International Water Innovation &
Sustainability Summit
Harnessing Nanotechnology, Artificial Intelligence, and Emerging Technologies for Water Sustainability across Africa.
Where Science Meets Impact
The International Water Innovation and Sustainability Summit (IWISS 2027) is a premier international forum bringing together scientists, engineers, policymakers, industry leaders, development partners, NGOs and community stakeholders to accelerate innovative solutions for sustainable water management.
Organised by Teesside University (UK) as part of the internationally funded NanoSolarWater Project, supported by The Royal Society through the International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF).
Vision
To establish Africa's leading international platform for innovation, collaboration and knowledge exchange in sustainable water resources, water treatment and environmental resilience.
Mission
To connect science, policy, industry and communities in developing practical and scalable solutions that improve access to safe water while advancing research excellence and sustainable development throughout Africa.
More Than a Conference
More than two billion people worldwide still lack reliable access to safe drinking water, while climate change, urbanisation and pollution continue to threaten water security.
Africa possesses exceptional scientific talent and natural resources but requires stronger partnerships that bridge research, innovation, policy and implementation.
IWISS 2027 provides the platform where researchers, governments, industry, NGOs and communities work together to develop sustainable solutions for one of humanity's greatest challenges.
Driving Impact Across Sectors
Showcase world-leading research from the NanoSolarWater Project
Strengthen international scientific collaboration between Africa, UK & global partners
Promote innovative technologies for water purification, monitoring & protection
Build research capacity across Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs)
Foster collaboration between academia, government, industry & civil society
Translate scientific discoveries into commercial, policy & community applications
Support evidence-based policymaking for sustainable water management
Promote youth engagement and leadership in water innovation
Expand regional networks across West, Central and Southern Africa
Eight Pillars of Innovation
Water Science
Water Treatment Technologies
Water, Energy & Sustainability
Climate Change & Water Security
Smart Water Systems
Public Health
Water Policy & Governance
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Beyond the Traditional Conference
- International keynote lectures
- Scientific presentations & industry exhibitions
- Policy dialogues & innovation showcases
- Hands-on workshops · Water sampling field expeditions
- Lab analysis demonstrations · Science communication training
- Student innovation competitions · Grant networking sessions
Abuja Water Innovation Declaration
A collaborative statement outlining recommendations for advancing sustainable water research, innovation and policy across Africa. Captures commitments from researchers, policymakers, industry and development partners — a roadmap for future collaboration, capacity building and evidence-informed decision-making.
A Multistakeholder Gathering
Academia
- Universities
- Research institutes
- Students & early-career
Government
- Federal Ministries
- River Basin Authorities
- State Water Agencies
International
- African Union · ECOWAS
- UNICEF · UNESCO · WHO
- World Bank · UNDP
Industry & NGOs
- Water tech companies
- Engineering firms
- WaterAid · Civil society
Proudly Supported By
We welcome additional sponsors · View sponsorship opportunities
Presidential Forum on Nanotechnology
Nigeria's National Nanotechnology Roadmap · Water Security · Food Security · Energy · Commercialisation
NanoSolarWater Innovation Day
Royal Society Session · UK-SA-DRC-Nigeria Symposium · Research Translation · Tech Demos · Funding · Student Competition · Industry Matchmaking
What We Aim to Achieve
New international research collaborations
Joint funding applications
Policy recommendations
Industry partnerships
Student mobility programmes
Technology demonstrations
Commercialisation opportunities
African Water Innovation Network
Register Your Interest
Join researchers, government leaders, NGOs, industry professionals, development agencies and innovators from around the world.
Be part of the inaugural IWISS - shaping the future of water innovation in Africa.