African Development Bank - Public Sector Capacity Building for Integrated Water Resources Management and WASH Governance

The African Development Bank's Public Sector Capacity Building for Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and WASH Governance grant is a flagship initiative under the Bank's Water Strategy 2021-2026. Recognizing that weak institutional capacity is a major barrier to achieving water security, the grant aims to equip public sector entities with the skills, tools, and systems necessary for effective water governance. The total grant envelope is expected to be substantial, with individual grants ranging from $500,000 to $2 million, depending on scope. The call emphasizes a holistic approach: rather than silo-ing water management and sanitation, it requires applicants to demonstrate how integrated approaches can reduce costs, improve sustainability, and achieve multiple benefits. For instance, managing water resources at the catchment level can directly improve the reliability of water supply for communities and industries, while sound sanitation practices protect water quality. The grant is part of the AfDB's broader efforts to mobilize $25 billion for water infrastructure by 2030. In practical terms, eligible activities include: designing and delivering training curricula for water professionals; supporting policy and regulatory reforms; establishing water resources monitoring networks; launching awareness campaigns; and piloting innovative service delivery models. The grant will be disbursed over two to three years, with performance-based tranches tied to achievement of milestones. To be competitive, proposals must be rooted in national water sector strategies and demonstrate strong buy-in from relevant ministries. They must also include a clear plan for gender and social inclusion, ensuring that women and vulnerable groups benefit. The deadline is October 1, 2026, giving applicants ample time to conduct stakeholder consultations, develop partnerships, and undergo GSLI training to strengthen their proposal. GSLI's courses, such as WASH and Monitoring & Evaluation, can be directly incorporated into the project design, showing the donor a ready-to-implement capacity building component. Overall, this grant presents a significant opportunity for public sector leaders to transform water governance and achieve lasting impact in their communities. The call for proposals is part of the African Development Bank's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). It also aligns with the Bank's High 5 priorities: Light Up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa. Water is a critical input for each of these priorities, making this grant a cross-cutting enabler. The Bank expects applicants to demonstrate how their project will contribute to at least two of the High 5 priorities. For example, strengthening water governance for irrigation can support Feed Africa, while improving WASH in schools and health centers directly improves quality of life. The grant also encourages South-South cooperation, with opportunities for peer learning among African countries. Applicants should consider partnering with regional bodies like the African Ministers' Council on Water (AMCOW) or the African Water Association (AfWA) to access broader networks and expertise. The Bank's focus on transparency and accountability means that detailed budgets, procurement plans, and environmental and social safeguards are mandatory. GSLI's Grants Management course can help applicants navigate these compliance requirements. Ultimately, this grant is not just about funding; it's about building a legacy of capable institutions that can manage water resources long after the project ends. Proposals that articulate a clear theory of change, backed by evidence and a strong local team, will stand out. To maximize the chance of success, applicants should engage with the Bank's country offices early to understand specific national priorities. The Bank often holds pre-proposal conferences or webinars; participating can provide valuable insights. Additionally, forming a consortium with other public agencies or research institutions can broaden the project's scope and demonstrate collaborative leadership. The proposal should be concise but comprehensive, typically 30–50 pages. Key sections include: executive summary, situational analysis, project description, implementation plan, budget, M&E framework, and attachments (e.g., CVs, letters of support, audit reports). GSLI can assist by providing a template and reviewing drafts. Given the competitiveness of the grant, applicants must ensure their proposal is free of errors and adheres strictly to the guidelines. The Bank uses a scoring criteria that weights relevance (25%), technical soundness (35%), institutional capacity (20%), and sustainability (20%). By integrating GSLI training, the institutional capacity and technical soundness scores can be significantly enhanced. In summary, this grant is a critical opportunity for African public sector entities to strengthen their water management capabilities. With careful preparation, strategic partnerships, and the support of GSLI, a compelling proposal can be developed to secure funding and make a lasting difference in water governance.

