Uganda is poised to take center stage in global water and sanitation discussions as it prepares to host the 22nd African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) International Congress & Exhibition from February 16–20, 2025.
This prestigious event, themed “Water and Sanitation for All: A Secure Future for Africa,” will bring together over 1,000 delegates from more than 40 countries to explore innovations, investments, and strategies for achieving universal access to water and sanitation.
This was revealed by Dr. Silver Mugisha, the Executive Director, National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) during a presser held at the NWSC headquarters in Kampala.
Dr. Mugisha noted that this a very great opportunity for Uganda because the country be able to attract investors and stakeholders in the field of water management and value addition through the exhibition.
In Line with Uganda’s Economic Growth Agenda
Hosting the 22nd AFWASA International Congress & Exhibition aligns perfectly with Uganda’s economic growth agenda. The event is expected to attract significant foreign investment, create jobs, and stimulate economic activity in the water and sanitation sector.
According to the World Bank, investing in water and sanitation can yield significant economic returns, with every dollar invested generating an estimated $4 in economic benefits.
Statistics Highlighting the Importance of Water and Sanitation
Access to clean water is of paramount interest to every government; indeed, information from the World Health Organisation (WHO) indicates that 844 million people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water, with 40% of these living in sub-Saharan Africa.
This means therefore that investing in water and sanitation can reduce poverty, improve health, and increase productivity, with estimated economic benefits of USD12 billion annually (World Bank, 2019).
As such, Uganda aims to increase access to safe drinking water from 70% to 100% by 2030, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and this will be one of the objectives of discussion at the AFWASA 2025.
The 22nd AfWASA International Congress & Exhibition presents a unique opportunity for Uganda to showcase its commitment to achieving universal access to water and sanitation.
By hosting this landmark event, Uganda is poised to attract investment, stimulate economic growth, and contribute to the global effort to achieve the SDGs.