I4WASHMALINDI2025

Innovate4WASH Market Place Forum Malindi 2025

Theme: “Scaling Resilient WASH Solutions – Advancing Sustainable Market-Based Solutions for a Changing Climate in Kenya.”

Dates: 5th to 8th November 2025

Location: Malindi, Kenya

1. Background

Kenya, like many sub-Saharan nations, is confronting severe climate-related challenges—including prolonged droughts, flash floods, and rising temperatures—that exacerbate pressures on already strained water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) systems. While progress has been made over the last decade, structural issues such as financing gaps, weak supply chains, limited adoption of innovation, and insufficient community involvement persist.

To meet national goals like Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (particularly SDG 6), there is a critical need to transform how WASH solutions are financed, delivered, and sustained. Market-based approaches, driven by public-private partnerships, social enterprise models, and community-led innovation, present a viable path forward.

2. About Innovate4WASH (I4WASH)

Innovate4WASH is Africa’s leading platform for driving innovation and collaboration in the WASH sector. More than a conference, it is a movement that unites government, the private sector, civil society, researchers, and communities to spark scalable and sustainable solutions.

Since 2017, I4WASH has showcased over 500 solutions across three continents, acting as a catalyst for policy reform, knowledge sharing, and the commercialization of impactful innovations. The forum is committed to advancing scientific knowledge to develop practical tools and policies for a sustainable future.

3. Forum Objectives and Focus

The 2025 forum in Malindi will highlight the innovative potential of the WASH sector in advancing national priorities like the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and Vision 2030. The event aims to:

• Advocate for Policy Engagement: Promote institutional innovations and practical skills for creating impactful solutions.

• Strengthen Research and Commercialization: Maximize socio-economic impact and build resilient communities.

• Promote Climate-Smart Technologies: Enhance crisis response, recovery, and the creation of climate-resilient communities with equitable access to clean water.

The forum provides a platform for stakeholders to:

• Gain an understanding of government policies and programs.

• Showcase innovations from the Eastern African market.

• Match sources and seekers of capital.

• Identify needs and gaps impeding new WASH solutions.

• Build trust and create partnerships.

• Increase visibility for local stakeholders.

• Build capacity for scaling up relevant water nexus technologies and business models.

4. Key Themes and Structure

The four-day conference will feature a mix of keynote addresses, panel discussions, technical sessions, marketplace exhibitions, and pitches. The thematic sessions will focus on:

• Climate-Resilient WASH Infrastructure

• Financing Models for Sustainable WASH Markets

• Digital Innovations for WASH Monitoring and Access

• Behaviour Change and Community Engagement

• Public-Private Partnerships in Climate-Smart WASH

• Policy and Regulation for Market-Driven Resilience

The event will also include interactive side events, technical site visits, and dedicated networking opportunities to foster collaboration. A key feature is the “10-minute pitch” sessions, allowing diverse stakeholders to present their solutions, challenges, or needs to pave the way for partnerships.

5. Target Audience

The forum aims to gather a diverse group of stakeholders from across the WASH sector, including:

• Government decision-makers and county authorities.

• WASH organizations and practitioners (Pioneers).

• Private sector companies (Corporate Changemakers).

• Financial institutions and investors.

• Civil society, academia, and media (Stakeholder Alliances).

• Community representatives and local WASH champions.

6. Expected Outcomes

I4WASH 2025 aims to catalyze transformative actions that will propel the WASH industry forward. Participants are expected to leave with increased “hard and soft capital”—including new knowledge, partnerships, and business opportunities—to contribute to building WASH systems that are resilient, inclusive, and future-ready. The ultimate goal is to contribute to a safer and more sustainable future for all, empowering communities to thrive amidst changing environmental conditions.