“The FORUM aims to foster long‑term partnerships and strengthen cooperation between African and Hungarian water‑sector leaders.”
34
Interview conducted by:
Youcef MAALLEMI and CHIKH Mouloud, photos selected by: Idris BOUCHELKIA.
Le Courrier d’Afrique 54 :
Good morning Dr. Károly Kovács, we'll begin our
interview with the traditional question: could you briefly describe your
professional background?
Dr. Károly Kovács: To briefly introduce my professional background: I have spent several decades working to advance sustainable, affordable and resilient water and sanitation infrastructures both in Europe and internationally. My career has been driven by the belief that the value of water—and a genuinely water‑smart society—must be central to our economic, social and environmental decisions. Over the years, I have had the privilege to work in a number of international organisations that define and influence the global water agenda. Regarding my academic foundations, I hold an MSc in Water Civil Engineering, complemented by further studies in engineering‑economics and asset evaluation. In 2022, I completed my PhD at Corvinus University of Budapest, where my research focused on the replacement needs of water utility infrastructure and the social responsibility and solidarity required to secure long‑term sustainability. These studies have shaped my integrated approach to water systems, financing, and long‑term infrastructure planning. Throughout my career, I have held numerous leadership roles in national and international water organisations. I have served as chairman of the Hungarian Water Association since 2012, and I’m chairing the Hungarian Water Partnership since 2008. On the international stage, I was president of the European Water Association (EWA) from 2015 to 2017, and since 2022 I have been an honorary member of the organisation. Within EWA, I also chair the Working Group on Economics. Beyond Europe, I am the vice president of the ASEM WATER Academic and Development Committee (since 2014), and since 2024 I have been a member of the Strategic Council of the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) - currently the only non‑African member of the 25‑person council. I also chair the Africa Committee of the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (since 2020). In the past, I contributed to the European Commission’s Platform on Sustainable Finance (2020–2023) and served as a member of the Steering Committee of the European Innovation Partnership on Water (2017–2020). My areas of expertise include water and sanitation infrastructure development, life‑cycle‑based option analysis, regulatory and ESG matters, and the design of financially viable, long‑term water strategies. Across all these roles, my aim remains the same: to support resilient water systems and ensure that both Europe and our international partners can rely on accessible, affordable, and sustainable water services—for today and for the generations to come.
Le Courrier d’Afrique 54: Could you tell us about the Hungarian Water Partnership,
the official organizer of the Water FORUM? And what are its missions and main
objectives?
Dr. Károly Kovács: To understand the Hungarian Water
Partnership and the broad expertise our members possess let me first tell you
about the Hungarian Water Sector. Hungary’s water sector is a well‑developed,
nationally coordinated system that reflects the country’s geographic
characteristics, infrastructure investments and long-standing engineering
traditions. Hungary covers 93,030 km² and has a population of around 9.7
million people (2023), with an average population density of 105 inhabitants
per km². These fundamentals shape both the scale and the complexity of water
service provision. One of the defining strengths of the Hungarian water sector
is the extensive network that supports drinking water and wastewater services. The country operates more than 100,000 km of drinking
water and sewer networks, ensuring broad national coverage. The drinking water network
system – providing healthy tap water to households - reaches 97% of the
population, while 87% of wastewater generated is collected and treated, with
all sewered wastewater ending in a treatment plant. These performance levels reflect decades of
infrastructure development supported by national and EU funds. To give you
context about this achievement at the turn of the 1940s and 1950s, only 12.5%
of dwellings in Hungary had flush toilets and just 10% had bathrooms,
reflecting severe deficiencies in housing conditions that were closely linked
to the underdeveloped water supply and wastewater infrastructure. In the early
1950s, piped drinking water networks were largely confined to major cities,
while rural areas and smaller towns relied predominantly on wells, hand pumps,
or shared water sources. Sewerage systems were even more unevenly developed:
comprehensive wastewater networks existed only in a few urban centres, and the
majority of settlements lacked organized sewage collection and treatment
altogether. Building on these historically challenging conditions, Hungarian
water industry actors have, in recent decades, developed strong professional
expertise and innovative technical knowledge. Today, utilities, engineering
firms, and research institutions are recognized for their competence in water
treatment technologies, network rehabilitation, leakage reduction, and
energy-efficient system operation. Hungarian companies increasingly apply
digital monitoring, advanced control systems, and sustainable wastewater
treatment solutions, and many are active participants in international
projects. This evolution reflects a long-term learning process in which past
infrastructural shortcomings have contributed to a resilient, technically
skilled, and innovation-oriented water sector. The Hungarian Water Partnership (HWP), is a registered cluster comprising
of 20+ members, some of the most innovative companies in the Hungarian water
sector, and as a cooperation partner our goal is to bring these accumulated
expertise, skills, products, and solutions of the Hungarian water sector to
