AFWASA 2025 Kicks Off in Kampala: A Landmark Event for Africa’s Water Future
Today, Uganda takes center stage as it proudly hosts the 22nd African Water and Sanitation Association International Congress & Exhibition (AfWASA ICE 2025) at the prestigious Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala. This highly anticipated event, running from February 16th to 20th, 2025, is expected to draw over 1,000 delegates from more than 40 countries, all coming together to discuss, learn, and collaborate on the most pressing issues surrounding water and sanitation in Africa.
Theme: Water and Sanitation For ALL: A Secure Future for Africa
The central theme of the Congress, “Water and Sanitation For ALL: A Secure Future for Africa,” underscores the urgent need for sustainable water resources, effective sanitation solutions, and innovative approaches to addressing the continent’s water challenges. With Africa facing rapid population growth, climate change, and increasing urbanization, the demand for reliable water and sanitation services has never been greater. This theme reflects the importance of inclusivity, ensuring that all Africans have access to safe, affordable water and sanitation facilities.
A Global Gathering of Experts
The AfWASA ICE 2025 Congress is not just a local event but a global gathering of experts, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners in the water and sanitation sector. Over 80 expert-led sessions are scheduled to cover a wide array of critical topics, including water governance, financing mechanisms, technological innovations, climate resilience, and the role of the private sector in driving water sector reforms. These sessions are designed to foster dialogue, exchange best practices, and identify actionable solutions to Africa’s water and sanitation challenges.
Uganda’s Role in the Water and Sanitation Landscape
This year marks the third time Uganda is hosting the AfWASA Congress, a testament to the country’s increasing role as a leader in the African water and sanitation sector. Uganda’s commitment to improving water access and sanitation services is evident in its national policies, including the National Water Policy and the Uganda Vision 2040, which aim to ensure universal access to clean and safe water by the year 2040.
Despite significant progress, Uganda still faces challenges related to water scarcity, poor sanitation, and inadequate infrastructure, especially in rural and underserved urban areas. The AfWASA Congress presents an important platform for Uganda to showcase its efforts in addressing these challenges, while also learning from the experiences of other African nations.
Key Sessions and Focus Areas
Among the key sessions at AfWASA ICE 2025 will be discussions on:
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Water Governance: Effective management of water resources is vital for ensuring equitable access and sustainability. Experts will explore how African nations can strengthen water governance structures, implement water rights frameworks, and improve transparency in water management.
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Financing Water and Sanitation Projects: Access to affordable financing is crucial for implementing water and sanitation projects. Delegates will discuss innovative financing models, including public-private partnerships, that can support large-scale water infrastructure projects in Africa.
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Climate Resilience: As climate change increasingly threatens Africa’s water systems, climate-resilient water management practices are essential. Sessions will focus on building adaptive capacity, designing infrastructure that can withstand climate shocks, and using nature-based solutions to protect water resources.
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Research and Technology: Technological advancements in water treatment, data collection, and infrastructure development are transforming the sector. Attendees will explore how research and technology can accelerate progress in delivering clean water and improved sanitation across the continent.
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Sustainability and Innovation: The Congress will spotlight sustainable and innovative practices that are improving water access and sanitation in communities across Africa. Delegates will share success stories and explore opportunities for scaling up these solutions.
A Significant Step for Africa’s Future
The AfWASA ICE 2025 Congress represents a crucial milestone in Africa’s journey toward a secure water future. With Africa’s population expected to double by 2050, and the effects of climate change becoming more pronounced, the demand for innovative and sustainable water solutions is more urgent than ever. The conversations and collaborations that will take place at the Congress are expected to lay the groundwork for the continent’s long-term water and sanitation strategies, ultimately contributing to better health, economic development, and quality of life for all Africans.
As Uganda hosts this momentous event for the third time, it serves as both a reflection of the country’s dedication to improving its water sector and a call to action for the entire African continent to work together in addressing shared water challenges.
The AfWASA ICE 2025 Congress promises to be a transformative event, and its outcomes will undoubtedly shape the future of water and sanitation in Africa. #AfwasaUg2025
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