PartnerAfrica Project „AGTIWAS“

Within the framework of the Special Initiative on Training and Job Creation, the BMZ, through sequa GmbH, supports the PartnerAfrica project AGTIWAS – African-German Training Initiative for Water and Sanitation – for the establishment of an African Water and Sanitation Academy (AWASA). The project is implemented on the basis of the cooperation between GWP and the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) and – after its foundation – its training academy for professionals in the water and sanitation sector.

There has been close cooperation between the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) and GWP for many years. Since 2019, the mutual cooperation has already been formalized through the chamber and association partnership German-African Partnership for Water and Sanitation (GAPWAS). The idea for the establishment of an African Water and Sanitation Academy formed over a long period of time within AfWASA.

GWP has been supporting the establishment of the academy, the development of course content and the implementation of workshops and activities in the pilot countries Senegal and Rwanda since December 2021 through the PartnerAfrica project AGTIWAS (project end: May 30, 2025). The administrative headquarters of the academy is in Kampala, Uganda. This goes back to the long-term vision for the Academy – to offer training Africa-wide in a decentralized satellite model.

Both on-site training and digital learning play a major role in educating and training African water sector professionals on various relevant technologies and professional skills. The Academy’s trainings are led by both African and international experts.

At the same time, the project offers an opportunity for companies from the German water sector to become involved in the training of specialists in Africa. This engagement creates the basis for a stronger water sector in the target countries, provides access to an Africa-wide network and thus creates new business opportunities.

Expected Project Results

  • AWASA is established as a center of excellence with specific leadership and a professional management structure, and has a sustainable financial model
  • Sustainable collaborative structures have been established with national, regional and international institutions, including African and international companies, to implement capacity building initiatives
  • An attractive, needs-based and practical range of capacity-building initiatives will be developed and implemented on a pilot basis, including diverse and modern methodologies

Recent & Upcoming Activities

  • Launch of the Academy at the AfWASA Congress, 16.-20. February 2025
  • Implementation of Trainings, e.g. decentralized water treatment, mobile water testing, or pump maintenance
  • Official foundation of AWASA and registration in Uganda
  • Creation of a trainer database
  • Building ‚Green City Sanitation Teams‘ in Ruanda

Partner Association

Founded in 1980, the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) is an association that brings together institutions, companies, and operators working in the water, sanitation, and environment sectors in Africa. It develops programs and supports knowledge exchange in sustainable water management through the development and management of professional networks and advocacy groups. Based in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, AfWA has about 130 members and is active in 43 African countries.

Projektpartner

Project partner

Supported by

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Contact

An external consultant acts as a so-called long-term expert for the project. She manages the project, advises the partner association and serves as a contact person for German companies. At the GWP office in Berlin, the technical management supports the project.