WASH Systems Learning Forum: Reflections from Sierra Leone and Nigeria’s Joint Sector Journey.
The WASH Systems Learning Forum in Abuja brought together partners from Sierra Leone and Nigeria for an honest reflection on what it takes to build lasting water, sanitation, and hygiene systems. Representing Sierra Leone, WASHNet joined the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, GOAL, and BudgIT Sierra Leone to exchange lessons with a diverse group of Nigerian partners, UNICEF, IRC, and the University of Bristol.
The discussions went beyond infrastructure and focused on the systems that keep services functioning: stronger MEAL processes, better subnational planning, clearer sector coordination, and smarter ways of working in fragile settings. Sierra Leone’s experiences with budget tracking and community accountability gained strong attention, while Nigeria’s insights from security-compromised states offered valuable lessons for managing services under pressure.
As the Strengthening WASH Systems for Health project enters its next phase, the momentum from Abuja gives partners on both sides renewed direction. The shared learning will help deepen collaboration, guide district-level planning, and strengthen the policies and institutions needed to deliver sustainable WASH services for every community.
