. Dr Hani Atef Nabhan Sweilam; Minister for Water Resources and Irrigation, Arab Republic of Egypt, and Hon. Jumaa Hamidu AWESO (MP); Minister for Water, United Republic of Tanzania.

Her Excellency Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko, Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture of the African Union Commission, joined the meeting virtually. The Director of Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy of the AUC, Mr HarsemnNyambe, was present to represent the Commissioner in person.

Hon. John Francis Bande, Deputy Minister for Water and Sanitation, represented Malawi. Mr Sylvain Guebanda represented the Central African Republic, Dr Zebene Lakew Teffera represented Ethiopia and H E Hon. Kone Sakaria represented Cote d’Ivoire.

The Ordinary Session comprised the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) session (from 10-12 October 2022) and the Ministerial Session (on 13 October 2022).

The EXCO received and considered progress reports on the implementation of the AMCOW Work Programme, the 2021 audit and financial progress report, AMCOW’s 3-Year Programme and budget and other matters arising from continental initiatives.

Rising on 13 October 2022, the 13th Ordinary Session of EXCO took the following decisions in the link below:

https://knowledgehub.amcow-online.org/resource/decisions-of-the-13th-ordinary-session-of-the-executive-committee-of-the-governing-council-of-amcow-held-on-13th-october-2022-in-windhoek-namibia