LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s utility agency Lilongwe Water Board (LWB) is appealing for submission of innovation and technological Water solutions ahead of 95th Strategic and Technological Council (STC) Meeting of the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA).

The regional conference which LWB hosts is scheduled to take place in the capital Lilongwe at Bingu International Convention Centre from Monday, July 21 to 24, 2025.

This year’s event will mark the second time Malawi is hosting host since 2016.

Under the theme, “Green Economy and Climate Resilience in Africa”, the conference theme speaks to the current realities the continent is facing where the effects of climate change are no longer abstract but a living reality.

Addressing the news conference on Thursday, LWB Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Siwili Mbewe said the conference will give an opportunity to the country’s water sector stakeholders to take stalk on what are doing towards SDGs 6.

Mbewe adds that Malawi stands a chance benefiting from the conference’s resolutions that improve quality of water services.

“For the Board, hosting this meeting is both an honour and a reaffirmation of our pursuit for excellence in the region.That inaugural hosting elevated the Board’s visibility within the region and beyond, positioning us as a utility that is not only delivering services but also actively shaping the discourse on sustainable water management in Africa.

“This aligns well with our broader strategic agenda to strengthen the Board’s influence, not just in infrastructure development, but in knowledge leadership, innovation, and sector transformation. It is within this context that we welcome,” says Mbewe.

He adds, “From prolonged droughts to frequent flooding, the resilience of our water systems is under pressure, and there is urgent need to accelerate our shift toward sustainable, adaptive, and environmentally sound solutions as such Malawi has made notable strides in aligning itself with this agenda with robust national response to climate threats and water insecurity.

“Through policy frameworks such as the National Resilience Strategy and the Malawi 2063, Malawi has made climate resilience and sustainable development key national priorities. Both of these frameworks are strongly aligned with the theme of this STC. They call for inclusive growth, green innovations, integrated resource management, and long-term resilience planning”.

Mbewe observes further, “This STC, therefore, provides a timely platform for Malawi to not only showcase its progress but also to learn, to develop partnerships, and to attract investment. As we reflect on the concept of a green economy, we must acknowledge that it involves more than just environmental sustainability.

“It is about improving lives, creating jobs, promoting equity, and strengthening the institutions that protect our natural resources. Hosting this STC offers Malawi tangible benefits”.

He appeals, “First, it allows us to share our innovations, secondly, it creates opportunities for our engineers, students, and utility professionals to interact with continental experts, enriching our local capacities. Third, it stimulates business across multiple sectors. Collaboration with other stakeholders, Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Trade and Industry”.

Echoing the same, The Director of Water Supply Services in the Ministry of Water and Sanitation Prince Mleta said government will support the conference that bear intended purposes.

In his remarks, Executive Director of the Water Services Association of Malawi (WASAMA) Vitumbiko Mkandawire appeals to the sector’s stakeholders to embrace the conference in a bid to tap technological solutions towards improving water supply and services.

The conference attracts more than 200 delegates from over 20 African countries, representing water and sanitation utilities, government ministries, academic and research institutions, private companies, NGOs, and financing partners.

The conference which Water and Sanitation Minister Abida Mia will grace, features a series of technical workshops, panel discussions, Presentation of cutting-edge scientific and operational papers, Keynote addresses from renowned experts and thought leaders and most excitingly, a technology and innovation exhibition that will showcase some of the most promising water and sanitation solutions from across Africa and beyond.

The conference has therefore sent an open invitation to local and regional firms, technology providers, service companies, academic institutions, and entrepreneurs to register and showcase their solutions.

Exhibition will offer international exposure, networking opportunities, and potential partnerships for business growth.