The African Water Facility has secured 12 million euros from the Nordic Development Fund to boost the African Urban Sanitation Investment Initiative (AUSII). Launched during World Water Week 2024 in Stockholm, AUSII aims to mobilize 320 million dollars over the next decade to improve access to safe sanitation in African cities, benefiting 15 million people and attracting an additional 7 billion dollars in investments.
Managed by the African Water Facility and the African Development Bank, AUSII represents an innovative solution to the growing sanitation challenges in Africa, where rapid urbanization demands decentralized and sustainable approaches. According to Mtchera Johannes Chirwa, Coordinator of the African Water Facility, “this new funding is a crucial step toward ensuring a safer and healthier future for urban communities across the continent”.
The initiative not only provides technical solutions but also offers an adaptable approach tailored to the specific needs of African cities. Beth Dunford, Vice President of the African Development Bank, emphasized that “AUSII will act as a catalyst to accelerate the implementation of innovative solutions for both governments and the private sector, aligning with global sustainable development efforts”.
Satu Santala, Director of the Nordic Development Fund, highlighted the importance of this collaboration in implementing inclusive and resilient solutions in the face of climate change impacts. Africa, with its low levels of sanitation access, will benefit from this initiative that seeks to transform access to essential services in densely populated urban areas.
With a proven track record of over 138 water and sanitation projects in 52 African countries, the African Water Facility continues to lead in creating innovative and scalable solutions. AUSII reinforces its commitment to the continent’s development, laying the foundation for a more sustainable future and improving the quality of life for millions of people across Africa.