About the Forum
Africa's first continental forum for water operators
The 1st African Water Operators Forum (AWOF) brings the continent's utilities, partners and innovators together in Nairobi to advance Water Operators' Partnerships and accelerate progress towards SDG 6.
What is AWOF?
A flagship, three-day platform convened by GIWEH and WOPs International, in partnership with UN-Habitat/GWOPA and hosted by Nairobi City Water & Sewerage Company. It unites public utilities, governments, development banks, donors, UN agencies, innovators and civil society around a shared commitment to stronger, more resilient water services.
Why it matters
The challenge
Africa's utilities face a widening water gap
Rapid urbanisation, climate variability, infrastructure deficits and financing gaps are widening the gap in water and sanitation services.
The response
Water Operators' Partnerships deliver more for less
Not-for-profit, peer-to-peer partnerships between operators, proven globally since 2009 as among the most effective, lowest-cost routes to SDG 6.
Our approach
How we are implementing our vision
We deliver this vision through Water Operators' Partnerships, a shared continental roadmap, and full alignment with the United Nations 2030 Agenda.
Beyond 2026: a permanent African Water Hub
AWOF is built to grow into a recurring annual platform that establishes Nairobi as a leading African Water Hub: a standing home for water cooperation, innovation and investment that advances the UN 2030 Agenda through sustained engagement, year after year.
Annual platform
A recurring continental convening and impact oriented platform.
Nairobi, Africa's water hub
A permanent regional home for water diplomacy and dialogue.
Anchored in the 2030 Agenda
Sustained action toward SDG 6 and the global goals.
Who we serve
Around 1,000 participants, including 500+ delegates and 100+ exhibitors, drawn from across Africa and the global water community.
The host city
Where we convene, and why
AWOF convenes at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, hosted by Nairobi City Water & Sewerage Company. The city's leadership in the global WOPs movement makes it a natural home for water cooperation, investment and diplomacy.
Water diplomacy
Regional and international visibility for Nairobi as a hub for sustainable urban water.
Stronger utilities
Technical and institutional capacity for participating operators.
Investment mobilisation
New partnerships, donor engagement and technical assistance.
Innovation & climate
Digitalisation and climate-resilient solutions across the sector.
Local economic impact
Conference tourism, business engagement and international cooperation.