In a landmark development for global water governance, the Global Water Partnership Organisation (GWPO) and the City of Cape Town have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that establishes a bold, strategic partnership to accelerate climate-resilient water investments across Africa and beyond.
Stockholm, Sweden / Cape Town, South Africa – 8 May 2025: This MoU marks a historic step in international cooperation. GWPO—an intergovernmental organisation comprising partners from over 180 countries—has partnered with one of the most water-stressed and forward-thinking cities in the world to advance the Global Transformation Agenda on Water Investments.
Cities at the frontline of the climate crisis
As frontline responders to climate and water challenges, cities play a pivotal role in translating global commitments into local action. Partnering directly with a city like Cape Town—renowned for its water innovation and resilience—enables GWPO to anchor its global strategies in lived urban realities and foster inclusive governance.
Under the MoU, GWPO, GWP Southern Africa–Africa Coordination Unit, and the City of Cape Town will collaborate to:
- Promote sustainable urban water management and climate-resilient sanitation systems;
- Strengthen multi-level water governance across municipal, provincial, and national levels;
- Advance adoption of water-saving technologies;
- Convene global investment platforms and facilitate knowledge exchange;
- Catalyse green infrastructure investments and community engagement;
- Support the phased transition of GWPO’s Headquarters to the Global South.
Strategic transition to the Global South
This milestone coincides with GWPO’s ongoing transition of its global Secretariat from Stockholm to a new hub in the Global South. This relocation is part of a broader strategic shift to bring GWPO closer to regions most affected by water insecurity and climate change.
“This partnership exemplifies how cities can drive global transformation. Cape Town’s resilience and leadership offer powerful inspiration, and with this MoU, we unite global ambition with local innovation to deliver real solutions for people, nature, and the planet.”— Alex Simalabwi, Executive Secretary and CEO of GWPO
“By aligning international efforts with local ingenuity, this MoU enables knowledge exchange and shared experiences that will benefit not only Cape Town, but urban centers around the world.”— Leonardo Manus, Executive Director, Water and Sanitation at the City of Cape Town
Looking ahead
This MoU is a pivotal step in the decentralisation of GWPO’s operations to the Global South—a move that strengthens operational agility and aligns governance with the emerging water investment priorities of developing countries.
It also sets the stage for the inaugural Africa–Water Investment Summit to be convened in Cape Town from 13-15 August in the context of South Africa’s G20 Presidency. Co-convened with the African Union, and with Global Water Partnership as the lead technical partner, the Summit will gather global leaders to chart a new course for water security and climate resilience.
Page last edited: 5/08/2025