Looking back at 2024: impactful steps towards sustainable water management worldwide

West Africa: innovative solutions and empowering local communities

In Mali, Burkina Faso, and Ghana, we tackled water challenges.

• Mali: Together with drinking water company SOMAGEP SA, we focused on reducing water losses, improving water quality, and optimising billing processes. Training sessions, including hydraulic modelling and a Young Expert Programme (YEP) training, played a crucial role in achieving these goals.
• Burkina Faso: A new five-year project, applies Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to prevent erosion and retain water within river basins. Local communities were trained through e-learning modules, with a strong focus on the role of women in water management. At Stockholm Water Week, our YEP expert Fani Sabi delivered an inspiring presentation on this inclusive approach.

Photo of woman working the land in Burkina Faso for the Embassy project ECDD GIRE.

• Ghana: In collaboration with the Water Resources Commission, we strengthened Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in two sub-basins in the White Volta Basin. Local experts contributed to reforestation projects, capacity building for Environmental Chiefs, and the design of a simple wastewater treatment system co-created with technical school students.

Women working on the reforestation project in Ghana.

East Africa: climate adaptation and IWRM in action

In Tanzania, we launched the IWRM4WASH project, focusing on protecting the Mindu Dam Catchment Area by scaling up agroforestry and strengthening IWRM. At this moment, several hectares have been converted into agroforestry plots with many more to come.This initiative was awarded the prestigious NWB Prize for its approach to climate adaptation.

In Ethiopia, our work includes supporting the development of wastewater treatment systems, water catchment planning, and a knowledge platform in collaboration with the Ministry of Water and Energy. During the Blue Deal African meet-up in Mombasa, discussions on sustainable financing, such as water tariffs, provided valuable insights and strengthened collaboration with regional partners.

On October 9, 2024, Adama, Ethiopia, celebrated the inauguration of an artificial wetland designed for wastewater treatment. This nature-based solution represents a major step towards sustainable water management. Due to its innovative approach and potential impact, the project was selected to be included in the Water Footprint Compensation's first round of calculations, further highlighting its role in advancing water sustainability efforts.

The opening of the Wetland in Ethiopia.

In Kenya, we partnered with Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (NCWSC) to develop investment strategies for resilient, circular, and climate-neutral water services. We completed a Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan for Nairobi, paving the way for future investments and sustainable water management. The Mathare River Future Design Basecamp (FDB) brought together communities, government agencies, water utilities, and local organisations in an unprecedented collaboration. More than just addressing challenges like water quality and pollution, stakeholders and problem-holders co-developed solutions, marking the beginning of a Water Resources Users Association (WRUA) to drive lasting, community-led river management.

Middle East: collaboration in challenging environments

In Jordan, our urban wastewater project, supported is completed. In 2024, we delivered vital equipment, such as vacuum and jetting trucks, and conducted asset management and safety training. A key highlight was a conference co-hosted with Hamburg Wasser, which successfully fostered collaboration between Jordanian and Palestinian stakeholders.

On the West Bank, we continued supporting the reform of the Palestinian water sector despite the challenging security situation. By collaborating with Jordanian colleagues, we’ve maintained progress in training programmes on drinking water and wastewater solutions.

South America: strengthening drinking water management in Suriname

In Suriname we worked with the Surinaamsche Waterleiding Maatschappij (SWM) and the Ministry of Natural Resources on risk management plans, water conservation, and flood control projects. These efforts have not only improved drinking water supply but also strengthened SWM’s asset management capabilities.

Southeast Asia: building resilience in Laos

In Laos, we supported local water utilities with countrywide GIS, Water Quality and Non Revenue Water training. After Typhoon Yagi caused severe damage, our team – including Young Expert Steffie – worked tirelessly to restore critical infrastructure and ensure safe drinking water for affected communities. In Laos, the climate related work is not limited to crisis response, in two new pilot projects, we will work on climate resilient water supply systems.Throughout all our activities, we aim to connect with local and international partners to increase the impact, the end of year conference showed the results and prospects for more collaboration in the future.

Knowledge-sharing and innovation: shaping a sustainable future together

In 2024, we shared our expertise and innovations at key global events such as Stockholm Water Week, Africa Water Week, and the Global Water Summit. These gatherings allowed us to exchange knowledge, strengthen international partnerships, and bring innovative solutions to both local and global water challenges.

Looking ahead to 2025

As we set our sights on 2025, we remain committed to sustainable water management, inclusive approaches, and expanding access to clean water and sanitation. With the goals of our Impact Plan 2030 in mind, we will continue pushing boundaries and delivering solutions that create meaningful impact – for communities, partners, and the planet.