The African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA)

The African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA).

The inception of the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) dates back to February 1980 when forward-thinking African water utility managers came together with a shared goal. Their vision was to consolidate human, technical, and financial resources, fostering collaboration to enhance the training of individuals within the water and sanitation sector. This collective effort aimed to synergize expertise and seek solutions that would ultimately improve access to clean drinking water across Africa.

In 1970, ZADI KESSY Marcel, a respected figure and Manager at the Côte d’Ivoire Water Distribution Company (SODECI), planted the seed for this organization. His proposal to create a platform that united African water companies around the common objectives of training and knowledge-sharing gained immediate traction among leaders in the water sector.

By February 1980, Zadi Kessy Marcel, now the Managing Director of SODECI, orchestrated the founding congress of the African Union of Water Suppliers (AUWS) with headquarters in Liberia. The AUWS, comprised of companies excelling in public service, gained momentum and attracted new members.

The period between 1990 and 2000 witnessed significant institutional reforms in African Water and Sanitation Companies, leading to the establishment of asset management firms, sanitation boards, and regulatory bodies, all of which aligned with the association. Embracing growth, the union expanded to include private service providers, NGOs, researchers, and professionals from academia, research, and public policy.

Recognizing the evolving landscape of the water sector, the year 2000 marked a transformative moment at the Durban Congress. The African Union of Water Suppliers rebranded as the African Water Association (AfWA), adopting a new logo. The association’s reach expanded, earning the trust of esteemed donors for the implementation of impactful water and sanitation projects, positively affecting the lives of 350 million people.

In response to the growing emphasis on sanitation, the General Assembly unanimously approved a name change on March 31, 2021. Thus, the African Water Association evolved into the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA), a testament to its commitment to addressing the comprehensive needs of the water and sanitation sectors. This momentous change, accompanied by a subtle modification to the logo, was officially realized on February 20, 2023, during the 20th International Congress and Exhibition of the AfWA in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.