During a session titled “Maximizing the potential of the private sector in the Water & Sanitation Sector in Africa to reach Sustainable Development Goal 6,” held at the 21st International Congress of the African Water Association and 7th Faecal Sludge Management Conference in Abidjan, panelists stressed the significance of including rural residents in efforts to enhance water and sanitation services, despite economic challenges. The discussion, moderated by Jeanne Astrid Fouegue-Ngako de Foki, Division Manager for Water Coordination and Partnerships at the African Development Bank, called for comprehensive reviews of national water policies and a differentiated approach for multinational corporations and small enterprises. Panelists highlighted the disparities in service delivery between urban and rural areas and urged the African Development Bank to address these inequalities, emphasizing the need for water and sanitation infrastructure in rural regions. The session also emphasized the crucial role of governments in establishing supportive regulations for the private sector. Ralph Olaye, Director for Development and Projects at Eranove, highlighted that while Africa’s water sector requires a $40 billion annual investment, the private sector’s contribution currently stands at only 2%. The congress, themed “Acting for sustainable management of resources and access to water and sanitation for all,” aims to address Africa’s water and sanitation challenges and includes panel sessions, exhibitions, and project showcases organized by the African Development Bank.
