22 February 2013: Participants shared experiences on successful models and mechanisms for financing the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector during the Second Annual High-level Forum on Water and Sanitation for All, which was organized around the theme “Innovative Multi-Stakeholder Financing Initiatives.”

The Forum, which took place in Dakar, Senegal, from 12-14 December 2012, was coordinated by Water and Sanitation for Africa (WSA). It aimed to catalyze change in the African WASH sector from a business-as-usual paradigm, to one focusing on action, innovation and improved financing.

Participants placed particular emphasis on innovative financing mechanisms that promote cooperation and solidarity, such as the development of social housing in Africa, which has the potential to improve access to water and sanitation. The Forum also showcased an example in France, where the local authorities levy a 1% charge on residents’ water bills to support a community water and sanitation programme. This example, which is locally referred to as the “Oudin-Santini” framework, illustrates how decentralized cooperation can promote WASH.

WSA, which is headquartered in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, is an inter-governmental agency that aims to provide technical leadership on WASH services in Africa. [WSA Press Release] [Forum Website]