Integrating Applied Research and Policy Dialogue for Climate-Resilient Water Security
From July 8th to 10th, 2025, the Water Security in Africa (WASA) research programme participated in the IFAT Africa trade fair at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, showcasing its growing role as a platform for technical innovation and international cooperation in water security. The event was a resounding success, drawing significant attention from a broad spectrum of stakeholders across the water sector.
The WASA activities were held in the context of IFAT Africa and analytica Lab Africa, which drew thousands of participants to Midrand. Organised by Messe Muenchen India and Messe München GmbH, these trade shows offered a platform for global cooperation in water, waste, laboratory science and diagnostics.
A Hub for Dialogue and Collaboration
Through its presence at IFAT Africa, the WASA programme demonstrated the role of the research programme as a collaborative platform for the integration of science, policy and industry. The exhibitor stand at the German Pavilion attracted interest from companies, exhibitors, water professionals and policy makers from across the Southern African region and beyond and was very well attended throughout the days of the exhibition.
The WASANet team consisting of Marie-Louise Chagnaud (German Water Partnership) and Dr. Joerg Helmschrot (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology) provided information on the research programme and the seven collaborative research projects, their research areas, focal points and activities. There was great interest in the WASA projects and numerous visitors discussed current and future co-operation projects in detail. The event emphasised the importance of international innovation partnerships for tackling regional water problems.
Programme Highlights: The WASA Session
A key moment was the WASA session, titled “Water Security in Africa through joint innovation: German-African Research Cooperation and Private Sector Engagement in the WASA Programme”. Taking place on July the 9th, it presented the programme’s scope and strategic goals through an expert panel discussion. The session brought together high-level voices from science, policy, and industry to explore how WASA fosters integration and long-term impact:
- Dr. Mamohloding Tlhagale addressed the importance of managing science, technology, and innovation partnerships for sustainable development in Southern Africa. As cofounding Member of the WASA Governing Board, the Water Research Commission is committed to drive demand-driven and scalable innovations for South Africa.
- Dr. Joerg Helmschrot (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, WASANet Project Coordinator) highlighted the scientific integration within WASA, emphasizing the role of science-policy dialogue in ensuring effective research uptake.
- Dr. Chris Moseki (University of Limpopo, WaRisCo Core Project Partner) shared insights on codesigning and collaborating within WASA projects, highlighting the value of inclusive, interdisciplinary project development and stakeholder engagement from the early beginnings of the project on.
- Dr. Kevin Winter (University of Cape Town, African Speaker of the NEU-Water Project) presented
- Marie-Louise Chagnaud (German Water Partnership, WASANet Project Partner) showcased WASANet as a platform for bridging science, industry, and policy for lasting impact.
- The Moderator to the session, Manuel Krauss (Research Institute for Water Management and Climate Future at RWTH Aachen University e. V., ecReUse Project) presented innovative approaches to wastewater treatment, water reuse, and sustainable energy, focusing on scalable solutions from South Africa’s Eastern Cape.
WASA session “Water Security in Africa through joint innovation: German-African Research Cooperation and Private Sector Engagement in the WASA Programme” (from the left): Dr. Chris Moseki, Dr. Mamohloding Tlhagale, Marie-Louise Chagnaud, Dr. Joerg Helmschrot and Dr.-Ing. Manuel Krauss. Photos © GWP, WASANet.
The session concluded with a lively Q&A and continued discussion at the German Pavilion, reinforcing WASA’s commitment to open, multi-stakeholder dialogue.
High-Level Engagement
WASA also welcomed Dr. Holger Bodag from the Federal Ministry for Science, Technology and Space (Germany), who held discussions on ongoing activities and further support for the programme’s initiatives in Africa. Another highlight was the reception hosted by Dr. Enrico Brandt, Deputy Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in South Africa, which included a large delegation of Bavarian companies. This gathering reinforced Germany’s commitment to water security in Africa and opened new avenues for cooperation between African and European partners.
Photos © German-South-African Chamber of Commerce.
WASA continues to evolve into an international benchmark for successful innovation, stakeholder collaboration, and market-oriented solutions that promote sustainable water security across the continent. The programme is looking forward to featuring more of its projects in future exhibitions and conferences as well as presenting those private sector actors already contributing to the projects as partners. Please, do not hesitate to contact WASANet in order to be included in future networking activities.