The African Water and Sanitation Association is a professional organization of stakeholders in the water and sanitation sector. It was created in February 1980 at the instigation of some leaders of African water companies driven by the desire to pool their human, technical and financial resources in order to optimize the training of men and women in the companies. of the sector, and to create synergy around the search for solutions to improve access to drinking water for African populations.

Objectives and Mission

Ensure coordinated action for the acquisition and improvement of knowledge in water production and distribution and sanitation management from a technical, legal, administrative and economic point of view,

Promote the exchange of information on research, methods, processes and procedures for the production and distribution of water and sanitation,

Create, encourage and promote all cooperation and exchange actions in terms of professional training in the fields of water and sanitation.

Projects

The AAE has contributed for years to influencing water and sanitation policies and to strengthening the capacities of societies with the help of other partners, through relevant proposals and actions on recurring issues. Recently, AfWA has designed leadership programs for its members, such as the Water Operators Partnership of Africa (WOP-Africa) to support water companies in delivering quality of service, expansion of infrastructure and improvement of their corporate governance.

This program is funded and jointly implemented by UN-Habitat, USAID, the International Water Association (IWA) and the African Water Facility of the African Development Bank (AfDB). Another recent project is the African Water Academy based in Kampala which started its first training sessions in February 2010. This Academy aims to train in leadership and change management.