Address the Elephant in the room: Water access & sustainability in NRW

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Non-Revenue Water (NRW) in Africa – A Growing Priority

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With a growing population, Africa water networks face critical challenges: resource scarcity, aging infrastructure, and rapid urbanization which drive a water access crisis in many countries, with the critical pain point being water losses. From experience in having worked in more than 25 African countries, the Non-Revenue Water (NRW), which is defined by the water that is produced but not billed due to leaks, theft, or meter inaccuracies, exceeds 30-50% in many urban utilities across the continent. These losses strain resources, reduce service levels, and undermine the financial viability of utilities.

 

Current Market Status:

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Governments, public utilities and financing institutions are increasingly prioritizing network optimization and rehabilitation by addressing NRW reduction. This approach will improve water accessibility, ensure compliance with sustainable development goals (SDGs), and to attract investment. In that regard, technologies and initiatives such as smart water meters, pressure management, district metered areas (DMAs), and real-time monitoring are being adopted to modernize infrastructure and improve operational efficiencies.

 

Opportunity for Action:

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As climate change continues to affect water supply on the African continent, water service providers and utilities more than ever express a strong demand and critical need for proven solutions which combine smart initiatives, reliable live data for efficiency and operational best practices. It is important for all the stakeholders in the water sector to redefine their partnerships with utilities by involving highly reputable industrials partners who can supply affordable good quality equipment, and solution providers who can support a clear planning programs, enhance a targeted capacity building activities, and accountability visions through monitored performance plans.

 

KWI Associates is positioned as a strategic partner, totally embedded with the different stakeholders in the African water sector, providing specific tailored approaches, with a strong result-oriented spirit driven to be impactful for water access for every African.