Accelerating Universal Access to Safely Managed Sanitation

African Development Bank and Partners Convene in Abidjan to Accelerate Universal Access to Safely Managed Sanitation

The African Development Bank (AfDB) held its Sanitation Learning Week from March 4-6, 2026 in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire at the Movenpick Hotel, marking a pivotal step toward achieving the Africa Water Vision 2063. Held from March 4–6, the event gathered international development partners, government officials, and private sector leaders to strategize on mobilizing investments for City-Wide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS) across African urban centers.

Officiated by Mr. Mtchera J. Chirwa, Director of the Bank’s Water Development and Sanitation Department (AHWS), and Mr. Najib Bateganya of the Gates Foundation, the sessions focused on transforming sanitation from fragmented projects into sustainable, city-wide services.

“The sanitation sector lies at the heart of human dignity and sustainable development,” stated Director Chirwa. “By implementing the CWIS approach, we are ensuring high-quality, resilient infrastructure that serves all citizens, leaving no one behind.”

Key Outcomes of the Learning Week:

Investment Mobilization: The African Water Facility (AWF) showcased achievements of the African Urban Sanitation Investment Initiative (AUSII), providing a roadmap for recipient cities to access critical funding and sustainable management tools.

Strategic Roadmap: Participants established a 12-to-18-month action plan to engage government stakeholders and accelerate the integration of CWIS principles into national development agendas.

Inclusive Partnerships: The Bank reaffirmed its commitment to a broad stakeholder model, involving municipal authorities, women’s groups, organizations for persons with disabilities, and private service providers to ensure equitable service delivery.

The Gates Foundation expressed satisfaction with the collaboration, praising the AfDB’s role in showcasing practical case studies that serve as benchmarks for the continent. This initiative aligns with the African Union’s 2026 theme: "Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063."

By linking technical training with institutional reform and climate-resilient infrastructure, the African Development Bank continues to lead the continent toward a water-secure and resilient future. This event was aligned with the Bank’s four cardinal points, CP#1 that focuses on partnerships and enhanced access to capital, and CP#4 that is around the development of climate-resilient infrastructures.  

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