In a powerful display of unity and shared ambition, representatives from 22 African countries gathered in Malawi’s capital on Monday to kick off the 95th Strategic and Technological Council (STC) Conference and Exhibition under the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA).
Hosted by the Government of Malawi and the Lilongwe Water Board, the event opened with impassioned speeches, strategic declarations, and a renewed sense of urgency to address the growing threats of climate change and water insecurity across the continent. Themed “Green Economy and Climate Resilience in Africa,” the four day congress is being hailed as a defining moment for African led water governance.
The conference was officially opened by Hon. Abida Sidik Mia, Malawi’s Minister of Water and Sanitation, who called on delegates to move beyond dialogue and embrace action-oriented collaboration.
“Africa’s water challenges transcend borders,” she said in her keynote address. “Our solutions must do the same.”
“Let this not be just a dialogue, let it be a launchpad for African-led action.”
Mia also urged participants to explore new financing models, including green bonds, public-private partnerships, and climate adaptation funds. She emphasized the need for increased female leadership in the sector and called for the inclusion of women’s lived experiences in the design of water infrastructure.
Eng. Mahmood Lutaaya, Chairperson of the STC, announced a structural redefinition of the council. Formerly known as the Scientific and Technical Council, it is now the Strategic and Technological Council, a move he said reflects a broader mandate that fuses science, leadership, and policy influence.
“Our continent is fertile with ideas,” Lutaaya declared. “We must now harvest results.”
He challenged delegates to move away from passive observation and take a more active role in co-creating Africa’s water future. “This conference must become a laboratory of breakthrough ideas not just for debate but for real implementation,” he added.
Mr. Silli Mbewe, Managing Director of Lilongwe Water Board and Vice President of AfWASA, welcomed participants with open arms, celebrating Malawi’s rich cultural heritage and the country’s pride in hosting such a pivotal event. He called for increased AfWASA membership, particularly among water professionals in Southern Africa, and emphasized the importance of youth, gender empowerment, and innovation in shaping the sector’s future.
Meanwhile, Eng. François Olivier Gosso, Executive Director of AfWASA, struck a reflective tone. He stressed the need for homegrown solutions and a shift from high level ambition to grounded, actionable progress.
“Transformation will not come from outside,” Gosso said. “Africa must design, fund, and implement its water future.”
The conference also featured remarks from Mr. Elias Chimulambe, Principal Secretary at Malawi’s Ministry of Water and Sanitation. He reaffirmed the country’s commitment to aligning conference resolutions with Malawi’s long-term development agenda and regional climate resilience strategies.
Day one of the congress set a compelling tone, with key themes of collaboration, innovation, inclusivity, and bold leadership taking center stage. From financing models and gender equity to youth entrepreneurship and solar-powered rural schemes, delegates began charting the path forward for a water-secure Africa built on the strength of African minds and African solutions.
As the conference continues, expectations are high that this gathering will spark not only discussions but lasting partnerships and impactful policies that will shape the continent’s water and sanitation agenda for years to come.
