As a strategic resource for countries, water is essential for the well-being of the population. Water security is a growing concern in Africa, and the current COVID-19 pandemic is an additional challenge for the area. In this online dialogue, renowned speakers discuss the situation in the area, possible solutions to current problems and what role technology can play.
This is the third edition of the Idrica Water Security Series, fostered by Idrica. After discussing about the future of Latin America and the Middle East, this new edition will feature Dr. Greg Mills, Director of the Brenthurst Foundation and specialist in African conflicts; Sylvain Usher, Executive Director of the African Water Association (AfWA); Prof. Hamanth Kasan, Chairman of the African Water Association Program Committee, and Chema Nebot, Head of Business Development at Idrica and Water Technology Expert.
The event will take place on June 23rd at 17:00 in Johannesburg (South Africa), 18:00 in Nairobi (Kenya), 16:00 in Lagos (Nigeria) and 17:00 in Spain.
Dr. Greg Mills
Director of The Brenthurst Foundation, based in Johannesburg. He has directed numerous reform projects in African presidencies (Ghana, Lagos State, Mozambique, SE Nigeria, Kenya, Lesotho, Somaliland and SA), and sat on the Danish Africa Commission and the African Development Bank’s high-level panel on fragile states. Dr. Mills has served four deployments to Afghanistan with the British Army as the adviser to the commander. In 2008 he became a Strategy Advisor to the President of Rwanda.
He has published on international affairs, development and security, and is a regular columnist for South African and international newspapers. His last publications are “Democracy Works” (2019) and “The Asian Aspiration: Why and How Africa Should Emulate Asia” (2020).
Sylvain Usher
In 1999 he joined the National Water Company and entered the African Water Association (AfWA) as Deputy Secretary General. Since then he has developed his international career as a water specialist, organizing capacity building programs for African water utilities. Since 2004 Mr. Usher is leading the Institution as the Executive Director of the African Water Association.
He developed several studies for institutions such as the EU, the African Development Bank and the World Bank, and facilitates workshops and sessions during international conferences. Mr. Usher has facilitated dialogues with the African Development Bank on scaling up Water and Sanitation services. He is member of international water institutions and co-author of the African Water Association book on water and sanitation issues in the African continent “ L’Afrique et L’Eau” (2014).
Prof. Hamanth Kasan
Over 30 years of experience in the water and sanitation sectors, locally, continentally and globally. Prof. Kasan has a widespread valuable experience as an academic, practitioner and director. He has presented innovative approaches to the Sustainable Development Goals in different forums around the world.
He has held various positions, such as VP of IWA, Chairman of IWA (South Africa and ESAR International) and Board Chairperson of Water Research Commission in South Africa. He has also been an advisor to water ministers in South Africa. Board member of IWA and AfWA, and Chairman of the AfWA Program Committee focused on acquisition of donor funds for water and sanitation development projects in Africa. Fellow of IWA and the Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA) and member of the International Advisory Group UN Habitat (GWOPA program). Currently VP of AfWA, General Manager of Scientific Services and Chairperson of COVID-19 Task Group at Rand Water, and Honorary Professor at the Institute for Water and Wastewater Research (Durban University of Technology, South Africa).
Chema Nebot
Telecommunications Engineer by the Polytechnic University of Valencia (Spain), he has a Master’s degree in the specialty of radio communications from the École Supérieure d’Electricité (SUPELEC) in Paris.
He has always been involved in the technology sector, as head of business development for different telecom multinational companies such as EXFO, Astellia or Ingenia Telecom.
He currently holds the position of Head of Business Development at Idrica, leading the divisions of sales, marketing, tenders and documentation.
The panel will be moderated by Daniel Makokera, who has worked as journalist, television anchor, producer and conference presenter for over 20 years, and is a well-known face across Africa.
The page of the event includes additional information, as well as the link for registration.
About Idrica
The company offers services and technological solutions for the water cycle management and provides a unique differential value based on experience. Its technological solution GoAigua, developed over the last 10 years, is being leveraged by more than 400 utilities globally to improve operation & maintenance, asset management, customer experience and resilience.
