The African Water and Sanitation Academy (AWASA) has stepped up efforts to operationalise its strategic priorities as it strengthens its foundation as a continental platform for leadership development and utility transformation.
During an operational planning working session chaired by Dr. Rose Christine Kaggwa, Executive Director of AWASA, participants reviewed key actions required to move the Academy’s plans into implementation.
The interactive session provided an opportunity for participants to seek clarification, exchange ideas and discuss practical approaches to institutional establishment, financial management, programme development, digital learning, strategic partnerships, resource mobilisation and regional delivery.
Discussions were guided by AWASA’s 24 Month Operational Action Plan and Budget (2026–2028), which focuses on building institutional credibility, validating programme offerings, mobilising strategic partnerships and resources, strengthening visibility and demonstrating value through selected pilot initiatives.
A key focus of the session was ensuring that AWASA’s programmes respond directly to the needs of African water and sanitation utilities. The Academy will undertake a needs assessment among members and stakeholders to identify priority capacity-development areas and guide the design of demand-driven programmes.
Participants also discussed strengthening AWASA’s website and digital learning capabilities, including programme registration and online engagement, alongside developing partnerships with utilities, universities, development partners and other institutions to extend the Academy’s regional reach.
Resource mobilisation and financial sustainability were highlighted as critical priorities, with emphasis placed on documenting existing financial and in-kind contributions while building partnerships capable of supporting the Academy’s programmes and long-term growth.
AWASA’s transformation model is built around the principle that strong leaders create strong institutions, strong institutions build strong utilities, and stronger utilities ultimately deliver better services and better lives.
Established by the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) and hosted by Uganda’s National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), AWASA is focused on strengthening utility performance, governance, financial sustainability, climate resilience, digital transformation and investment readiness across Africa.
Dr. Kaggwa emphasised that AWASA’s interventions must go beyond conventional training to deliver measurable institutional transformation. This will include practical learning, peer exchange, digital engagement and selected demonstration initiatives through which the Academy can test approaches, document results and demonstrate impact.