international use. By opening up the international networks and professional
focus areas of EWA/IWA, ASEM Water and AfWASA - particularly in the field of
sanitation - we have become actively involved in development processes in
Africa. Hungarian - African cooperation in the field of water management dates
back several decades (primarily in North African countries in the 1960s and
1980s), and HWP member companies have been present in numerous sub-Saharan
African countries over the past decade. A key strength of the HWP lies in these
expertise and proven track record of the member companies in the field of water
treatment. Our Watertreatment technologies and engineering solutions have been
recognised and acknowledged worldwide, including by leading global bodies such
as the United Nations (PurAID® as az SDG acceleration action in the field of
drinking water treatment: Sustainable safe drinking water
supply for rural areas, Septopure® as an FSTP solution that helps to
accelerate the SDG goals: Affordable wastewater treatment
technology to treat 100% liquid waste) and the International Water Association
(IWA) (Citywide Inclusive Sanitation
Experience, Ghana (youtube.com)). These cutting‑edge technological and
technical innovations developed with special emphasis on solutions addressing
the water challenges faced by African countries.
Le Courrier d’Afrique 54: What are the major actions undertaken by the Hungarian Water Partnership in recent years?
Dr. Károly Kovács: In recent years, the HWP has significantly expanded its international engagement, with a strong emphasis on strengthening cooperation between Hungary and African countries. Through strategic partnerships and MoUs with key regional and continental water institutions, including the AfWASA-EWA, HWP-Korean Water Association, HWP- Vietnam Water Supply and Sewerage Association, HWP has positioned itself as a vital bridge between Africa and Asia as well. These collaborations promote knowledge exchange, technology transfer and professional dialogue, ensuring that Hungarian water‑sector expertise is shared where it is most needed. HWP also actively participates in international water FORUMs, high‑level panels and development programmes, enabling African partners to access European and Asian experience in water governance, financing models and capacity-building. HWP is also playing a proactive role in regulatory and strategic development initiatives aimed at improving the enabling environment for water and sanitation services in Africa. The organisation has contributed expert proposals on adapting European wastewater treatment standards to African realities, recognising that technologies and discharge limits designed for high‑income contexts often require modification to be practical and effective in developing regions. HWP also organises professional workshops, training programmes and multilateral events that bring together policymakers, utility leaders and engineers from across Africa and Europe. Through this combination of cooperation, capacity-building and regulatory support, the Hungarian Water Partnership has become a key actor in shaping a more globally interconnected water sector—one that promotes sustainable, affordable and context‑appropriate water treatment solutions for African countries.
Le Courrier d’Afrique 54: The Hungarian Water Partnership, in collaboration with
the African Water and Sanitation Association, is organizing the Water FORUM,
which will take place from February 24th to 28th in Budapest, Hungary. How are
the preparations progressing?
Dr. Károly Kovács: The preparations for the Global Water and Sanitation Connect (FORUM) https://www.hungarianwaterpartnership.hu/events/afwasa-hwp-global-water-and-sanitation-connect-2026are progressing extremely well. We are experiencing an exceptionally high level of interest, far beyond our initial expectations, with more than a 300% subscription rate for the event. We are delighted to welcome registered participants from across the African continent, including Ghana, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Zambia, Senegal, Kenya, Togo, and several other countries. This enthusiastic response highlights both the relevance of the FORUM’s themes and the growing visibility of Hungarian–African water cooperation. Our collaboration with AfWASA during the preparation phase has been very close, intensive and professionally seamless. The joint work demonstrates the strength of our partnership and ensures that the programme reflects real needs, valuable content, and shared objectives. I also would like to draw your attention to another professional event HWP is organising. Part of Global Water and Sanitation Connect 2026 FORUM, the delegation will also take part in a high‑level international event (CONFERENCE) organised by HWP on 27 February, titled “The Future of Water – Innovative Responses to Global Water Challenges”,to be held in cooperation with Planet Budapest 2026. With around 200 international experts, decision-makers and financiers in attendance, this CONFERENCE will further enhance global awareness of Hungarian water-sector capabilities. On the Future of Water CONFERENCE (27th February) we are honoured to welcome a distinguished group of internationally recognised leaders who have confirmed their participation. Among them are Prof. Harsha Ratnaweera, President of the European Water Association (EWA); Dr. Blaise Moussa, President of AfWASA; Dr. Rose Christine Kaggwa, Director of the African Water and Sanitation Academy (AWASA); Zhang Rui, Deputy Director of ASEM Water; Dr. Myung Soo Yoo, Vice President of the Korean Water and Wastewater Association (KWWA); and Teodor Popa, Vice President of IAWD. Importantly, during this CONFERENCE the AfWASA - supported by the Hungarian Water Partnership - will expand its cooperation network towards Asia. At the conclusion of the programme, a Memorandum of Understanding will be signed between AfWASA and ASEM Water, marking a significant milestone in building intercontinental bridges across the global water community.
