Ethiopia - Feb 4, 2025 - Today marks a pivotal moment with the official launch of Nedamco Africa’s EWAC (Ethiopia Water Action Collaborative) program in Harar, Ethiopia.
Following the successful proof of concept in Dire Dawa, this initiative continues to exemplify innovative water management solutions tailored to address Ethiopia’s pressing water challenges.
Endorsed by the Ethiopian Ministry of Water and Energy, the Harar City Water and Sewerage Authority (HWSSA), and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the program underscores the commitment of local and international stakeholders to sustainable water management. This project aligns with the UN23 Water Action Agenda and accelerates progress towards SDG6, emphasizing water conservation, improved distribution, and private investment.
Expanding Impact and Innovation in Harar
Harar, a city of approximately 300,000 inhabitants located in eastern Ethiopia, holds immense cultural and religious significance. Known as the “fourth holiest city of Islam,” Harar is home to 82 mosques and over 100 shrines. Its old walled city, Harar Jugol, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It reflects a rich history dating back to the 10th century. Harar’s strategic location historically established it as a major commercial hub linking Ethiopia, the Horn of Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula. Today, Harar continues to be a living testament to the coexistence of diverse Ethiopian cultures and Islamic traditions.
Due to Harar Jugol’s UNESCO World Heritage status, traditional excavation methods for repairing water pipes are impossible, as they would disrupt the city’s historical and cultural integrity. This makes Trenchless Automated Leak Repair (TALR) the ideal solution for Harar. TALR minimizes disruption while ensuring the efficient repair of leaks, perfectly aligning with the city’s unique requirements.
The Harar launch builds on the successes of Dire Dawa, where advanced technologies like Trenchless Leak Repair have already proven their ability to save millions of liters of water annually. Initial interventions resulted in the repair of leaks, equating to over 30 million liters of water per year. This represents a critical step toward addressing water scarcity in Harar and ensuring sustainable access for its residents.
The Ethiopian Ministry of Water and Energy reaffirmed its support for the EWAC program, emphasizing its role in promoting sustainable water solutions in urban areas. The program highlights Ethiopia’s proactive adoption of innovative water management strategies to safeguard resources and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
Local and International Expertise Drive Success
The president of Harari People Regional State, Mr. Ordin Bedri, shared his perspective: “This partnership between HWSSA and Nedamco Africa signifies a transformative opportunity for Harar. The EWAC initiative will not only improve water access but also empower our community with the tools and knowledge needed to sustain these advancements for years to come.”
Ariel Stern, Digital Water Expert at Nedamco Africa, explained the project’s technical approach: “By deploying Trenchless Automated Leak Repair, we’re minimizing disruptions while maximizing efficiency in leak detection and repair. Our collaborative approach ensures that HWSSA staff are trained in these cutting-edge techniques, ensuring the long-term sustainability of this solution.”
Technology at the Heart of Transformation
Anke den Ouden, CEO of Microsoft Netherlands, highlighted the impact of technology on Nedamco Africa’s mission: “The Nedamco Digital Twin—designed by Microsoft architects—enables climate intervention simulations and predicts climate disasters, such as flash floods and forest fires in Ethiopia, leveraging Generative AI. By integrating critical data from strategic partners like the Red Cross, United Nations, and World Bank into the Nedamco Sustainability Command Center, local governments are empowered to make informed, data-driven decisions.
Through the Microsoft Tech for Social Impact program, Microsoft contributed to enhancing digital skills and supporting local institutional capacity building—key elements for long-term project success.
This collaboration shows how Nedamco Africa leads in delivering actionable, sustainable solutions tailored to local challenges. From improving disaster preparedness and optimizing resource management to enhancing digital accessibility in underserved regions, we are proud to support this vision. By combining Microsoft’s advanced AI, predictive modeling, and real-time cloud-based data platforms with Nedamco’s commitment to meaningful change, we are building a more sustainable future for all.”
Pioneering Sustainable Financing Models
The EWAC initiative also introduces innovative financing models, leveraging water credits based on UN VWBA standards to quantify and monetize water savings and quality improvements. These credits will be used to issue green bonds, ensuring continuous investments in Ethiopia’s water infrastructure.
Zweder Wurfbain, CEO of Nedamco Africa, stated: “The launch of the EWAC program in Harar demonstrates our unwavering commitment to tackling Africa’s water challenges. By integrating advanced technologies and sustainable financing, we’re taking a significant step towards ensuring water security for the people of Harar and beyond. This initiative reflects our dedication to making a lasting impact, one community at a time.”
The EWAC initiative in Harar builds on the foundation laid in Dire Dawa, serving as a scalable model for other cities across Africa. By addressing critical water challenges, this initiative ensures sustainable development and improves the quality of life for millions of people. Together, we are shaping a future where clean water is accessible for all.
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