Malik ALHOUSSEINI, Malian Minister of Energy and Water Malik ALHOUSSEINI, Thursday January 26, 2017 in Bamako, at the official launch of the 19th International Congress and Exhibition of the African Water Association (AAE). Planned to be held from 11 to 16 February 2018 at the International Conference Center in Bamako, this 19th IAEA congress is entitled 'Accelerating access to sanitation and water services in the face of the challenges of climate change ''. This continental event is organized jointly by the African Water Association, the Malian Potable Water Management Company (SOMAGEP) and the Malian Potable Water Heritage Society (SOMAPEP).

Nearly 2,000 participants are expected at this event, which is being held for the first time in Malian soil. This official launching ceremony brought together nearly 200 participants, including professionals from the water and sanitation sector, technical and financial partners, members of the academic community and civil society. She also recorded the presence of the Minister of Environment, Sanitation and Sustainable Development of Mali, who was with her, the Governor of the District of Bamako.

Opening the series of speeches, the President of the Congress of AAE Bamako 2018, Boubacar KANE and by mountaineers CEO of SOMAGEP-SA, wished all delegations coming from abroad, notably from Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso Faso, Benin and Niger, welcomed before indicating that this launching ceremony marks the beginning of the action plan of the Local Committee in charge of organizing this important event. Following on from this, Sylvain UHSER, the Executive Director of the AAE, presented the history of the African Water Association, as well as the programs it pilots for the benefit of member companies; These programs aim, among other things, to strengthen their capacities and participate in the improvement of their performance in order to offer better water and sanitation services to the populations.

Officially launching the congress AAE Bamako 2018, the Minister of Water and Energy Mr. Malick ALHOUSSEINI, invited all its departments to inscribe the organization of this congress in their business plans. "The challenge of access to safe drinking water and sanitation services is a challenge for all of us," he said, especially since at least 3 million Africans do not have access to Drinking water and basic sanitation services. At the request of the Local Organizing Committee to see the President of the Republic of Mali HE Mr. Ibrahim Boubacar KEITA preside over this Congress of the AAE in 2018, the Minister of Energy and Water gave the assurance to put To ensure that this request is met.

Family photo.