The Water Show Africa brought together senior executives from utilities, municipalities, water boards, investors, innovators, government representatives and the private sector from around the African continent in a neutral platform for participating leaders to exhibit and present solutions to Africa’s water challenges, latest services and innovation to improve the delivery of water infrastructure and efficiency in service supply. The event hosted over 1500 visitors, approximately 700 VIPs, over 100 exhibitors and over 300 speakers from across Africa and globally.
The overall programme comprised several seminars that discussed the latest innovations and strategy in water quality, water in business and water treatment. The event was also set up into an exhibition floor where participants had the opportunity to walk around and visit sponsor stands. Additionally, there was a VIP conference and workshop where participants had the opportunity to network and learn from key industry leaders and discuss issues pertaining to the latest innovations and strategy in water quality, water in business and water treatment.
Under the Keynote session “The driving force behind a water secure Africa”, Mr. Kidanemariam Jembere, who represented GWPSA, provided insights as part of a keynote panel on how to increase Africa’s access to clean water and addressed the key issues that go along with it. In the discussions, he highlighted the importance of enhancing climate resilient water investment in Africa through facilitating project preparation for financing, improving water governance (institutions, regulations and partnerships), and sustaining water services through integrated approaches (both productive and protective investments considering multiple water uses and users). He concluded by saying that if African countries have robust institutions, infrastructure and water management systems, then they can cope with climate change impacts and to sustainably provide water services to their people.
Running alongside Power & Electricity World Africa, the show highlights the close working relationship of these two industries – as well as the business opportunity in the water energy nexus.
The Water Show Africa was re-launched in 2015. It was formerly known as The Africa Water Congress, a platform that was exclusively used for water professionals to discover the latest services and innovation to improve the delivery of water infrastructure and efficiency in service supply.