WEST AFRICA WATER EXPO: Connecting Water Solutions Across the Region
The West Africa Water Expo (WAWE) is the leading regional platform focused on water and wastewater management in West Africa. Held annually at the Accra International Conference Centre in Ghana, WAWE brings together technology providers, public officials, engineers, and researchers to tackle critical water challenges facing the region from supply shortages and aging infrastructure to climate stress and sanitation gaps.
A regional hub for water innovation
Ghana, with its stable economy and growing infrastructure, provides an ideal setting for the event. Organized by Elan Expo, WAWE is designed specifically for emerging markets and connects global technologies with local needs. The venue's modern facilities and Accra's strategic coastal location support broad regional participation.
Addressing real infrastructure issues
WAWE focuses on problems such as water loss in outdated networks, limited access in informal settlements, and poor sanitation in both urban and rural areas. Exhibitors showcase practical technologies including:
Leak detection and pipeline rehabilitation
Metering and pressure management systems
Urban and rural water treatment solutions
Decentralized sanitation technologies
Climate-resilient systems and water harvesting
Solutions are tailored to suit local technical capacities and budgets, recognizing that sustainable outcomes depend on context-appropriate implementation.
Comprehensive technology showcase
The exhibition covers the full water cycle from source to reuse. Key areas include:
Water purification: filtration, chlorination, membranes, UV treatment
Wastewater systems: biological treatment, constructed wetlands, chemical processes
Industrial effluent treatment: heavy metal removal, oil separation, nutrient control
Infrastructure: pumps, pipes, valves, tanks, and fittings
Visitors can compare products for durability, ease of maintenance, and long-term cost-effectiveness.
Smart systems and automation
WAWE features the latest in process automation and smart water solutions:
SCADA systems for remote monitoring and control
Real-time quality monitoring and alerts
Flow meters, sensors, and digital controllers
Data analytics for predictive maintenance and planning
These systems help utilities reduce waste, improve service delivery, and use limited resources more effectively.
Training and knowledge sharing
Alongside the exhibition, WAWE hosts seminars and workshops led by local and international experts. Topics include:
Best practices for design, maintenance, and operation
Financing and regulatory frameworks
Community engagement and social equity
Lessons from similar regions around the world
Local universities and NGOs also contribute, helping bridge the gap between academic research and field implementation.
Supporting sustainable development
WAWE contributes directly to the UN Sustainable Development Goals by promoting cleaner water, better sanitation, and resilient infrastructure. The event fosters partnerships between investors, developers, public agencies, and suppliers laying the foundation for future projects that are not just technically sound but socially and financially viable.
As water challenges grow across the region, WAWE continues to provide a critical forum for building the knowledge, networks, and systems required for long-term, sustainable water access in West Africa.
