New IWA Young Water Professionals Chapter in Tanzania

As part of IWA’s mission to empower Young Water Professionals to contribute to sustainable water management, a new IWA Young Water Professionals (IWA YWP) chapter was officially established in Tanzania in September, 2025. This IWA YWP chapter will be the country’s go-to network, boosting connections for YWPs and a platform to support equal opportunities and quality career development. As a voluntary network, the Tanzania chapter is open to all water professionals aged 35 or below who are enthusiastic, dedicated, and passionate about water-related issues. Here, Oscar Balongo, Chair of YWP Tanzania, presents some key points about the chapter.

Q: What was the motivation for setting up an IWA YWP chapter in Tanzania?

Tanzania’s freshwater availability stands at approximately 2,105 m³ per capita per year—only slightly above the global water-stress threshold. By 2050, the country is expected to face severe water stress driven by rapid population growth, catchment degradation, climate-related hydrological shifts, and increasing water demand. Addressing these complex challenges requires a skilled, innovative and future-ready workforce. However, Tanzania currently faces a gap in the number of young professionals entering and progressing within the water sector.

Establishing an IWA Young Water Professionals (YWP) chapter in Tanzania provides a strategic solution to this gap. The chapter will strengthen national capacity by equipping young people with technical skills, leadership training, and exposure to global best practices. It will also create a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue, youth-led innovation, and collaborative problem-solving—critical elements for tackling emerging water challenges.

The chapter will prioritise mentorship, career guidance, hands-on learning, and networking opportunities that are often inaccessible to emerging professionals. By facilitating entry-level placements, volunteer roles, and professional development programmes tailored to local needs, the YWP chapter will support young professionals in navigating the sector and building meaningful careers.

Beyond capacity building, the chapter will serve as a visible and influential advocacy platform, amplifying youth perspectives in national discussions on water resources, climate resilience, and sustainable development. By showcasing the achievements of young professionals, it will also inspire more young people to pursue careers in the water sector, helping to expand and diversify the talent pipeline.

Ultimately, the IWA YWP Tanzania chapter will bring fresh energy, creativity, and forward-looking ideas to the sector—strengthening Tanzania’s ability to develop resilient, inclusive, and sustainable water solutions aligned with national priorities and global standards.

Q: How will the chapter contribute to the empowerment of YWPs to contribute to the national water agenda of Tanzania?

According to its Development Vision 2050, Tanzania aims to become an upper-middle-income country by 2050. To achieve this ambition, sustainable management of natural resources, including biodiversity conservation, water resource and wetland protection, pollution control, and land restoration, is essential. These efforts are fundamental to preserving the environmental integrity that underpins the country’s socio-economic stability and growth.

The IWA YWP Tanzania chapter will play a pivotal role in empowering young water professionals to contribute to these national priorities and will strongly align with the vision and mission of the IWA and its Strategic Plan, focusing on the YWP Community through the following pillars:

Professional Development:  

The YWP Tanzania chapter will offer structured training, workshops, and mentorship programmes that will develop the skills and knowledge of YWPs in Tanzania. These initiatives will equip YWPs with the tools and knowledge needed to tackle pressing challenges, such as improving water quantity and quality, expanding sanitation access, and managing water resources sustainably. This supports both national priorities and IWA’s broader mission of capacity building.

Networking and Collaboration Opportunities:  

Through networking events, conferences, multi-stakeholder forums, and knowledge-sharing platforms, the chapter will facilitate connecting YWPs with experienced professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders in the water sector. This will foster cross-sectoral collaboration and knowledge exchange, creating a platform for meaningful dialogue, enabling YWPs to contribute more effectively to national and regional water initiatives.

Policy Advocacy and Youth Representation:  

The YWP Tanzania chapter will advocate for the active inclusion of young professionals in policy development and decision-making processes. By amplifying youth voices in national water governance and management, the chapter will help to ensure that emerging perspectives are reflected in long-term planning and strategic initiatives aligned with Tanzania’s Vision 2050 and global frameworks, such as the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs as well as the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Community Engagement and Outreach:  

The IWA YWP Tanzania chapter will be encouraged to actively participate in community outreach and education programmes aimed at improving water literacy and conservation practices, raising awareness on water conservation, hygiene practices, and climate resilience. Special emphasis will be placed on gender inclusion, empowering women in water leadership roles, and fostering inclusive participation in the sector. This aligns with IWA’s mission of promoting sustainable, equitable, and inclusive water management globally.

Q: What are your aims and objectives for your chapter, and what activities do you plan to do?

Aims of the IWA YWP Tanzania chapter

The IWA YWP Tanzania chapter aims to empower, develop, and elevate the next generation of water sector leaders. Our primary goal is to nurture a highly skilled, well-informed, engaged, and influential cohort of young professionals capable of contributing to national priorities and global water agendas. We seek to foster continuous career growth through leadership development, technical capacity building, and exposure to innovative solutions.

The chapter also aims to strengthen youth participation in addressing Tanzania’s complex water challenges by creating an enabling environment for collaboration, creativity, and evidence-based decision-making. By amplifying youth voices in national and IWA platforms, the chapter will catalyse transformative change and support the country’s long-term vision for resilient and sustainable water management.

Objectives and Planned Activities

To achieve these aims, the chapter adopts a structured and strategic approach. The first phase focuses on strong institutional grounding through the establishment of a leadership team, a clear mission statement, and a transparent governance framework. Outreach campaigns will mobilise young professionals nationwide and build a diverse membership base.

