A Summary Report of the First African Water Week (AWW-1)

The First African Water Week (AWW-1), convened under the theme of ‘Accelerating Water Security for the Socio Economic Development of Africa’, took place from 26-28 March 2008 at the Sheraton Hotel, in Tunis, Tunisia. The meeting’s three objectives were to provide a forum for key actors in Africa’s water sector to discuss the opportunities and challenges of achieving water security for Africa’s socioeconomic development, take stock of the status of the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and related targets on water in Africa, and make recommendations for consideration by the 2008 African Union (AU) and G8 summits, and the 2009 Fifth World Water Forum (WWF-5).

Over 540 participants, including 30 ministers, met in plenary and several parallel working groups to deliberate on a diversity of topics ranging from policy and practical constraints, to social, economic and cultural constraints, and institutional and financial matters. Using case studies and survey data, participants reviewed and debated progress on the status of water security in Africa, and progress towards the attainment of the water and sanitation-related targets under the MDGs, drew out the lessons learned and made recommendations for action. A number of side events were held during the meeting, and on Saturday, 29 March.

Participants agreed on two key outputs:

• The ‘Summary of Proceedings and Outcomes’, which highlights the issues and recommendations made in plenary and working groups, and
• the ‘Ministerial Declaration on Accelerating Water Security for Africa’s Socioeconomic Development’ that reflects the specific commitments that ministers’ would act on. In addition, WWF-5 launched its regional preparatory process.