Kampala: The 2025 Edition of the AfWASA International Congress & Exhibition (AfWASA CIE)
The African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) is a professional association of entities, companies, and public operators working in the fields of drinking water, sanitation, and the environment across Africa. With over 237 members, including 100 public service companies from more than 40 African countries, AfWASA plays a key role in promoting and developing sustainable water and sanitation solutions on the continent.
AfWASA CIE 2025 Edition Overview
The AfWASA International Congress & Exhibition (AfWASA CIE) is a major event organized biennially by AfWASA. It serves as a platform for sharing ideas, reviewing the latest innovations, and discussing developments in the water, sanitation, and environmental sectors in Africa. This congress brings together professionals, policymakers, experts, and industry players to address challenges, solutions, and opportunities related to water access and sanitation across the African continent.
AfWASA CIE 2025 Edition
- Dates: February 16–20, 2025
- Venue: Speke Resort Convention Centre (SRCC), Kampala, Uganda
- Theme: “Water and Sanitation for All: A Safe Future for Africa”
The 2025 edition of the AfWASA CIE will focus on the critical importance of ensuring universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation, while addressing strategies for building a sustainable future in the face of growing challenges related to water management and the impacts of climate change.
Goals of the 2025 Edition
The 2025 edition of the AfWASA CIE aims to promote a deep dialogue on the solutions needed to ensure a safe and sustainable future for Africa in terms of water and sanitation. Specifically, the congress will:
- Promote universal access to water and sanitation: The congress will highlight the challenges related to providing water and sanitation services, particularly in rural and urban underserved areas.
- Share best practices: Participants will have the opportunity to discover innovative solutions and new technologies aimed at improving water resource management and sanitation systems across the continent.
- Strengthen regional cooperation: The event will encourage collaboration between African countries, international organizations, private companies, and civil society to address water and sanitation issues.
Target Audience and Participation
The AfWASA CIE 2025 will bring together a wide range of participants, including:
- Policy makers and government representatives from water and sanitation sectors.
- Private sector professionals: Companies specializing in water technologies, public services, resource management, etc.
- Technical experts and scientists sharing their research and innovations on water and sanitation challenges in Africa.
- International organizations and NGOs working on sustainable development projects in water and sanitation.
- Financial institutions supporting projects related to water, sanitation, and the environment in Africa.
Program and Activities
The AfWASA CIE 2025 will feature a rich combination of activities, including:
- Technical and scientific sessions: Conferences and panels led by industry experts, covering key topics such as sustainable water management, sanitation solutions, and adaptation to climate change challenges.
- Exhibition: An exhibition space where companies and organizations can showcase their innovative products, services, and technologies designed to address water and sanitation issues.
- Workshops and seminars: Interactive workshops on specific themes, such as urban water management, decentralized sanitation technologies, and public-private partnerships.
- B2B networking opportunities: Sessions to foster networking and partnerships among participants to encourage collaboration and exchange of best practices in the water sector.
Organizer
The African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) is a pan-African professional organization that brings together entities, companies, and public operators working in the fields of potable water, sanitation, and environmental management across Africa. Founded with the aim of promoting cooperation and sustainable development in these vital sectors, AfWASA plays a key role in addressing the challenges related to water and sanitation on the African continent.
AfWASA’s Objectives
AfWASA’s main mission is to support the development of water and sanitation infrastructure across Africa. Its objectives include:
- Strengthening cooperation among sector stakeholders: AfWASA encourages the exchange of ideas, best practices, and technologies among its members to promote more efficient and sustainable water resource management.
- Promoting universal access to drinking water and sanitation: The association supports projects aimed at improving access to these essential services for all African populations, particularly in rural and underserved urban areas.
- Encouraging sustainable resource management: AfWASA focuses on sustainable water resource management, the preservation of aquatic ecosystems, and addressing the impacts of climate change.
AfWASA’s Members
AfWASA currently has more than 237 members, including:
- 100 public utility companies operating in the water and sanitation sector across over 40 African countries.
- Public operators and government organizations, as well as private institutions working in the water, sanitation, and environmental sectors.
The association represents a wide range of stakeholders in the sector, from local governments to private companies, as well as NGOs and civil society actors.
AfWASA International Congress and Exhibitions (AfWASA CIE)
AfWASA regularly organizes International Congresses and Exhibitions (AfWASA CIE), which serve as major platforms for discussing water and sanitation challenges in Africa. These events offer members the opportunity to meet, exchange ideas, and discuss the latest developments in the sector.
- Previous edition: The 21st AfWASA Congress and 7th FSMA Conference took place in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from February 18-23, 2023, under the theme: “Acting for the sustainable management of resources and ensuring access to water and sanitation for all”.
- Upcoming editions:
- Kampala 2025: February 16-20, 2025, at the Speke Resort Convention Centre in Kampala, Uganda, under the theme: “Water and Sanitation for All: A Safe Future for Africa”.
- Cameroon 2026: February 16-20, 2026, in Yaoundé, Cameroon, under the theme: “Water and Sanitation: Bold Action for Africa”.
Actions and Priorities
AfWASA focuses on several priority actions to improve water and sanitation management in Africa:
- Capacity building for sector actors, particularly through training and workshops.
- Advocacy for effective public policies and dedicated financing for water and sanitation.
- Partnerships with international donors to support innovative and sustainable projects in African countries.
- Promotion of technological innovation and the exchange of best practices within the sector.
