Ask the Experts – 11th Edition: Strengthening Water Operator Partnerships

On March 27, 2025, experts from Germany and across Africa came together for the 11th edition of the well-established “Ask the Experts” series. This event is part of the German-African Partnership for Water and Sanitation (GAPWAS), a joint initiative between the German Water Partnership (GWP) and the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA).

© AfWASA

Titled “Strengthening Water Operator Partnerships: Expert Exchange for Sustainable Utility Cooperation,” the event brought together participants from numerous African countries and beyond, and was considered a great success.

The aim of the format is to foster technical exchange between German and African professionals in the water and sanitation sectors, while addressing the specific challenges faced by members of both associations. During the event, both AfWASA and GWP presented their broader efforts in supporting operator partnerships.

AfWASA is aiming at strengthening its platform to support African utilities interested in engaging in Water Operator Partnerships (WOPs), particularly within the framework of the Global Water Operator Partnership Alliance (GWOPA). GWP, in turn, is a partner of GIZ and VKU in the German Utility Platform aiming at providing and provides guidance and support for the initiation and implementation of German WOPs.

The expert panel featured diverse perspectives and practical experiences related to water operator partnerships in Africa. Particular focus was placed on the practical dimensions of partnership work—such as improving service quality, implementing sustainable business models, and strengthening institutional capacity through knowledge exchange.

Participants of the Ask the Experts Webinar © GWP

A total of three WOPs were presented including both German-African and African-African operator partnership models:

  • Lukas Guenther presented the WOP between GELSENWASSER and Lukanga Water Supply & Sanitation Company in Sambia.
  • Kees De Jong and Lungile Ngwenya provided insights into the WOP between HAMBURG WASSER and eThekwini Water in South Africa.
  • Anna Nyadoi gave a very NWSC Uganda with Nkana Water Supply and Sanitation Company Ltd in Sambia.

The experts provided valuable insights into how partnerships can help address challenges related to infrastructure and resource management. International collaborations are being implemented in practice to enhance water treatment and supply efficiency, as well as strengthen the resilience of water utilities for both partners.

The discussion was moderated by Dr. Siméon Kenfack from AfWASA, who fostered a lively exchange among the participants.

The next event in the series will take place on May 22, 2025 – Ask the Experts 12