Stakeholders from government, the private sector, and development partners convened in Accra for the 2026 Beyond the Pipe Forum, the 16th such event hosted by Safe Water Network.

This year’s forum explored how Safe Water Enterprises (SWEs) can transition from pilot initiatives to investment-ready models capable of delivering sustainable water services at scale.

Under the theme, “From Ideas to Pilots: Preparing Safe Water Enterprises for Investment,” the forum highlighted progress in piloting innovations in water safety, remote monitoring, and leak detection, while emphasizing the need for stronger coordination between the public and private sectors, improved market intelligence and information sharing, and access to financing to support enterprise growth.

A key highlight of the forum was the presentation of findings from a market mapping exercise conducted in the Ahafo Region by Safe Water Network.

The research identified gaps and overlaps in service provision and underscored the importance of clearly defined service territories to reduce duplication, improve operational and financial efficiency, and help create more attractive conditions for investment in decentralized water services.

Opening the forum, Safe Water Network Ghana Country Director Charles Nimako emphasized the importance of learning from pilot implementation:

“We are seeing a clear shift from innovation to practical application. The lessons emerging from these pilots are helping us better understand what it takes to run efficient, reliable water services, and what is needed to prepare these enterprises for investment.”

The forum also highlighted new financing opportunities, including the extension of Aqua for All’s Making Water Count programme through 2029, which will provide funding to eligible water and sanitation SMEs (small and medium-scale enterprises), including those in Ghana.

Safe Water Network Global Chief Executive Officer Chris Williams underscored the importance of building an investable ecosystem.

“The next phase of this work is about building strong, coordinated markets where enterprises can thrive. That means aligning policy, strengthening operational performance, and ensuring that capital can flow to enterprises that are ready to grow and deliver impact.”

A member of Safe Water Network’s India Advisory Group, Sanjeev Chadha, highlighted the global relevance of Ghana’s experience.

“What we are seeing here offers important lessons for other markets. The combination of enterprise models, data-driven planning, and ecosystem partnerships provides a strong foundation for scaling decentralized water services in a sustainable and investable way.”

The forum brought together policymakers, service providers, Safe Water Enterprises, investors, and development partners to strengthen collaboration and identify practical steps toward building a more coordinated and investment-ready water sector.