Accelerating progress beyond 2025: what AfWASA teaches us about water, sanitation and hygiene in Africa
For more than four decades, the African Water and Sanitation Association Congress and Exhibition has united water and sanitation champions, driving innovation and collaboration to tackle the continent’s most pressing challenges. Here Kine Fatim, WaterAid West Africa’s Regional Advocacy Manager, reflects on the conference and what the future of water, sanitation and hygiene looks like in Africa.
As a new member of the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector, attending the African Water and Sanitation (AfWASA) Congress and Exhibition for the first time was an eye-opening experience. I was surrounded by passionate experts, policymakers, donors, engineers, utility managers, young people, and private sector leaders from across Africa and beyond – all committed to tackling water, sanitation and hygiene challenges with relentless energy and innovation. Every year, AfWASA brings together more than 230 member organisations from 40 African countries to exchange ideas and collaborate. As a leading voice for WASH solutions across Africa, my WaterAid colleagues and I engaged in rich discussions and shared solutions and innovations to accelerate progress towards universal WASH access.
We hosted an independent booth, organised two side events, and participated in discussions to showcase our innovative approaches and advocate for sustainable financing. The booth housed our conference call-to-action publications, showcased our latest campaign and displayed mock borehole systems and pipes. The conference was an incredible learning journey, offering insights that have reshaped my understanding of the sector’s complexities and opportunities.
Innovation and the role of AI in transforming utilities
One of the most impactful themes of the congress was research, innovation and technology, and I was particularly inspired by conversations around how generative AI can transform water management in Africa. AI-powered systems have the potential to optimise distribution networks, predict service disruptions, and improve the efficiency of sanitation services. But what stood out most was the emphasis on local adaptation; making sure that technology is affordable, accessible, and responsive to the realities of African communities.
Digital innovation is a powerful enabler, helping the sector navigate global challenges like climate change and resource scarcity. Real-time tools, much like mobile payments that revolutionised finance in Africa, can unlock new efficiencies in WASH services. But there are still challenges. Utilities currently only use about 15% of the data they generate, leaving 85% of valuable insights untapped. Generative AI could change this, simplifying complex data analysis and empowering decision-makers at all levels.
Funding and the power of fiscal decentralisation
With just five years left to meet Sustainable Development Goal 6, the congress understood the urgent action needed to address WASH challenges in Africa; in particular, filling the funding gaps which are impossible to ignore. Many sessions highlighted the critical need for sustainable financing models, with mayors and local leaders advocating for fiscal decentralisation. When local governments have the ability to manage budgets, they can build resilient, community-driven WASH systems tailored to local needs.
Regina Bakitte Nakkazzi Musoke, Mayor of Nansana, a small town in Uganda, said: "We need water in our homes, schools and public facilities. In terms of financing WASH activities at a higher level, it is not a priority. Whenever they bring figures, sanitation is not a priority in our planning, so we just have to look around within our local revenue to address sanitation challenges.”
Traditional knowledge and climate resilience
Conversations also underscored the value of indigenous knowledge in adapting to climate change. Our engineers and partners shared how traditional practices, like rainwater harvesting and ecosystem-based approaches, have helped communities cope with droughts and floods for generations. Integrating this wisdom with modern innovations could strengthen Africa’s resilience to climate shocks.
Partnerships, capacity building, and the AfWASA Academy
One powerful realisation was that no single actor can solve WASH challenges alone. Collective action is essential, from grassroots organisations to international donors. The launch of the African Water and Sanitation Academy, hosted in Uganda, felt like a pivotal step in this direction, offering a space for capacity building and continuous learning to equip WASH professionals with the skills needed to drive long-term change.
Towards Africa’s Water Vision: making WASH a reality for all
As the congress drew to a close, I couldn’t help but reflect on the Africa Water Vision post 2025. Business as usual won’t drive progress. The message: “Water is life, sanitation is dignity” won’t attract private sector investment alone. To realise Africa’s Water Vision beyond 2025, we must champion financial sustainability, encourage governments to prioritise domestic funding, and foster an environment where innovation and local leadership thrive. Achieving universal WASH access will require relentless collaboration, bold solutions, and a shift in mindset.
As one of the participants put it: “Progress on WASH in Africa is progress for the world.”
Kine Fatim Diop is Advocacy Manager, Pan-Africa Program, WaterAid.
Top image: Conference participants pose for a photo, after one of WaterAid’s side sessions at the AfWASA conference.
