Zambia-Uganda Partnership Strengthens Water Utility Leadership in Africa, to Boost Performance and Accountability in the Sector

In a major boost to Africa’s drive for stronger water utility performance and operational resilience, the Nkana Water and Sanitation Company (NWSC-Zambia) and Uganda’s National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC-Uganda) convened a four-day operations training workshop from June 17th to 20th, 2025.

The initiative is part of the EU-funded Water Operators’ Partnerships (WOP) project, “Strengthening Equitable Water and Sanitation Services Provision in Nkana Water (SEWATSAN),” implemented by NWSC–Uganda under the oversight of GWOPA and UN-Habitat.

The training, conducted in a hybrid format, is part of a broader drive underThe Partnership, a component ofThe Projected trainingframework that aims to fuel performance-driven leadership and enhance the operational resilience of water utilities across Africa. The overarching goal is to secure better service delivery and ensure a more responsive, accountable utility structure.

The workshop kicked off with targeted sessions for directors and senior managers, emphasizingtransformative leadershipandstrategic utility management. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on the role of leadership in organizational transformation, approaches to managing non-revenue water, revenue optimization strategies, and the importance of mentoring and integrity in utility operations.

The remaining sessions catered tomiddle managers, team leaders, and supervisors, offering practical training aimed at strengthening day-to-day operations. Participants explored methods for managing commercial losses, enhancing customer engagement, and improving revenue collection. The sessions also highlighted supervisory skills including coaching, change management, and driving accountability and anti-corruption initiatives at all organizational levels.

Facilitated by a blend of seasoned professionals from NWSC–Uganda, GIZ, and NWSC–Zambia, the training served as a vibrant platform forregional collaboration and knowledge exchange, reflecting a growing trend in cross-border cooperation within Africa’s water sector. Zambia’s water sector has undergone significant reforms in the past decade. The establishment of theNational Water Supply and Sanitation Council (NWASCO)as an autonomous regulator has brought new oversight tools and performance expectations to the forefront.

While early results from performance monitoring systems are promising—showing a gradual rise in accountability and service quality—sector leaders acknowledge that sustained progress will depend on consistent capacity building and citizen satisfaction with water quality and service coverage. The Partnership is emblematic of the continent’s shared commitment to sustainable, inclusive water service delivery and sets a benchmark for future collaboration between utilities across Africa.