The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), through its Centre of Excellence in Water Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy (WISE-Futures), is hosting Tanzania’s first-ever Wetskills Water Challenge in Arusha from 18 to 30 October 2026.
The two-week programme brings together 21 students, young professionals and experts to develop innovative solutions to real-world water and sanitation challenges. The 2026 cohort comprises 14 women and seven men from South Africa (12 participants), Tanzania (six), the Netherlands (two) and Nigeria (one). This marks the 88th Wetskills event worldwide since the programme began in 2010.
As part of the programme, participants visited the Arusha Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (AUWSA) drinking water treatment plant in Ngulelo, including the water intake, and the new Arusha Stadium in Olmoti. These visits complement professional training and teamwork activities designed to strengthen participants’ problem-solving and innovation skills.
Participants are working on four case studies focusing on saltwater intrusion, indigenous knowledge and food security, crop water stress and early warning on Mount Meru, and innovative water and sanitation service delivery.
The challenge is integrated with the 27th WaterNet/WARFSA/GWP-SA Symposium, where teams will present their proposed solutions and the winning team and idea will be recognised.
Through hosting this initiative, NM-AIST and WISE-Futures are promoting international knowledge exchange and supporting young innovators to develop practical solutions for sustainable water and climate management in Africa and beyond.