Our activities are anchored on four core pillars:

1. Professional Development: Delivering training, workshops, technical sessions, and structured mentorship programmes tailored to emerging professional needs.
2. Networking and Collaboration: Hosting networking events, expert dialogues, and joint initiatives with institutions to connect YWPs and stimulate knowledge exchange.
3. Advocacy: Promoting youth involvement in water policy discussions, sector reforms, and awareness campaigns on pressing water issues.
4. Community Engagement: Supporting grassroots initiatives that enhance water education, sustainability, and innovation in local communities.

Sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation will be at the heart of the chapter’s operations, ensuring long-term relevance, meaningful contributions to Tanzania’s water sector, and alignment with international best practices.

Meet the founding committee of the IWA YWP Tanzania chapter 

Oscar Balongo, Chair, Programme Manager, eWATER Services.

Oscar Balongo is a development leader with progressive experience in advancing water security across East Africa. As Regional Programme Manager at eWATERservices, he drives large-scale smart water initiatives that integrate digital technology, financial sustainability, and community-centred service delivery.  

Oscar is a Mandela Washington Fellow, Chevening Scholar, University of Oslo Summer School graduate, and one of the 12 young leaders of the inaugural IWA LeaP leadership programme, recognised for championing youth-driven innovation, policy engagement, and climate-smart water solutions. His work focuses on strengthening the resilience of rural and peri-urban water systems, shaping regional partnerships, and empowering the next generation of water professionals. Passionate about leadership, technology, and equitable access to water, Oscar brings a forward-looking vision to the IWA YWP Tanzania chapter.

Said Lackson Mbembela, Vice Chair, Territory Sales Manager, Equiplus Company Limited

Said Mbembela is a young water professional and active member of the International Water Association (IWA), currently serving as the Vice Chairperson of the IWA Young Water Professionals (YWP) chapter in Tanzania. With six years of experience as a Territory Sales Manager, he brings a strong business development mindset and a proven track record of driving growth across diverse sectors.

Said works as the Lake Zone Branch Manager at Equiplus Company Limited (T), a KSB-authorised pump dealer in Tanzania, where he leads sales operations for mining companies, industries, government institutions, and NGOs across the Lake Region. His role involves spearheading technical solutions, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring reliable water infrastructure for clients. Passionate about youth empowerment and water sector advancement, Said is committed to promoting innovation, leadership, and professional excellence among emerging water professionals in Tanzania. 

Adelaide Mkwawa, Secretary, Natural Resources Stewardship Technical Advisor and Communications Specialist, Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ Tanzania and EAC), Tanzania

Adelaide is a technical advisor and communication expert specialising in the nexus of water governance, sustainable development, strategic communication, and organisational development. She began her involvement in the water sector in 2020, leveraging her experience from the United Nations Association of Tanzania and the Climate Action Network Tanzania. Her early work focused on supporting the Tanzanian government in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals, making sure youth needs are represented in Tanzania's SDG processes.

In the climate space, Adelaide supported the process of updating Tanzania’s Nationally Determined Contributions and the training of journalists to better understand the global climate action initiatives and link them to Tanzania's national development priorities. This included aligning climate reporting with frameworks such as the Five-Year Development Plans and Tanzania's Nationally Determined Contributions, and strengthening accurate and development-focused climate journalism.

At GIZ, Adelaide is responsible for supporting two catchment stewardship multi-stakeholder partnerships in the Usa River and Weruweru sub-catchments. Her work focuses on supporting initiatives around water for agriculture, environmental protection, governance, and human consumption. Her support includes facilitating cash and in-kind contributions from the public, private and civil society sectors towards inclusive and sustainable natural resources management across various sectors.

Hamis Mchia, Committee member, Tutor, Water Institute

Hamis Mchia is a tutor at the Water Institute, specialising in water resources and irrigation engineering. He is engaged in teaching and mentoring students in water-related engineering courses, while also contributing to applied research and community outreach projects focused on efficient water use in agriculture and rural development. His academic and professional journey has been driven by a commitment to develop practical solutions for water scarcity, improving irrigation systems, and promoting climate-resilient water management practices. He is motivated by the critical role that water plays in food security, public health, and environmental sustainability. Through education and collaboration, he is aiming to contribute to a new generation of water professionals who are equipped to address the complex challenges facing the water sector.

Alphonsina Ntibingwa, Committee Member, Assistant Programme Manager VEI-Tanzania

Alphonsina Ntibingwa is a water quality specialist and emerging programme leader dedicated to strengthening safe and sustainable water services in Tanzania. She currently serves as Assistant Programme Manager at VEI Tanzania, where she supports utility partnerships, capacity development activities, and initiatives aimed at improving operational and financial performances of the water utilities. As a graduate of IHE Delft, she combines international technical expertise with a strong commitment to local impact.

Alphonsina is passionate about empowering young professionals and advancing women’s participation in the water sector. She brings a dedicated and community-focused perspective to her work.

Apollo John, Committee Member, Supply Chain Officer, Water Mission Tanzania.

He is a supply chain practitioner with 4 years of professional expertise in supply chain management and document control, committed to advancing sustainable development through the provision of safe water projects for the host communities and refugee camps. In his entire career, he had the privilege of working with non-government organisations and companies on small and large-scale government projects, where he has been involved in the creation of departmental strategic planning, developing feasible workflows and efficient resource allocation to support smooth operations. 

If you have questions regarding the IWA YWP Community, please contact Isabela Espindola, IWA Membership Engagement Senior Officer.

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