François Olivier Gosso
AfWASA Executive Director
Dear Delegates,
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you who graced us with your presence at the 21st African Water Association International Congress and Exhibition (AfWASA ICE) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, in February 2023. Undoubtedly, it was a resounding success, thanks to your valued participation.
As you are well aware, the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) organizes this biennial congress and exhibition to foster the exchange of ideas and recent developments in the water and sanitation sector.
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the 22nd AfWASA ICE2025 which will be held in the vibrant city of Kampala, Uganda, from February 16th – 20th 2025.
Under the theme “Water and Sanitation for All: A Secure Future for Africa,” this congress promises to be a pivotal gathering, uniting water and sanitation stakeholders from across the globe to share knowledge, experiences, and innovative breakthroughs aimed at ensuring universal access to water and sanitation throughout Africa.
Undoubtedly, AfWASA ICE2025 is poised to be the premier water and sanitation event in Africa for 2025, attracting all key professionals in the field. Of particular note is the enriching professional programme comprising over 80 technical and poster sessions, numerous workshops, pre-congress seminars, and special forums. Anticipate the participation of more than 3,000 delegates from over 100 countries.
Furthermore, this congress coincides with the celebration of AfWASA’s 45 years of existence and the launch of the African Water and Sanitation Academy (AWASA), marking a significant milestone in our collective journey towards sustainable water management.
For the first time in an AfWASA Congress, we are introducing the opportunity to present both peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed papers, with the technical programme accommodating 600-800 paper presentations. This innovation aims to enhance the quality of submissions and provide academics with a more engaging platform to contribute to the AfWASA Congress, and to explore solutions and breakthroughs in accelerating access to water and sanitation for all in Africa.
Additionally, we are introducing Special Forums tailored for Ministers, Chief Executive Officers, and Mayors, along with a special seminar focusing on digital water and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The exhibition accompanying the congress will be the largest in AfWASA’s history, promising to be a major highlight and attraction for all attendees.
Our challenges and aspirations are strikingly similar, underlining the importance of collective action and collaboration. Beyond addressing immediate concerns, AfWASA ICE2025 offers a platform to contemplate the broader landscape, assessing progress towards the SDGs, envisioning the future of AfWASA, and acknowledging the pivotal role of the African Water and Sanitation Academy in shaping the continent’s water management practices.
Having had the privilege of experiencing Kampala’s hospitality firsthand on multiple occasions, I can assure you that the Local Organizing Committee will deliver a congress of exceptional caliber, infused with the warmth and hospitality that are symbolic of Africa.
I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to reunite with you all in Kampala, where together, we will chart the course for a more sustainable and equitable water future for Africa.