The 22nd African Water & Sanitation Association International Congress & Exhibition (AfWASA ICE) took place from 16th to 20th February, 2025, at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala, Uganda.
Organized by the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) under the Ministry of Water and Environment, in collaboration with local partners and the AfWASA Executive Office, this congress gathered stakeholders from around the globe to address pressing water and sanitation issues across Africa.
Themed โWater & Sanitation for All: A Secure Future for Africa,โ the congress united over 1,000 delegates from more than 40 countries, showcasing Ugandaโs pivotal role in water and sanitation management on the continent.
The event was structured around six thematic tracks: Integrated Water Resources Management, Water Management, Sanitation Management, Capacity Development, Communication and Partnerships, Governance and Financing, and Research, Technology, and Innovation.
Key activities included technical sessions, workshops, an exhibition, and forums such as the 5th Professional Women in Water & Sanitation Forum and the Young Water Professionals Forum. These discussions were critical as they focused on devising innovative solutions to tackle the continent’s water and sanitation challenges while aiming to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to these sectors.
All speakers emphasized the urgent need for leadership and innovation to address inadequate access to water and sanitation services.
In her closing speech, Hon. Beatrice Anywar, the Minister of State for Environment, highlighted that Africa faces significant challenges, including rapid urbanization, climate change and declining financing in the water and sanitation sectors, urging that collective response must be bold, innovative, and sustainable,
As the congress concluded, it was announced that Cameroon would host the 23rd Congress.