Le Courrier d’Afrique 54: Tell us about the program for this FORUM,
also about the theme of the event.
Dr. Károly Kovács: Beyond showcasing Hungarian innovations, including
the solutions developed within the Hungarian Water Partnership (HWP) that are
officially recognised by the United Nations as SDG Acceleration Solutions, see
the links above, the AfWASA-HWP Global Water and Sanitation Connect FORUMcreates
an unparalleled platform for cross‑continental exchange. The FORUM’s content
has been structured around key thematic tracks that address the most urgent
challenges and opportunities in water and sanitation globally, with special
attention to African priorities. Delegates will participate in interactive
workshops and panel discussions focused on Africa’s most pressing water
challenges, along with technical visits to Hungarian plants and factories that
demonstrate practical, scalable solutions. The FORUM programmecovers a
comprehensive set of themes, including: advanced drinking water purification
technologies (from surface water treatment to decentralised mobile systems and
UN‑recognised WASH innovations); wastewater and sludge management solutions
(centralised and decentralised treatment, sludge‑to‑energy approaches,
innovative reuse models); and non‑revenue water reduction using cutting‑edge
detection, monitoring and IoT‑based tools. Additional tracks examine smart
systems and data management, rainwater harvesting and reuse, and cross‑regional
case studies from the Carpathian Basin, Southeast Asia, and Africa.
Participants will also engage in sessions on financing mechanisms for SDG 6,
discussions on global water challenges led by international organisations, and
forward‑looking sessions on building a resilient water future, emphasising
digitalisation, knowledge sharing and capacity building across utilities. In
addition to the professional programme, the FORUM places great emphasis on
cultural experience and hospitality. Presenting the richness of Hungarian
culture and gastronomy is considered an essential element of Global Water and
Sanitation Connect 2026. Delegates will have the opportunity to immerse
themselves in the country’s heritage through traditional cultural evenings,
curated dinners, and guided sightseeing activities. Click here for further information about the program.
Le Courrier d’Afrique 54: Can you give us an exclusive preview of some of the
individuals who will be participating in this FORUM?
Dr. Károly Kovács: From a data protection perspective, I
would rather refer to some of the organizations and positions.
Côte d'Ivoire
· -We will have a delegation from Sodeci, the
DG and the Directeur Adjoint Developpement Durable
· -Director General from the Ministère de l'Hydraulique, de
l'Assainissement et de la Salubrité
Nigeria
· -Water Utilities representatives (from
different cities)
· -Federal Ministry of Water Resources and
Sanitation
Senegal
· - Direction de l'Assainissement du Sénégal
· - Office des Lacs et Cours d’Eau
· - Global d'Assainissement et des Travaux Publics (GATP)
Sierra Leone
· - National Water Resources Management Agency
· -Sierra Leone Electricity and Water
Regulatory Commission
· -Guma Valley Water Company
· - Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation
· -Water and Sanitation Directorate
Ghana
· -Ghana Water LTd.
· -Community Water and Sanitation Agency
· -EPA
Togo
· -Société de patrimoine eau et assainissement du Togo (SP-EAU) and many more.
Le Courrier d’Afrique 54: Who are the stakeholders involved in organizing this FORUM?