Strategic Overview

The African Development Bank's Public Sector Capacity Building for Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and WASH Governance grant is a flagship initiative under the Bank's Water Strategy 2021-2026. Recognizing that weak institutional capacity is a major barrier to achieving water security, the grant aims to equip public sector entities with the skills, tools, and systems necessary for effective water governance. The total grant envelope is expected to be substantial, with individual grants ranging from $500,000 to $2 million, depending on scope. The call emphasizes a holistic approach: rather than silo-ing water management and sanitation, it requires applicants to demonstrate how integrated approaches can reduce costs, improve sustainability, and achieve multiple benefits. For instance, managing water resources at the catchment level can directly improve the reliability of water supply for communities and industries, while sound sanitation practices protect water quality. The grant is part of the AfDB's broader efforts to mobilize $25 billion for water infrastructure by 2030. In practical terms, eligible activities include: designing and delivering training curricula for water professionals; supporting policy and regulatory reforms; establishing water resources monitoring networks; launching awareness campaigns; and piloting innovative service delivery models. The grant will be disbursed over two to three years, with performance-based tranches tied to achievement of milestones. To be competitive, proposals must be rooted in national water sector strategies and demonstrate strong buy-in from relevant ministries. They must also include a clear plan for gender and social inclusion, ensuring that women and vulnerable groups benefit. The deadline is October 1, 2026, giving applicants ample time to conduct stakeholder consultations, develop partnerships, and undergo GSLI training to strengthen their proposal. GSLI's courses, such as WASH and Monitoring & Evaluation, can be directly incorporated into the project design, showing the donor a ready-to-implement capacity building component. Overall, this grant presents a significant opportunity for public sector leaders to transform water governance and achieve lasting impact in their communities. The call for proposals is part of the African Development Bank's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). It also aligns with the Bank's High 5 priorities: Light Up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa. Water is a critical input for each of these priorities, making this grant a cross-cutting enabler. The Bank expects applicants to demonstrate how their project will contribute to at least two of the High 5 priorities. For example, strengthening water governance for irrigation can support Feed Africa, while improving WASH in schools and health centers directly improves quality of life. The grant also encourages South-South cooperation, with opportunities for peer learning among African countries. Applicants should consider partnering with regional bodies like the African Ministers' Council on Water (AMCOW) or the African Water Association (AfWA) to access broader networks and expertise. The Bank's focus on transparency and accountability means that detailed budgets, procurement plans, and environmental and social safeguards are mandatory. GSLI's Grants Management course can help applicants navigate these compliance requirements. Ultimately, this grant is not just about funding; it's about building a legacy of capable institutions that can manage water resources long after the project ends. Proposals that articulate a clear theory of change, backed by evidence and a strong local team, will stand out. To maximize the chance of success, applicants should engage with the Bank's country offices early to understand specific national priorities. The Bank often holds pre-proposal conferences or webinars; participating can provide valuable insights. Additionally, forming a consortium with other public agencies or research institutions can broaden the project's scope and demonstrate collaborative leadership. The proposal should be concise but comprehensive, typically 30–50 pages. Key sections include: executive summary, situational analysis, project description, implementation plan, budget, M&E framework, and attachments (e.g., CVs, letters of support, audit reports). GSLI can assist by providing a template and reviewing drafts. Given the competitiveness of the grant, applicants must ensure their proposal is free of errors and adheres strictly to the guidelines. The Bank uses a scoring criteria that weights relevance (25%), technical soundness (35%), institutional capacity (20%), and sustainability (20%). By integrating GSLI training, the institutional capacity and technical soundness scores can be significantly enhanced. In summary, this grant is a critical opportunity for African public sector entities to strengthen their water management capabilities. With careful preparation, strategic partnerships, and the support of GSLI, a compelling proposal can be developed to secure funding and make a lasting difference in water governance.

Who is it For?

This grant is specifically designed for public sector entities within African Development Bank member countries that are directly responsible for water resources management, water supply and sanitation services, or related regulatory oversight. Eligible applicants include national ministries (e.g., Ministries of Water, Environment, or Public Health), river basin authorities, national water utilities, sub-national government bodies (provinces, districts), and regional economic communities such as ECOWAS or SADC. In addition, public research and training institutions that provide capacity building for the water sector are eligible. The Bank encourages applications from entities in fragile states and low-income countries, recognizing their acute capacity gaps. Consortia composed of multiple public agencies are welcome, provided a lead entity assumes fiduciary responsibility. Private sector actors and NGOs are not eligible as lead applicants but may participate as implementing partners. Applicants must demonstrate a clear mandate for IWRM and/or WASH governance, a track record of implementing capacity building initiatives, and the ability to absorb and account for grant funds. Priority is given to organizations that articulate how the grant will directly improve service delivery, strengthen regulatory frameworks, or enhance transboundary water cooperation. The Bank also expects gender-responsive and climate-sensitive approaches embedded in the proposal.

