Rethinking Financing for Water Supply: Lessons from GVWC-AfDB Public-Private Partnership Workshop

WASHNet’s participation in the Public–Private Partnership (PPP) Capacity Building Workshop, held from 2nd–4th March 2026 in Freetown, provided a timely opportunity to reflect on where Sierra Leone stands in its journey toward sustainable water service delivery and what it will take to move the sector forward.

Convened by the Guma Valley Water Company GVWC) through support from the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) African Legal Support Facility (ALSF), the workshop brought together key public institutions, regulators, utilities, and development partners; including the Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO), Law Officers Department, National Investment Board (NIB), National Commission for Privation (NCP), Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Secretariat, the Electricity, Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC), Consumer Protection Commission (CPC), and others. For WASHNet, the value of the engagement was not only in the technical content, but in the collective recognition that the future of water service delivery in Sierra Leone will depend on stronger systems, better financing models, and more accountable partnerships.

A sector at a turning point

Sierra Leone’s WASH sector is at a critical moment. Demand for water services is increasing, especially in urban areas, while existing infrastructure continues to face pressure from population growth, climate variability, and limited public financing.

The discussions during the workshop reinforced a point that has long been evident from WASHNet’s work across districts and at national level: the current financing model is not sufficient to close the service delivery gap.

As Musa Ansumana Soko, Team Lead of WASHNet, reflected during the sessions:

“We are at a point where the sector must begin to think differently about how infrastructure is financed and managed. Public resources alone will not be enough, but partnerships must be carefully designed to protect public interest and ensure equitable access.”

Understanding PPPs beyond the concept

While PPPs are often discussed at policy level, the workshop helped unpack what they actually mean in practice. From project identification and screening to risk allocation, procurement, and contract management, the sessions provided a clearer picture of the level of preparation required before entering into such arrangements.

For WASHNet, one of the key takeaways was that PPPs are not a quick solution. They demand strong institutional readiness, credible data, clear legal frameworks, and disciplined coordination across agencies.

“PPP is not just about bringing in private financing,” Musa noted. “It is about building the systems that can manage that partnership over time. Without strong institutions and oversight, the risks can outweigh the benefits.”

Implications for governance and accountability

One of the strongest reflections from WASHNet’s participation relates to governance. The workshop placed significant emphasis on legal frameworks, procurement processes, and contract structures. This aligns closely with WASHNet’s long-standing advocacy for transparency and accountability in the sector.

PPP arrangements in water services carry long-term implications. They shape tariffs, service quality, and access. This makes it essential that regulatory bodies, government institutions, and civil society are well-positioned to play their roles effectively.

From WASHNet’s perspective, strengthening accountability systems must move in parallel with any expansion of PPPs.

“Water is a public good. Any partnership model must be anchored in transparency, clear regulations, and active oversight. Citizens must not be left out of the conversation, especially when decisions affect affordability, sustainability, and access.”

Linking PPPs to service delivery realities

A key strength of the workshop was its focus on practical application, particularly through discussions around the GVWC Mountain Area Bulk Water Project. This brought the conversation closer to Sierra Leone’s reality, where infrastructure gaps are visible and urgent.

For WASHNet, this highlighted the importance of ensuring that PPP discussions do not remain at the technical or institutional level alone. They must be grounded in the lived experiences of communities who still struggle with unreliable or limited water access.

“Any infrastructure investment, whether public or private, must be judged by one standard: does it improve service delivery for people? If we lose sight of that, we risk building systems that do not respond to real needs.”

What this means for the growth of the WASH sector?

The workshop signals a gradual shift in how Sierra Leone is approaching water sector development. It reflects an openness to new financing models and a recognition that partnerships will play a role in future infrastructure expansion.

However, for WASHNet, the path forward must be guided by a few key priorities.

• First, institutional capacity must continue to be strengthened across all actors, from central government to utilities and regulators. Without this, even well-designed PPPs will struggle to deliver results.
• Second, sector planning must be grounded in data and long-term strategy. Investments should align with national priorities and respond to actual service delivery gaps.
• Third, accountability mechanisms must be reinforced. This includes clear regulatory oversight, transparent procurement processes, and active citizen engagement.
• Finally, there must be a deliberate effort to ensure that PPPs contribute to equity. Expanding infrastructure should not come at the cost of affordability or access for vulnerable populations.

WASHNet’s participation in the PPP Capacity Building Workshop reaffirmed the importance of dialogue, learning, and collaboration across the sector. It also underscored that while PPPs offer opportunities, they are not a substitute for strong systems.

As Musa Ansumana Soko concluded:

“Partnerships can unlock progress, but only when they are built on strong foundations. For Sierra Leone, the real work is ensuring that our institutions, policies, and accountability systems are ready to support the kind of investments we want to attract.”

For the WASH sector, the conversation is no longer about whether to explore new models, but how to do so responsibly. The choices made now will shape not only infrastructure development, but also the quality, equity, and sustainability of water services for years to come.

WASHNet remains committed to playing its role in this process, ensuring that as the sector evolves, it remains anchored in public interest, evidence, and accountability.