AWF strategy considers project delivery through government systems as essential and first option, since it builds lasting institutional capacity, ensures country ownership, and creates high potential to prioritize the project, mobilize and attract downstream project construction investment funding. However, if you have a good project concept, you could ask the relevant sector Ministry to submit it.

Yes, the local authorities/Municipalities are eligible to apply since they are Government entities. However, ultimately the project has to be endorsed by the sector Ministry and demonstrate that it is a high priority for the country. Preference is to receive the application and project concept note through the respective sector Ministry.

Yes, all African countries are eligible to apply.

The AWF promotes consideration of gender and social equality themes in the context of water resources development, management and WASH service delivery in Africa. Women and girls are often the primary users, providers and managers of water and sanitation in their households, and the guardians of personal and domestic hygiene.

Under its revised 2017-2025 Strategy, the AWF seeks to contribute to the development of effective water governance systems, river/lake basin level cooperation, and an enabling environment for water investments in Africa by supporting the development and review of policy and regulatory frameworks, capacity building of water sector institutions at national/subnational, REC and RBO levels.

The AWF addresses climate change mainstreaming in its projects through the integration of:

The AWF current Strategy covers the period 2017-2025 and aligns with the operations of the Bank Group’s new Water Policy (2021) and AfDB Water Strategy (2021), which embrace a broader focus on water security. The long-term goal of the AWF strategy revised in 2021 is to contribute to “improved quality of life for urban and rural communities in Africa”.

The funders of the AWF to-date are Algeria, Australia, Austria, Burkina Faso, Canada, Denmark, France, Nigeria, Norway, United Kingdom, Senegal, Spain, Sweden, AfDB, European Commission, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and The Nordic Development Fund.

The AWF is funded through cash and in-kind contributions from donor countries, multilateral development finance institutions, philanthropic and other organizations.

The AWF provides grants and technical assistance to support the preparation and implementation of water and sanitation infrastructure projects as well as water management measures throughout Africa, thereby contributing to attainment of the Africa Water Vision 2025 and water-related Sustainable Development Goals. The AWF’s long-term goal is to contribute to improved quality of life for rural and urban communities in Africa. The objectives of the AWF 2017-2025 Strategy are anchored on four strategic pillars.