First, the Mayor of Yaoundé, Luc MESSI ATANGANA, expressed his emotion and pride at the choice of Cameroon’s capital to host this strategic meeting. Paying tribute to the President of the Republic, His Excellency Paul Biya, for his constant support, the Mayor spoke of “a sacred responsibility and a historic opportunity” for Yaoundé to contribute to the transformation of the water sector in Africa.

“This Congress is not just another event. It is a collective promise, a call to action, and a laboratory for solutions for our common future,” he emphasized, calling on all stakeholders (institutions, companies, NGOs, media) to fully commit themselves.

Following the Mayor, Dr. Blaise Moussa, President of AfWASA, Managing Director of CAMWATER, and President of the Congress, recalled that this 23rd AfWASA ICE represented much more than just a professional meeting: “It is a decisive milestone for the continent. We must make Yaoundé 2026 an essential step on the path to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular SDG 6.”

Emphasizing the need for immediate action, Dr. Moussa outlined the main components of the upcoming event: high-level plenary sessions, technical workshops, forums dedicated to young people, women, and local elected officials, an international exhibition, business exchanges, and the promotion of African innovation.

In his speech, AfWASA Executive Director Olivier Gosso highlighted the association’s central role in realizing the right to water and sanitation, recognized by the United Nations since 2010. With more than 300 members, AfWASA indirectly reaches more than 650 million people across Africa. “Our ambition is clear: to move from a culture of promises to a culture of concrete action. The time for intentions is over; now is the time for measurable results.”

For him, Yaoundé 2026 will be “a turning point, a catalyst for transformation for our common future.”

Finally, Cameroon’s Minister of Water and Energy, Gaston ÉLOUNDOU ESSOMBA, speaking on behalf of the Cameroonian government, emphasized the strategic importance of this event for the country and for the continent. He recalled that access to safe drinking water and sanitation is a national priority enshrined in the National Development Strategy 2020–2030.

He acknowledged the efforts already made in terms of investment, institutional reform, and infrastructure development, while highlighting the persistent challenges, particularly in rural areas and disadvantaged urban neighborhoods.

“The organization of this Congress in Cameroon is a strong signal of our country’s commitment to a more inclusive, efficient, and resilient water sector,” he said.

The Minister also praised the theme of the Congress, which he described as relevant and inspiring, and invited all stakeholders (government agencies, public enterprises, the private sector, and technical and financial partners) to become actively involved.

“Yaounde 2026 must mark a turning point. The Cameroonian government is committed to doing everything possible to ensure the success of this event and make it a lever for sustainable transformation in Africa,” he concluded.

The launch ceremony of the 23rd AfWASA ICE in Yaounde laid the foundations for a major event for the water and sanitation sector in Africa. Beyond the speeches, this event embodies a common desire to mobilize stakeholders around concrete actions to meet the challenges facing the continent.