DECEMBER 9TH 2023 | COP28 UAE PRESS CENTER

“In a joint press statement today, the city of Dire Dawa, Ethiopia and Nedamco Africa announced the launch of Nedamco Africa’s comprehensive digital water management platform, “CCW” for the Dire Dawa administration. This success-based public-private partnership is a testament to Dire Dawa’s dedication to pioneering environmental innovation and showcases the city’s proactive role in embracing advanced technologies. The initiative is set to become a global benchmark, with its integration of digital twin technology, AI/ML, and satellite imagery, combined with blockchain-enabled water accounting, to enhance water management in an era of climate change and global water challenges. The agreement heralds a new era where sustainable practices, innovate public-private financing and technological advancement converge, heralding a future of environmental sustainability and resilience.

Dubai, December 9, 2023 – today, at COP28 in the UAE, the city of Dire Dawa (Ethiopia) Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (DDWSSA) and Nedamco Africa together with its partners Microsoft, Deltares and Hulo.ai announced the launch of the “Nedamco Catchment-City-Waste Water Management” (CCW) project for the city of Dire Dawa. The CCW solution by Nedamco Africa and its partners Microsoft, Deltares and Hulo.ai is an integrated technology platform that directly addresses the critical challenges of water losses and inefficient management, prevalent in rapidly urbanizing regions like Dire Dawa. It embodies a holistic approach to water management by harnessing digital twin technology, AI/ML, and satellite imagery to deliver comprehensive monitoring of water infrastructures, detect leakages, and make climate impact predictions with the goal to provide more access to water, more water availability as well as improved water quality. With the deployment of the CCW platform Dire Dawa envisions a transformative shift in water resource stewardship, fostering a sustainable, resilient future for the inhabitants of Dire Dawa.

“We are proud to announce a pivotal project in partnership with Nedamco Africa that addresses Dire Dawa’s water challenges. Through cutting-edge technology, we’re ensuring accurate, verifiable improvements in water management that will significantly enhance the quality of life for our city’s residents by providing more water. This initiative is not just about innovation – it’s about securing a sustainable future for Dire Dawa, opening doors to new financing for vital water infrastructure, and supporting our community in meeting the critical demands of water conservation aligned with SDG6.”, said Mohammed Mussie, CEO of Dire Dawa Water Supply and Sewerage Authority.

A leap towards sustainable climate action financing – The innovative approach involves integrating advanced technologies with meticulous (near) real-time data collection and analysis, enabling the accurate measurement of the environmental benefits derived from water conservation efforts. In this process, Nedamco Africa utilizes cutting-edge tools from global technology leaders, leverages AI and ML models, high-resolution satellite imagery, and blockchain technologies. These tools facilitate a reliable, real-time tracking of water management and improvements, ensuring that the generated water data is not only verifiable but also transparent and scalable. Nedamco Africa leverages this approach to creating water certificates that employ the Volumetric Water Benefits Accounting (VWBA) 2.0 methodology, which allows for a comprehensive and quantifiable assessment of water management projects. By adhering to rigorous standards Nedamco Africa can guarantee the created certificates reflect genuine improvements in water management, offering an asset in the global efforts to promote sustainable water usage and management. The approach not only aids DDWSSA in effective water resource management but also opens new avenues for DDWSSA to attract innovative financing in water network development and community support, aligning closely with global sustainability goals like SDG6

The initiative is a continuation of the Nedamco Africa announcements made at the recent UN 23 Water Conference, where Nedamco is actively engaged in the pursuit of true impact through results-based financing to drive innovative public-private partnerships. The Nedamco commitment is reflected in the collaboration, sharing of knowledge, and deployment of cutting-edge Dutch technologies.

This public-private partnership (PPP) initiative exemplifies the transformative potential of public-private partnerships, leveraging collective expertise, resources, and innovation to foster a green economy. By blending state-led environmental programs with private sector dynamism and international climate finance mechanisms.

“We see the Dire Dawa collaboration as a cornerstone for climate resilience, marking a significant Public-Private Partnership that will lead the way for cities globally to embrace similar strategies. This key initiative showcases the practical application of advanced technologies in combating daily climate challenges, especially in water-stressed regions. It’s a testament to Nedamco Africa’s commitment to not only address water scarcity but also enhance biodiversity. Our work in Dire Dawa is paving the path for more cities to join this battle against climate change, ensuring sustainable environments for future generations,” stated Michael Kogeler, CEO of Nedamco Africa.

Microsoft is a pivotal partner and contributors to the initiative, providing the technological backbone and innovative solutions critical to the success of the system. Microsoft’s cutting-edge cloud computing platforms and AI capabilities enable the robust processing and analysis of vast environmental data sets. Together, the collaborative efforts of the partners and DDWSSA are not only enhancing the precision of water management but are also setting a new standard in data-driven conservation and sustainable water practices on a global scale.

“We are immensely proud to be at the forefront of this transformative journey with DDWSSA and Nedamco Africa” said Anke den Ouden, CEO of Microsoft Netherlands. “By leveraging Microsoft’s advanced cloud and AI technologies, we are setting a new paradigm in environmental stewardship. Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond our products; it’s about empowering our partners to achieve a greener future. This collaboration is a testament to the power of technology in making a substantial impact on our planet’s health and the well-being of communities across Africa.”

Building local expertise in Ethiopia – the Nedamco Academy in Ethiopia stands as a cornerstone of the collaborative agreement, serving as a vital hub for water capacity building and education. The is on a mission to empower DDWSSA professionals with cutting-edge knowledge and skills in technology and water management.

About Dire Dawa Water Supply and Sewerage Authority – the mission of the Dire Dawa Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (DDWSSA) is to provide safe, reliable, and affordable water and sanitation services to the people of Dire Dawa. The DDWSSA is committed to providing its services in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. The authority is also committed to working with the community to ensure that everyone has access to safe water and sanitation services.

About Nedamco Africa – Nedamco Africa, is a leader in climate technology solutions, focusing on integrated water management and forestry practices. With a robust business model that merges economic growth, community development, and sustainable practices, Nedamco Africa is committed to driving positive environmental change across the African continent.

About Microsoft – Microsoft is a global technology leader that develops and provides a wide range of software products, services, and solutions, designed to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more through innovation, productivity, and digital transformation.

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