Priorities

The African Development Bank's overarching priorities for this grant revolve around strengthening the enabling environment for water security and sustainable access to WASH services across Africa. Specific key performance indicators (KPIs) include: (1) Number of national/sub-national water policies or regulations developed or revised with grant support; (2) Percentage increase in government budget allocation to WASH and IWRM; (3) Number of water sector staff trained and applying new skills; (4) Number of water utilities with improved operational efficiency (e.g., reduced non-revenue water, increased billing rates); (5) Number of transboundary water cooperation agreements supported; (6) Volume of climate-resilient water infrastructure investments catalysed. Emphasis is placed on innovative financing mechanisms like blended finance and public-private partnerships. The donor also prioritizes projects that demonstrate strong gender mainstreaming, youth inclusion, and alignment with national development plans and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 6, 5, 13, and 17). Integration of digital technologies for water resource monitoring and data management is highly valued. The Bank expects project designs to include rigorous M&E frameworks with baseline data, clear annual targets, and independent evaluations. Additionally, the grant seeks to promote south-south learning and knowledge exchange among African countries.

Eligibility

Eligibility criteria are designed to ensure that only organizations with sufficient capacity and legal standing receive funds. Applicants must be legally registered public entities in an African Development Bank regional member country, with a mandate in water resources management, WASH, or related fields. They must have an audited financial statement for the past two years, demonstrating sound financial management and no outstanding debts to the Bank. Spatial eligibility requires that proposed activities take place within a regional member country or clearly benefit a defined transboundary basin or regional grouping. Applicants must provide a governance structure with clear roles for fiduciary, administrative, and technical oversight. The Bank also requires evidence of existing capacity development initiatives or a clear needs assessment justifying the grant. Ineligible entities include private companies, NGOs (unless as partners), and individuals. For consortia, a lead entity must meet all criteria and a signed memorandum of understanding among partners must be submitted. Applicants must not have been debarred or suspended by any multilateral development bank. Additionally, the proposal must be in compliance with the Bank's gender policy, environmental and social safeguards, and procurement guidelines. Failure to meet any of these criteria may result in disqualification. The Bank provides a detailed eligibility checklist in the application guidelines.

Path to Success

To secure this grant, follow a strategic roadmap integrating GSLI's capacity-building expertise. Step 1: Conduct an institutional capacity needs assessment. Before writing the proposal, undertake a comprehensive assessment of your organization's current capabilities in IWRM and WASH governance using standard tools like the UNESCO-IHP Capacity Needs Assessment framework. Identify gaps in skills, systems, and infrastructure. GSLI's Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) course can help design a robust baseline survey and indicator framework. Step 2: Align project objectives with AfDB priorities and SDGs. Frame your proposal around the donor's key performance indicators, such as policy reforms, staff training numbers, and service delivery improvements. Emphasize cross-sectoral integration and climate resilience. GSLI's WASH course provides insights into best practices for water quality monitoring, hygiene promotion, and sustainable sanitation. Step 3: Build a strong partnership consortium. Involve relevant government ministries, basin authorities, research institutions, and civil society organizations. Clearly define roles, joint responsibilities, and co-funding commitments. Ensure a signed MOU is included. Step 4: Develop a detailed implementation plan with clear phases, budget, and M&E plan. Use a logical framework approach with SMART indicators. Include a sustainability strategy demonstrating how gains will be maintained after grant closure. Step 5: Submit a compelling narrative that demonstrates experience, local ownership, and alignment with national water strategies. GSLI's Writing Winning Proposals course equips teams to structure competitive submissions. By embedding GSLI trainings within the project design—such as training water utility staff in financial management and procurement—you enhance both the proposal's quality and your organization's capacity to deliver. After submission, engage with AfDB task managers for feedback and be prepared to refine the concept.

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Deadline: 2026-10-01

Persona: General

Urgency: Normal