WSA was officially introduced to the actors and donors of the sector, during the World Water Forum. As part of a introduction ceremony held on the exhibition space of the institution, the Chief Executive Officer shared the new vision and mission highlighting the new innovative approach involved in the mission of the Agency, which, to him perfectly fits with the theme of this year's forum namely: "Time for solutions." He put it out that one of the most meaningful characteristics of the institution lies in its being an African organization whose mission is to develop African solutions to African problems.

Given the experience that the institution has achieved in its 23 years' history, there is no doubt that WSA will fully play its new role on the continent. This is the opinion of Jean Philippe Bayon from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), also patron of the introductory ceremony of the new Agency. So, he invited WSA to engage more in the realization of the many political commitments in favour of the development of the sector in African countries.

From the presentation made by Juanita During, Director of Partnership, Advocacy and Communications and Yacine Traoré, Head of Communications Department, it came out clearly that the Agency has three main objectives namely to actively participate in the capitalization and dissemination of best practices, ensure relevant and pro-poor policies and strategies in the various African countries and, finally, place water and sanitation at the centre of the human development agenda. The ambition of the institution for the next four years is to reach 50 million users in Africa, approximately 12.5% ​​towards the target for Millennium Development Goal 7.

WSA is mandated by its member countries to develop a pool of expertise for innovative and sustainable solutions for safe water, sanitation and hygiene.