Dr. Károly Kovács: This FORUM is organised by the Hungarian
Water Partnership (HWP), which serves as the central coordinator and host of
the entire event. All study tours, technical site visits, and factory
demonstrations are conducted exclusively in cooperation with HWP member companies,
ensuring that participants gain direct insight into Hungary’s most advanced and
innovative water‑sector solutions. From a water diplomacy perspective, the
organisation of the FORUM is strengthened by the professional support of the
Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade as well as the Hungarian Export
Promotion Agency (HEPA). Their involvement helps reinforce the international
dimension of the event, broadens its strategic reach, and ensures that the FORUM
not only highlights Hungarian expertise but also contributes meaningfully to
global cooperation in water and sanitation.
Le Courrier d’Afrique 54: After Budapest, do you plan to organize another similar
event in another country? If so, which one?
Dr. Károly Kovács: As the Hungarian Water Partnership (HWP)
is a Hungarian institution, we do not plan to organise a similar large‑scale
event in another country. Our mission is to organise and coordinate such
comprehensive programmes in Hungary, host delegations from other countries such
as Vietnam, where we can showcase the full spectrum of Hungarian water‑sector
expertise, technologies, and innovation ecosystems. However, we are actively
present at major international water events, and we continuously engage in
global professional platforms. For example, we will participate in the upcoming
AfWASA ICE, to be held in Yaoundé in the first week of February, where we will
present our experience and highlight specific Hungarian water‑treatment
solutions tailored to African contexts. Beyond this, we remain fully committed
to sharing our knowledge and presenting our technologies at other relevant
international conferences, exhibitions, and professional fora whenever the
opportunity arises.
Le Courrier d’Afrique 54: Specifically, what are the objectives of this FORUM?
Dr. Károly Kovács: Many of the objectives of the FORUM have
already been touched upon in earlier questions, but to summarise them clearly
and from a slightly different angle: The Global Water and Sanitation Connect
2026 FOURM initiative is designed to serve as a catalyst for deeper
international cooperation and targeted capacity building in the global water
sector. One of its primary aims is to strengthen knowledge exchange and
technology transfer, both between Hungary and participating nations and across
continents. Another essential goal of the FORUM is to showcase Hungary’s most
advanced water and sanitation innovations, including smart infrastructure
solutions, circular‑economy practices and several technologies officially
recognised by the United Nations as SDG Acceleration Solutions, contributions
that support progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. The FORUM also
seeks to promote high‑level discussions on financing mechanisms for SDG 6
(Clean Water and Sanitation), enabling participants to explore practical
pathways for sustainable investment and project implementation. Finally, the FORUM
aims to foster long‑term partnerships and strengthen cooperation between
African and Hungarian water‑sector leaders. This includes encouraging capacity‑building
programmes, utility‑to‑utility cooperation, and joint development initiatives
that can deliver more resilient and sustainable water management solutions. In
essence, the FORUM’s objectives reflect a commitment not only to exchange
knowledge, but to build the kinds of durable professional relationships that
can transform water systems for the future.
Le Courrier d’Afrique 54: What is the contribution of the expected foreign
exhibitors and participants? And how is this FORUM useful for exhibitors and
visitors?
Dr. Károly Kovács: The FORUM itself is not accompanied by an exhibition, so the contribution of foreign participants is not related to showcasing products or setting up stands. In the context of the FORUM, our international participants, primarily arriving from Africa, play a crucial role by engaging with the high‑level professional content and gaining insight into the bankable, sustainable and locally adaptable solutions that the Hungarian Water Partnership and its member companies are ready to offer. Their participation ensures a meaningful exchange focused on real needs, practical challenges, and implementable solutions that can support water and sanitation development across African regions. If we speak about the CONFERENCE - “The Future of Water – Innovative Responses to Global Water Challenges”, - which will also be organised by the Hungarian Water Partnership on the 27th February (as referenced earlier in question 4), as this CONFERENCE is a side event of the Planet Budapest 2026, the unique, experience-driven sustainability education platform, heldevery two to three years, the international dimension is significantly broader. Background to Planet. Planet Budapest 2026 is organised by the Blue Planet Climate Protection Foundation. Building on the success of the Budapest Water Summit events held in 2013, 2016, and 2019, the Planet event series will now focus not only on water but also on other aspects of sustainability. Planet Budapest 2026 focuses on shaping the future through the fusion of knowledgeand experience while inspiring collective action.As an edutainment show, Planet Budapest seeks to engage both the intellect and emotionsof its audience. It provides immersive, community-based experiences and practicalknowledge for sustainable living — with a special focus on the younger, more receptivegenerations. One of the four pillars of Planet Budapest 2026, an Expo is organised. This business-focused pillar of the event invites the corporate community to engage inmeaningful action toward systemic sustainability transformation. Planet Expo serves as astage for companies, startups, universities, and thought leaders who are pioneers inimplementing sustainability goals — to showcase their work and inspire others. You can find the Hungarian Water Partnership at the Expo as exhibitor, such as additional member companies of HWP (Pureco Ltd.), etc. As for our CONFERENCE - “The Future of Water – Innovative Responses to Global Water Challenges – to be organised as part of the Planet Budapest 2026 on the 27th February, we expect participants from China, Vietnam, neighbouring European countries, and a wide range of Hungarian stakeholders. This creates a deeply international professional environment, where experts, decision‑makers, industry leaders and innovators can engage in valuable dialogue. It provides a platform for participants to exchange experiences, compare perspectives and explore shared visions about the future of water, fostering cooperation that reaches well beyond regional boundaries. In both cases - whether at the FORUM or the CONFERENCE - the value for visitors lies in the opportunity to connect with a diverse and high‑level professional community, learn from real-world case studies, and build long‑term partnerships that support sustainable water management and innovation worldwide.
