News Detail

Memorandum of Understanding Signed with African Water and Sanitation Association

May 25, 2023 | Paul Donahue

At the recent joint 21st AfWASA International Congress and Exhibition and 7th Conference on Faecal Sludge Management (FSM7), Eawag signed a Memorandum of Understanding agreement with the African Water and Sanitation Association. The two conferences took place under one roof in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

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.
 

Founded in 1980, the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) is the leading professional association for water and sanitation in Africa, bringing together institutions, companies and operators working in the water, sanitation and environment sectors. AfWASA has more than 130 members from over 43 countries and its mission is to coordinate the search for and dissemination of knowledge, latest developments and best practices in the fields of drinking water production and supply and sanitation. In addition, AfWASA initiates, encourages and promotes cooperation, knowledge exchange and professional development and training.

Cover picture: Linda Strande and Sylvain Usher, Executive Director of AfWASA, with the Memorandum of Understanding (Photographer: Unknown)