Dire Dawa, Nedamco Africa unveil cutting-edge water Management Platform Initiative

Addis Ababa, December 9, 2023 (FBC) – In a joint press statement today, the city of Dire Dawa, Ethiopia and Nedamco Africa announced the launch of Nedamco Africa’s comprehensive digital water management platform, “CCW” for the Dire Dawa administration.

This success-based public-private partnership is a testament to Dire Dawa’s dedication to pioneering environmental innovation and showcases the city’s proactive role in embracing advanced technologies.

“We are proud to announce a pivotal project in partnership with Nedamco Africa that addresses Dire Dawa’s water challenges. Through cutting-edge technology, we’re ensuring accurate, verifiable improvements in water management that will significantly enhance the quality of life for our city’s residents by providing more water. This initiative is not just about innovation – it’s about securing a sustainable future for Dire Dawa, opening doors to new financing for vital water infrastructure, and supporting our community in meeting the critical demands of water conservation aligned with SDG6,” said Mohammed Mussie, CEO of Dire Dawa Water Supply and Sewerage Authority.

The initiative is set to become a global benchmark, with its integration of digital twin technology, AI/ML, and satellite imagery, combined with blockchain-enabled water accounting, to enhance water management in an era of climate change and global water challenges.

“This initiative has a huge potential to impact the lives of many. When water distribution systems become smart, they present an opportunity to market the digital proof of reduced losses from the system to companies that want to pay to compensate their water use, and in this way facilitate investment in utilities and their networks. I will keep supporting this initiative in Ethiopia where a pilot will take place in Dire Dawa and, we’re tapping into a completely new market. This will accelerate private investments in the true spirit of the Water Action Agenda of UN23 to help reach SDG6 in time. We take pride in the Netherlands’ legacy of water management, transforming water challenges into opportunities for sustainable development,” said Jelmer van Veen, First Secretary for Water Affairs at Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ethiopia.

The agreement heralds a new era where sustainable practices, innovate public-private financing and technological advancement converge, heralding a future of environmental sustainability and resilience.

“We see the Dire Dawa collaboration as a cornerstone for climate resilience, marking a significant Public-Private Partnership that will lead the way for cities globally to embrace similar strategies. This key initiative showcases the practical application of advanced technologies in combating daily climate challenges, especially in water-stressed regions. It’s a testament to Nedamco Africa’s commitment to not only address water scarcity but also enhance biodiversity. Our work in Dire Dawa is paving the path for more cities to join this battle against climate change, ensuring sustainable environments for future generations,” stated Michael Kogeler, CEO of Nedamco Africa.

“We are immensely proud to be at the forefront of this transformative journey with DDWSSA and Nedamco Africa,” said Anke den Ouden, CEO of Microsoft Netherlands. “By leveraging Microsoft’s advanced cloud and AI technologies, we are setting a new paradigm in environmental stewardship. Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond our products; it’s about empowering our partners to achieve a greener future. This collaboration is a testament to the power of technology in making a substantial impact on our planet’s health and the well-being of communities across Africa.”