The Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation has called for accelerated action, innovation, and strengthened partnerships to address emerging challenges in the water and sanitation sector and support the attainment of Zambia’s Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Speaking during the official opening of the 14th Zambia Water Forum and Exhibition (ZAWAFE) at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, Permanent Secretary Eng. Romas Kamanga emphasized the need for stakeholders to translate commitments into practical actions that enhance resilience and improve service delivery across the sector.
Held under the theme “From Commitment to Action: Accelerating Integrated Resilience Solutions for Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” the forum has brought together government institutions, cooperating partners, commercial water utilities, researchers, regulators, civil society organisations, development partners, and private sector players to discuss solutions to key sector challenges.
Eng. Kamanga noted that Zambia’s water sector continues to face increasing pressure from rapid population growth, urbanisation, climate change, environmental degradation, and rising demand for water resources, requiring innovative approaches, stronger data systems, and greater integration in water resources management and sanitation service delivery.
The Permanent Secretary also highlighted Zambia’s growing role on the global water agenda as the country prepares for the United Nations Water Conference scheduled for December 2026 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. He announced that Zambia, together with Finland, has been nominated to co-chair the Interactive Dialogue on “Water for Cooperation,” demonstrating the country’s commitment to advancing global water governance and cooperation.
Over the three-day forum, delegates will engage in discussions on water quality management, groundwater development, sanitation innovations, utility performance improvement, climate information systems, digital technologies, financing mechanisms, catchment protection, research, and emerging trends in water governance.
Eng. Kamanga encouraged delegates to actively participate in the technical sessions, exhibitions, and knowledge-sharing platforms, emphasizing that sustainable solutions can only be achieved through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement.
Here are some pictures of the event.