Le Courrier d’Afrique 54: Which country will be the guest of honour at this year's FORUM,
and why was this country chosen?
Dr. Károly Kovács: The FORUM is organised for African
countries as a whole, without highlighting any specific guest country. Our aim
is to serve the entire continent and to share our knowledge and solutions in a
truly pan‑African manner.
Le Courrier d’Afrique 54: What role does the sanitation sector play in this FORUM?
Dr. Károly Kovács: The sanitation sector plays a central and
wide‑ranging role in this FORUM. In many
African contexts, sanitation is primarily associated with access to a toilet.
Closed toilets - though not necessarily flush toilets - are generally regarded
as sources of faecal sludge that can be processed for resource recovery.
However, the proper treatment of the resulting wastewater often receives far
less attention than required from both an environmental and public‑health
standpoint. This gap highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to
sanitation across the continent. The Hungarian Water Partnership (HWP) is
actively contributing to broadening this understanding. Amongst key
stakeholders within the water and wastewater industry, regulatory bodies and
other organisation connected to this issues we promote a more holistic
interpretation of sanitation that includes not only toilet access and faecal
sludge management, but also the development and strengthening of wastewater
treatment services, the establishment of clear and realistic discharge
standards, and the exploration of alternative financing models that can support
long‑term, sustainable solutions. Within this expanded framework, the FORUM
provides an ideal platform to advance a more integrated and future‑oriented
vision of sanitation, one that recognises its critical importance for public
health, environmental protection, and sustainable urban development across
Africa.
Le Courrier d’Afrique 54: What is your strategy for ensuring the success of this
year's FORUM ?
Dr. Károly Kovács: Our strategy focuses on three pillars:
strong content, deep cooperation, and tangible outcomes. We will deliver needs‑driven
sessions that elevate sanitation beyond toilet access to include wastewater
treatment, realistic discharge standards, and public‑health safeguards. But we
are also focusing on drinking water purification and stormwater-related
challenges both Africa and Europe is facing with. We will work in close
partnership with AfWASA, coordinate exclusively with HWP member companies for
study tours and site visits, and benefit from the professional support of the
Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and HEPA and as for the
CONFERENCE we organise at Planet Budapest, the Blue Planet Climate Foundation. We
will enable high‑impact B2B meetings, technical visits, and financing dialogues
that translate knowledge into bankable, sustainable, and locally adaptable projects.
We will strengthen international links through the Future of Water FORUM, where
AfWASA and ASEM Water will sign an MoU that expands cooperation to Asia. We
will also foster trust and long‑term partnerships by integrating refined
cultural experiences, including traditional evenings, curated dinners, and
guided sightseeing.
Le Courrier d’Afrique 54: What message would you like to convey to the FORUM's
participants and visitors?
Dr. Károly Kovács: My message to all participants is simple: you are essential partners in shaping a more resilient, sustainable and inclusive water future. I encourage everyone to take full advantage of the FORUM’s professional depth, its international dialogue, and the unique opportunity to form partnerships that can lead to real, impactful solutions.Your engagement, ideas and collaboration are what will turn this gathering into long‑term progress for communities across Africa and beyond.
Illustrative
picture of the events organized by HWP in February 2026 in Budapest, Hungary