The Zambia NGO WASH Forum, a consortium of 65 local and international CSOs in Zambia, has hosted experts from Mali for a benchmarking exercise.
In a media statement, NGO WASH Forum Coordinator Bubala Muyovwe Mumba said the benchmarking exercise focused on Zambia’s experience building a sanitation regulatory framework designed for safe, inclusive and sustainable services.
She explained that real progress came from extending the regulator’s mandate beyond sewered networks to onsite sanitation and faecal sludge management, where most households actually are and where most of the public-health risk sits.
Mumba observed that the discussions gave the delegation practical insights to inform the development of a sanitation regulatory framework for Mali.
She noted that across the sanitation value chain, the discussions covered strengthening regulation, expanding onsite sanitation and faecal sludge management, opening space for private sector participation, and reinforcing the role of civil society in holding duty bearers and service providers accountable.
Mumba advanced that the Malian delegation shared progress on their newly adopted national sanitation policy, as both countries work towards SDG 6.
She said that strong partnerships and knowledge exchange continue to strengthen sanitation systems and improve services for communities across Africa.
Mumba affirmed that keeping community voices in the room remains essential for sustainable outcomes.
She emphasised that if you had to name one lesson African countries should prioritise to accelerate safe sanitation, Zambia’s is above and they would like to hear yours.
The visit was hosted by the GIZ Nexus Energy and Water Programme for Zambia (NEWZA) in collaboration with the National Water Supply and Sanitation Council (NWASCO).
The Malian delegation comprised officials from the GIZ Mali Water Project (Mali Sanya) and the Ministry of Environment, Sanitation and Sustainable Development (MEADD).
Both sides committed to ongoing knowledge exchange to advance sanitation regulation across the continent.
