EUWI meets Mr. Bai-Mass Taal, from the 'African Ministers' Council on Water' (AMCOW)

At Stockholm Water Week 2009-08-20, EUWI meets Mr. Bai-Mass Taal,

from the 'African Ministers' Council on Water' (AMCOW)

Mr. Bai-Mass Taal, what is AMCOW?

Formally launched in Abuja, Nigeria on April 30, 2002, AMCOW’s mission is to provide political leadership and dialogue in Africa to address its water and sanitation issues. AMCOW members include all the African Ministers responsible for water resources.

Addressing water and sanitation issues: how big is the challenge?

In rural Africa, about 65% of the population lack access to an adequate supply of water, while 73% lack access to adequate sanitation.

Most of the sub-Saharan countries are behind schedule in meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for water and sanitation.

“Africa's need for water and sanitation must be embraced unswervingly”

The emphasis is now on achieving the Africa Water Vision 2025. It aims to unleash Africa's water resources full potential to stimulate and sustain growth in the region's economic development and social well-being.

How does EUWI match AMCOW’s vision?

AMCOW and EUWI were established around the same time, with a similar purpose: to strengthen intergovernmental co-operation to address the water and sanitation issues in Africa.

Last year, the eThekwini Ministerial Declaration on Sanitation in Africa was adopted by all AMCOW members. AMCOW wants to see this commitment being translated into national development strategies and budget.

“The African countries want to have more say in the policy making process”

In that regard, AMCOW plays a co-ordinating role by collaborating with organisations such as EUWI. We both share the same vision about a new form of water co-operation:

• at the regional level, it calls for partnership and solidarity between countries that share common water basins.
• at the national level, it requires fundamental changes: 1) in policies, strategies and legal frameworks, and 2) in institutional arrangements and management practices.

How do you envision EUWI & AMCOW’s co-operation in the future?

EUWI & AMCOW must keep strengthening their already good relationship. Africa's need for water and sanitation must be embraced unswervingly. We feel that negotiation between European goals & regulations, and African objectives can be improved. The African countries want to have more say in the policy making process