Water for Africa through Leadership and Institutional Support (WALIS) Quarterly Report: 1 January – 31 March 2021

The program is implemented by DAI Global LLC and is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the Water and Development Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (WADI) contract. The program has an estimated maximum total funding amount of $13,883,704. WALIS is designed to bolster the ability of African leaders, donors, and stakeholders to use existing data and analyses to shape national water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) policy, planning, and budgets. The program focuses on four core task areas: developing and analyzing sound sector data, engaging in targeted research and pilot activities, strengthening country systems, and increasing the capacity to support improved collection and use of sector knowledge. The program has been extended twice and now ends on November 23, 2021. It was originally scheduled to run from September 25, 2015 to September 24, 2020. WALIS is part of USAID's efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 6, which aims to ensure universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water and sanitation for all. WALIS has made significant progress in its first five years, including the development of country sanitation profiles, strengthening of country systems, and increased capacity to support improved collection and use of sector knowledge. The program has also engaged in targeted research and pilot activities to address sector constraints and improve WASH services. The WALIS program is led by a Chief of Party, Richard Rapier, and is supported by a team of experts from DAI Global LLC. The program has a strong focus on gender equality and social inclusion, and has made significant progress in promoting women's empowerment and participation in WASH decision-making processes. In the first quarter of 2021, WALIS made significant progress in its technical activities, including the development of country sanitation profiles, strengthening of country systems, and increased capacity to support improved collection and use of sector knowledge. The program also engaged in targeted research and pilot activities to address sector constraints and improve WASH services. Overall, the WALIS program is making significant progress in improving access to clean water and sanitation in Africa, and is well-positioned to achieve its goals and objectives in the remaining months of its implementation period.