Business development in Africa's water sector: strategies, growth opportunities, and challenges

Globally, water is necessary for life, the environment, and development. Yet, most African countries still experience water challenges due to infrastructure deficits, financial constraints, regulatory and policy issues, environmental and climatic factors, and technological limitations. This problem will continue to increase drastically due to economic activities in the industrial and agricultural sectors unless appropriate policies are implemented. Public-private partnerships (PPP), investment and financing models, technological innovation and adoption, capacity building and skills development, and community engagement and stakeholder collaboration are the strategies and opportunities suitable for business development in the African water sector. The government, international organizations, and private sectors have a vital role in facilitating growth and development in the water sector. The government should retain its operations by creating a suitable environment and regulations with empowerment and decentralization, providing a radical shift from top-down to centralized implementation and administration. The international organization provides the financial resources, technical guidance, and capacity building to ensure sustainable management practices in utilizing water resources and the development of infrastructure. At the same time, the private sector has a role in rendering management at the slightest level and establishing institutional arrangements allowing full participation of stakeholders.