Strong Progress Across Research and Implementation
Eighteen months into implementation, the Water Security in Africa (WASA) programme funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) is well on track. Across seven research projects and the coordinating initiative WASANet, key milestones have been achieved, including field studies, laboratory experiments, pilot plant operation and intensive engagement with local stakeholders and decision-makers.
This progress was confirmed at a high-level symposium in Lusaka, Zambia, attended by representatives from ministries of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Germany, as well as the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW). Discussions highlighted the importance of translating scientific results into sustainable and investable solutions beyond the programme’s duration until 2028.
Advancing Pilot Solutions for Water Security
Several WASA projects are already moving from research into practical application. The MAMDIWAS project is preparing pilot plants for the treatment and reuse of mining-influenced water in South Africa, while WaReNam is advancing water reuse solutions in the Namibian city of Oshakati.
Local engagement plays a key role in strengthening impact. For example, municipal investments linked to the NEU-Water project support the development of nature-based solutions for rainwater and greywater use in low-income urban areas, ensuring that scientific innovation is embedded in real-world contexts.
Capacity Building Through the WASA Summer School
Capacity development is a core pillar of the WASA programme and was prominently reflected in the first WASA Summer School, held in conjunction with the WaterNet Symposium in Lusaka. The Summer School brought together 30 young researchers, including eight participants from WASA projects (six African and two German). Participants represented different stages of PhD training and also included professionals from industry, creating a diverse and interdisciplinary learning environment.
The joint format of the WaterNet and WASA Summer Schools proved highly productive and was very positively received by participants. Teaching combined theoretical and practical content, focusing not only on innovative water technologies but also on cross-cutting skills such as scientific writing, science communication and presentation techniques. All WASA projects contributed to the programme, either in person or online.
WASA Special Session at the WaterNet Symposium
A particular highlight of the Summer School was the WASA Special Session, where students presented first research results and methodological approaches from their projects. The session attracted an audience of more than 45 experienced scientists and WASA Governing Board members, providing valuable feedback and fostering exchange between early-career researchers and senior experts.
Growing Political Visibility and Strategic Alignment
Beyond research and training, WASA is gaining increasing political visibility. Several African countries are currently developing or revising national water strategies that align closely with WASA objectives, including water reuse, climate resilience and institutional strengthening. In October 2025, AMCOW adopted the Africa Water Vision 2063, a continent-wide strategy that closely resonates with the goals of the WASA programme.
Looking Ahead: From Research to Impact
To ensure long-term impact, discussions in Lusaka emphasized the need to further strengthen pathways for implementation and follow-up financing. Clear handover strategies for pilot projects, continued operation of data and infrastructure, and early engagement with partners such as development banks and the private sector will be crucial to sustaining results beyond the project lifetime.
Together, these developments demonstrate that WASA is not only producing excellent scientific outcomes, but also building capacity, strengthening partnerships and laying the foundation for sustainable water security solutions across Africa.