The Global Water Partnership (GWP), in collaboration with Nordic Business Services (NBS), today facilitated the launch of Water Sweden – a new platform designed to mobilise Swedish private sector innovation, financing, and expertise for international water investments.
The launch marks a significant milestone in GWP’s new 2026–2030 Strategy, which places private sector engagement at the centre of addressing the USD 150 billion annual water investment gap. Water Sweden will operate as an independent Country Water Partnership, a Swedish institution, affiliated with GWP’s global network of 77 Country Water Partnerships and more than 2,800 partners worldwide, but managed by Swedish private sector stakeholders.
“The launch of Water Sweden is a landmark in GWP’s transformation,” said Alex Simalabwi, CEO of GWP. “Nearly three decades ago, GWP was founded in Stockholm to unite governments and civil society around water governance. Today, we are writing the next chapter – positioning the private sector as a core implementer of water investments. Water is good for business – and water is good business.”
A Sweden–Africa Partnership
The launch was highlighted by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Water Sweden and the Association of Water Institutions in South Africa (AWSISA). The agreement paves the way for joint initiatives, technology transfer, and partnerships across South Africa and the wider African continent.
This collaboration will underpin preparations for the first AWSISA Africa & Global South Water and Sanitation Dialogue in November 2025, where Water Sweden and AWSISA will jointly showcase opportunities for Swedish–African engagement in water investments.
Why Water Sweden Matters
Water Sweden provides Swedish companies and institutions with a platform to:
- Facilitate technology transfer and knowledge exchange with Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
- Partner with governments, utilities, and financiers on water investment programmes.
- Connect to global matchmaking opportunities with partners across GWP’s worldwide network.
At the launch, key partners voiced their support:
Erik Korsgren, Head of the Climate and Environment Unit, Sida:
“The water financing gap of USD 150 billion is also a financing opportunity. Development aid alone cannot bridge it. This is why Sida is stepping up our work with the private sector – not only to unlock new finance through guarantees and other tools, but also to draw on the ingenuity and innovation that business can bring.”
Hanna Doller, Nordic Business Services:
“Swedish companies are eager to contribute and exchange knowledge for solving water challenges abroad but often don’t know how to go about it. With Water Sweden, we finally have a clear platform that connects Nordic expertise with African demand. It is not just about exporting solutions – it is about two-way learning and building sustainable partnerships.”
Pyry Niemi, Svenskt Vatten (the industry association for Sweden’s water and wastewater organisations):
“Water Sweden will give Swedish businesses and institutions a stronger international voice. By facilitating technology transfer and knowledge exchange with global partners, we can help address urgent water challenges while ensuring Swedish innovations are tested, scaled, and recognised internationally.”
Mr. Ramateu Monyokolo, Chairperson of AWSISA (and Chairperson of Rand Water) said:
“This partnership with Water Sweden will help us strengthen South Africa’s water institutions through shared expertise and technology transfer. It opens the door for long-term cooperation between African utilities and Swedish partners, ensuring that our people benefit from innovative, sustainable, and resilient water solutions.”
Water Sweden Hosts First Study Visit in Stockholm
The very first activity organised under the new initiative Water Sweden took place during World Water Week in Stockholm, where we welcomed a delegation from South Africa and Lesotho. The study visit included Sjöstadsverket Water Innovation Centre (SWIC) – a world-leading R&D facility for water treatment technologies – and the Käppala Wastewater Treatment Plant, which serves over half a million people in the Stockholm region. This inaugural visit not only showcased Sweden’s cutting-edge water and wastewater solutions but also marked an important step in positioning Water Sweden as a platform for knowledge exchange and international collaboration.
A New Era for Water Investments
GWP’s 2026–2030 Strategy sets an ambitious goal: to influence at least USD 15 billion in water investments by 2030, by leveraging blended public–private finance, regional and national investment pipelines, and global political leadership.
“With the launch of Water Sweden, and the signing of the MOU with AWSISA, Sweden has sparked a new revolution in water investments,” concluded Alex Simalabwi. “This is the beginning of a model for private sector leadership worldwide led by CWPs.
Media Enquiries:
Monika Ericson, Senior Communications Specialist: monika.ericson@gwp.org
The Global Water Partnership is a network of 2800+ water organisations that promotes the effective, efficient, and sustainable management of water resources around the world.