The 23rd AfWASA Congress concluded on February12th in the Cameroonian capital. Between calls for concrete action, service digitalization, and the signing of a historic charter, the African continent has sealed its union for universal access to water resources.

For several days, Yaoundé served as the nerve center for the continent's water strategies. The Minister of Water and Energy presided over the closing ceremony of the 23rd International Congress and Exhibition of the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) on Thursday, February 12, 2026. In a solemn atmosphere, marked by the National Anthem and performances by the National Ballet, African decision-makers signaled the transition from diagnosis to action. This gathering, which brought together prominent figures such as Dr. Blaise Moussa, President of AfWASA, and Marcelin Passalé Kanabé, Chad’s Minister of Water, defined a rigorous roadmap to address the challenges of access to drinking water and sanitation.

A key highlight of this congress remains thead option of the Yaoundé Declaration. This strategic framework calls for transparent governance, the financial viability of operators, and thee stablishment of funding mechanisms adapted to African realities. The Minister particularly emphasized the need to sustainably secure water resources against climate pressures and to modernize infrastructure through digitalization and the reduction of technical losses. Sanitation, long considered a secondary priority, was reaffirmed as a central pillar, with a specific focus on the circular economy and waste recovery.

Market Opportunities for SMEs and Local Subcontractors

For subcontracting companies, the conclusions of this congress outline the markets of tomorrow. The political will to modernize and maintain existing infrastructure will generate a growing need for qualified subcontracting. "The transition toward digital management and the reduction of non-revenue water opens up a massive field for our technological and industrial maintenance SMEs," highlighted a sector expert. The inclusion of young professionals and women, celebrated during the congress, reinforces this dynamic of skill renewal within the sector.

In passing the torch to Senegal, which will host the next edition in 2028, Cameroon leaves behind a solid legacy. "Yaoundé 2026 is not just an end; it is a starting point. The commitments made here must translate into bold public policies and sustainable services for our populations, " the Minister of Water and Energy insisted. For national economic players, now is the time for technical preparation and compliance to meet the performance standards dictated by this new continental dynamic.