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The first African Water and Sanitation Conference, with the theme ‘Towards sustainable water and sanitation security in Africa’, marks an important milestone in addressing the continent’s pressing water and sanitation challenges. This pioneering annual gathering will provide a platform for policymakers, researchers, practitioners and industry leaders to collaborate, exchange knowledge and advance impactful solutions for sustainable development in Africa. Water and sanitation are at the forefront of Africa’s development challenges, as climate change, rapid urbanization and population growth exacerbate water scarcity and strain existing infrastructure. South Africa, a semi-arid country with extensive experience in water management and innovation, serves as the ideal venue for this pivotal event, reflecting the common challenges and opportunities facing the entire continent. This first edition focuses on integrated strategies for water resource management, equitable sanitation access, and building climate resilience, in line with global priorities such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6). We are seeking abstracts from researchers and practitioners that showcase cutting-edge innovations, case studies, scalable technologies, and innovative policy frameworks. Join us in shaping a resilient and secure future for water and sanitation in Africa through innovation, collaboration and action. Together, we will begin a transformative journey to address one of the continent’s most pressing development needs.
Conference aims and objectives
The African Water and Sanitation Conference, with the theme ‘Towards sustainable water and sanitation security in Africa’, aims to address the critical challenges of water scarcity and poor sanitation across the continent. This inaugural event aims to foster innovative solutions, build strong partnerships, and foster transformative policies to ensure sustainable and equitable access to water and sanitation. The main objectives of the meeting are:
Promote inclusive participation
The conference aims to provide an inclusive platform by inviting diverse representatives from policy makers, researchers, practitioners, and industry leaders from across Africa and around the world. By addressing financial and geographic barriers, this event ensures that underrepresented regions and voices are at the center of the water and sanitation security debate.
Foster cross-functional collaboration
Recognizing the multidisciplinary nature of water and sanitation challenges, the conference brings together experts from engineering, environmental science, public policy, social science, and technology. This collaboration will foster an integrated approach to addressing water and sanitation needs.
Supporting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 6)
The conference aims to promote sustainable water management and hygiene practices by aligning with the United Nations’ SDG 6. Discussions will focus on strategies to increase resource efficiency, improve access, and build climate-resilient water infrastructure tailored to Africa’s unique challenges.
Emphasize innovation and scalable solutions
The conference will showcase research, technology advances, and practical case studies that provide scalable solutions to water and sanitation challenges. Emphasis will be placed on digital technologies, community-driven approaches and innovative funding models.
Promote policy and institutional change
Through its deliberations, the conference will serve as a catalyst to develop workable policies and frameworks that support transboundary water management, equitable sanitation access, and sustainable infrastructure development.
Abstract submission topic
Researchers, practitioners and policy makers are invited to submit abstracts addressing innovative solutions, studies, case studies or frameworks under the following themes and sub-themes:
Resilient water infrastructure for South Africa and other countries
Innovations in water pipeline durability and leak detection. Best practices for maintaining infrastructure in drought-prone areas. Cross-border knowledge sharing on infrastructure longevity.
Climate change resilience in water management for sustainable development
South Africa is working on drought resilience and flood management. Adaptation strategies for climate-sensitive areas across Africa. Ecosystem restoration that supports natural water filtration and storage.
Integrated water resource management (IWRM) for sustainable security
Policies for local watershed protection and local implementation. A case study in river basin management in South Africa. Build a pan-African framework for sharing water across borders. Data integration and management.
Community-led water access and sanitation initiatives
Empowering communities in South Africa with local water management. Grassroots projects for sanitation access in underserved areas of Africa. Gender-focused approaches in water and sanitation solutions.
Financing models for sustainable water and sanitation infrastructure
Public-private partnerships in water infrastructure in South Africa. Innovative financing mechanisms for rural water projects in Africa. Crowdsourcing and community-based investment models. Dealing with water leaks and non-revenue water.
Digital transformation and data-driven decision-making in water management
Advances in water monitoring technology in South Africa. Utilizing satellite data and IoT data for regional water resource assessment. Deploy digital tools to track community-level water usage.
Education and capacity building in the water and sanitation sector
A skills training program for South African water sector workers. Developing a pan-African curriculum for sustainable water management. Building local capacity to address sanitation issues.
Sustainable urban water solutions for growing African cities
Urban water recycling and reuse initiatives in South Africa. Best practices for decentralized urban water treatment across Africa. Address the water and sanitation needs of informal settlements.
Intra- and cross-border cooperation for cross-border water resource security
Shared river basin and water system policy in South Africa. A framework for transboundary cooperative water management in Africa. Addressing water conflicts and negotiations in shared river basins.
Promoting water efficiency and conservation across sectors
Water conservation, African industrial practices. Public and private initiatives for efficient water use in various industries.
Environmental protection and sustainable water resource management
Protecting South Africa’s natural water sources and ecosystems. Conservation activities for Africa’s important water bodies. Biodiversity initiatives that support clean water sustainability.
Innovative hygiene solutions for urban and rural areas
A low-cost sanitation solution for informal settlements in South Africa. Implementing decentralized sanitation systems in rural Africa. Innovative water-saving sanitation technology and its introduction.
Utilizing renewable energy for water infrastructure
A project in South Africa that integrates solar power and water systems. Desalination using renewable energy in coastal areas of Africa. A case study of renewable energy utilization for remote water access.
Public policy and regulatory framework for water security
Reviewing South Africa’s water policy for its sustainability implications. Establish continent-wide water safety standards and policies. The role of governance in ensuring access to safe and equitable water. Social justice in water allocation and management.
Capacity development and community engagement
Educational program for sustainable water management. Gender and youth inclusivity in water and sanitation efforts. Grassroots solutions for underserved communities.
Innovative hygiene solutions for urban and rural areas
A low-cost sanitation solution for informal settlements in South Africa. Implementing decentralized sanitation systems in rural Africa. Innovative water-saving sanitation technology and its introduction.
Innovation and scalable technology for water and sanitation solutions
AI and predictive modeling for water resource management. IoT applications for smart cities and water and sanitation systems. Advanced materials and design for sustainable water infrastructure.
important dates
Call for abstracts begins – January 27, 2025 Abstract submission deadline – deadline extended to April 30, 2025 Abstract acceptance notification – April 1, 2025 Full paper submission deadline – May 6, 2025 Full paper decision notification – June 30, 2025 Final paper submission deadline draft – July 30, 2025 day.
Abstract and paper submission information
Full paper submission guidelines
Full papers must not exceed 10 sides of A4 and must comply with the conference guidelines paper template. Two members of the scientific committee will review each paper. Authors of accepted papers must make their papers available for publication in order for them to be included in the conference proceedings.
publications
The conference proceedings will be published in the Springer edited book series or the Taylor and Francis edited book. Other supporting journals: Journal of Construction Project Management and Innovation (JCPMI) Applications of Circular Economy (ACE) Water Research Commission Journal Other relevant water and sanitation journals.
Venue information
Emperor’s Palace, Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Area, South Africa
conference organizer
South African Water and Sanitation Authority Association (AWSISA). AWSISA is a Section 21 company that is a role player in South Africa’s water and sanitation sector. AWSISA’s strategic intent is to strengthen the pursuit of common interests by institutions in the water and sanitation sector. The main objective is to support the mission of the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), pursuing the common interests of the institutions along the water and sanitation value chain.
keynote speaker
Announcement schedule
Award history
Best Paper Award Best Industrial Paper Award
