The recent Accountability for Water (AFW) Programme workshop in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania marked a significant milestone in advancing water governance. The two-day gathering brought together program partners from England, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania to assess progress and co-create solutions for maximizing program impact.

The AFW Programme, which is implemented by a consortium including the Partnership for African Social and Governance Research (PASGR), Kenya Water and Sanitation Civil Society Network (KEWASNET), Water Witness International, Water Witness Ethiopia, and Shahidi wa Maji, has been working to strengthen relationships among water sector actors and ensure effective service delivery.

One of the workshop's highlights was the presentation by the Shahidi wa Maji change agents (Mashahidi) from Tanzania. These grassroots advocates shared compelling stories of their work in addressing water pollution and access issues. In one notable case, persistent advocacy led to the completion of the Myundi and Lukobe water project, providing clean water access to 130,000 residents. Their efforts have also resulted in factories being held accountable for river pollution, demonstrating the power of community-driven accountability.

The partners shared significant achievements from their respective countries. In Kenya, KEWASNET successfully launched the 10th edition of "The Voice" report and engaged youth through innovative platforms like Youth WASH Parliaments. Water Witness Ethiopia made strides in addressing industrial pollution and improving wastewater governance, while Water Witness International established the Fair Water Action Fund to support water accountability initiatives across Africa.

However, the workshop wasn't just about celebrating successes. Partners openly discussed challenges, including budget constraints, political transitions, and the need for stronger monitoring and evaluation frameworks. The shrinking civic space in some countries emerged as a significant concern, particularly affecting youth engagement in water governance.

Looking ahead, the consortium identified key strategies for maximizing impact. These include strengthening consortium program management, improving the quality of deliverables, and enhancing the visibility of program outputs. Partners emphasized the importance of result-based reporting, clear communication, and effective knowledge management.

A particularly innovative aspect of the program has been its focus on youth engagement. With over 75% of Africa's population being youth, their involvement in water governance has become crucial. The program has successfully established Youth Parliaments across Kenya, enabling young people to participate in water accountability initiatives actively.

The workshop also highlighted the power of media engagement in driving accountability. Through strategic media campaigns and social media presence, partners hope to reach more citizens with messages about water rights and governance. The development of a comprehensive communication strategy aims to further amplify these efforts and ensure broader stakeholder engagement.

 As Abel Dugange, Executive Director of Shahidi wa Maji, noted in his closing remarks, while addressing water accountability remains a complex and politically sensitive issue, the consortium's collective efforts are making a tangible difference. The workshop demonstrated that through collaboration, innovation, and persistent advocacy, improving water governance in Africa is not just an aspiration but an achievable goal.