The 23rd AfWASA International Congress and Exhibition concludes in Yaoundé with strong commitments and the handover of the torch to Senegal
The 23rd International Congress and Exhibition of the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) officially came to a close this Thursday in Yaoundé, after 4 days of strategic reflection, technical exchanges and political commitments in support of universal access to drinking water and sanitation in Africa.
Marked by solemnity and symbolism, the closing ceremony signaled the transition from dialogue to implementation, while opening a new chapter in the history of the Association’s flagship gatherings.
Digital solutions and innovation at the heart of transformation
Opening the series of interventions, MTN Group Chief Executive Officer, Wanda Matandela, highlighted the growing role of digital technologies in transforming water and sanitation services. He emphasized connectivity, digitalization and data-driven solutions as essential levers to improve operators’ performance, enhance transparency and expand access to services, particularly in the most remote areas. The private sector partner reaffirmed its Group’s commitment to working alongside AfWASA to sustainably support sector stakeholders.
Outcomes that confirm the sector’s maturity
In his synthesis of the proceedings, AfWASA Executive Director Mr. Olivier Gosso reflected on the structuring impact of this 23rd edition, recalling that the Congress was part of an institutional dynamic strengthened by statutory meetings held upstream.
He underscored the richness of the scientific and technical program, the strong mobilization of governments, operators, local authorities, women and youth, as well as the central role of the exhibition as a space for convergence between innovation, expertise and partnership opportunities.
The debates confirmed clear priorities: securing water resources, improving service performance, recognizing sanitation as a pillar of development, mobilizing innovative financing, and accelerating digital transformation.
A call for collective responsibility
Speaking on behalf of the Association, AfWASA President Dr. Blaise Moussa recalled that the Yaoundé Congress was not an end in itself, but a starting point. He stressed the need for Africa to strengthen its endogenous leadership in the water and sanitation sector and to translate the recommendations arising from the discussions into concrete actions for the benefit of populations.
He also emphasized the importance of consolidating AfWASA’s role as a leading continental platform capable of supporting public policies and sector reforms across Africa.
Political commitments reaffirmed
Ministerial statements gave the ceremony a strong political dimension.
The Minister in charge of Water and Sanitation of Chad, Passalé Kanabé Marcelin, praised the quality of the organization and the strategic value of AfWASA as a framework for African cooperation, calling for strengthened support to countries facing climatic, demographic and infrastructural challenges.
Closing the speeches, the Minister of Water and Energy of Cameroon, Gaston Eloundou Essomba, representing the host Government, stressed that Africa has now entered the era of action. He urged governments, operators and partners to turn the commitments made in Yaoundé into strengthened public policies, structuring investments and sustainable services.
A highly symbolic handover
A highlight of the ceremony was the official handover of the torch from Cameroon to Senegal, host country of the next AfWASA International Congress scheduled for February 2028.
This handover took place during a brief yet highly symbolic ceremony blending Cameroonian and Senegalese cultural expressions in an atmosphere that was both solemn and festive. Traditional dances, vibrant colors and rituals illustrated African unity, institutional continuity and the shared values upheld by AfWASA.
Through this gesture, Cameroon symbolically passed on the responsibility and legacy of this major continental gathering to Senegal, opening the way for a new phase in Africa’s mobilization for water and sanitation.
Yaoundé, a springboard for Africa
As it drew to a close, the 23rd AfWASA Congress left behind a shared conviction: Africa now has a clear vision, strong expertise and a collective determination to accelerate the transformation of its water and sanitation sector.
Yaoundé did not mark a conclusion, but a springboard.
A springboard now oriented toward February 2028 in Senegal, where the momentum initiated will continue in the service of universal access to water and sanitation in Africa.
