There has been close cooperation between the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA, see Box) and Eawag’s Sanitation, Water and Solid Waste for Development (Sandec) department for many years. This mutual cooperation was formalised at the recent Congress with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two institutions. “This MOU signifies our commitment to working together on both training water and sanitation professionals, and also how to capture their experiences and knowledge for evidence based advocacy tools”, says Linda Strande from Eawag’s Sanitation, Water and Solid Waste for Development department.

The agreement formalises knowledge exchange and the sharing of expertise. Eawag will be in the position to leverage the knowledge and experience of AfWASA's members to ensure that our learning materials and research about non-sewered sanitation are relevant and cutting edge. It will also assist in addressing the most pressing challenges in the water and sanitation sectors and in preparing future solutions. The engagement creates the basis for a stronger water and sanitation sector in Africa, and provides Eawag formal access to an African-wide network.