The EMPOWERWASH-Africa Programme (Empowered WASH Systems at District-level in Africa), funded by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation (CNHF). It covers six countries (Ghana, Ethiopia, Malawi, Burkina Faso, Cameroon and Uganda). Its main objectives are to :

1. Help AfWASA to better understand WASH systems at district level in order to identify gaps and challenges to improve service performance,
2. improve WASH systems at district level through the sharing of knowledge and best practice using a peer learning approach, and
3. support the creation of new knowledge and the dissemination of best practice through small grants and communities of practice.

Background 

In many African countries, access to adequate drinking water andsanitation services poses a significant challenge, particularly in rural areas. Sub-Saharan Africa is particularly affected, with 400 million people lacking a reliable source of drinking water. Only 46% of the rural population and 81% of the urban population have access todrinking water. Disparities between urban and rural areas are even more pronounced in sanitation, with only 24% of rural residents having access to improved facilities (such as latrines), compared to 42% in urban areas. This disparity is concerning and underscores the urgent need to improve access to water and sanitation in rural areas, especially considering that 80% of the sub-Saharan African population resides there.

After 40 years of existence, the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) has realized that its actions have primarily focused on urban areas. Aligning with SDG 6, which advocates for leaving noone behind by ensuring universal access to adequate water and sanitation services, a review of the AfWASA’s intervention strategy has become necessary to include rural areas. It is in this context, with the support of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation (CNHF), that AfWASA is committed to bridging this gap through the implementation of the EMPOWERWASH-AFRICA program.

Objectives 

Improve stakeholders’ understanding of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) systems at the rural district level and identify best practices and challenges in service delivery.    

Share best practices in WASH service delivery at the rural district level.  

Generate new knowledge on WASH systems at the rural district level through research (small grants) and Communities of Practice (CoPs).

Components of the program

This project is structured around three main components that are closely linked to the overall objective of this project as a contribution to target 6 of the global SDG: Ensure universal access to water supply services. 

Create and disseminate knowledge products and good practices on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services at rural district level Develop partnerships and mentoring relationships between the districts involved in the project Grant scholarships to young African professionals in the water and sanitation sector

Implementation strategy

The overall strategy will comprise three (03) levels of operation:   : 

1. General coordination at the AfWASA headquarters in Abidjan.    
2. Data collection and detailed reporting on best practices and lessons learned regarding rural water and sanitation services, with support from IRC WASH.    
3.  Peer learning activities facilitated by regional implementing partners

Other information

Intervention Area

Burkina Faso - Cameroon - Ethiopia - Ghana - Malawi - Uganda      

Implementation Partners        

African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA),      

IRC WASH,      

Water For People,      

Regional Implementing Partners (REIPs) :            

West Africa: CEMEAU (ONEA), Burkina Faso            

East Africa: IREC (NWSC), Uganda            

Central Africa: E-R-A Cameroon  

Budget

$100,000 USD funded by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation (CNHF)  

Program Duration      

2023–2024