The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has successfully concluded the third and final working session to complete the first draft of the External Services Unit (ESU) Strategic Business Plan 2025–2030.
The working session, held at the International Resource Centre (IREC) in Bugolobi, represents a significant step in NWSC’s ongoing collaboration with JICA to reposition ESU as a regional hub for utility transformation, consultancy, and capacity development.
“This plan is not just a document, it’s a shared vision,” said Eng. Zainab Mpakiraba, Manager, External Services. With JICA’s technical guidance and commitment, we’ve developed a strategic direction that reflects where ESU is headed and how we will scale our regional impact.
Over the past months, JICA has played a central role in facilitating technical sessions, supporting market analysis, and guiding the strategic framework for the plan. This final working session brought together NWSC planners, technical teams, and JICA advisors under the Business and Scientific Services Directorate.
The resulting draft outlines a bold roadmap for transforming ESU into a performance driven, innovation led arm of NWSC one that not only generates external revenue but also supports regional water utilities in strengthening operational efficiency.
The ESU Strategic Plan 2025–2030 lays out a multi dimensional approach anchored on five key priorities:
Enhancing service delivery through tailor-made training programs, technical assistance, and follow up support for client utilities across Africa.
Reinvesting in NWSC’s internal capacity, including vocational training centers, staff development, and knowledge sharing platforms.
Driving sustainable growth, by developing new service offerings, expanding ESU’s market base, and improving regional visibility.
Streamlining internal systems, including digital tools, contract management, governance structures, and expert development.
Deepening partnerships, especially through initiatives like the African Water and Sanitation Academy (AWASA), for which the Cabinet recently approved the Host Country Agreement.
The strategy also emphasizes the optimization of the IREC facility, transforming it into a vibrant regional conferencing and training hub to support ESU’s expanded vision.
Through its strategic collaboration with JICA, NWSC continues to demonstrate its commitment to regional knowledge exchange, utility professionalization, and sustainable development. JICA’s support in developing the ESU Strategic Plan has been instrumental in aligning the Corporation’s external services with global standards and Africa’s emerging needs.
As the plan moves into the validation phase, the NWSC-JICA partnership remains a shining example of how international cooperation can drive local impact and continental transformation in water service delivery.
