W2AF Technical Assistance Facility: A unique model for ensuring sustainable water access

The Water Access Acceleration Fund (W2AF), the first private equity water investment fund, has launched a Technical Assistance Facility (TAF) to provide tailored capacity building to W2AF investees.

With a commitment of €550,000 from Aqua for All and Norfund, the facility aims to catalyse the growth of innovative water businesses across Africa, Asia and Latin America. Together, Aqua for All and Norfund provide not only financial support but also strategic guidance to ensure the success of the TAF and its investees. Both organisations have been investors in W2AF since early 2023, demonstrating their longstanding commitment to its mission.

What sets the TAF apart is its integration with the broader W2AF, supporting investees to provide quality, safe and affordable drinking water to underserved populations, while driving growth in the water sector. “Technical assistance is complementary to investments, and when combined, maximises the overall effect of financing for water access.” said Annemarie Mastenbroek, Aqua for All Manager Technical Assistance and Capacity Building.

Aqua for All plays an active role in the facility’s governance, through its participation in both the TAF Steering Committee—providing strategic guidance, approving planning and reporting as well as technical assistance providers, and monitoring performance—and the TAF Committee, which oversees the project pipeline, approves individual technical assistance projects and ensures compliance with operational standards.

A strategic approach to technical assistance

Running from 2025 to 2029, the TAF will offer tailored technical assistance to water enterprises, helping them grow their operations and maximise their impact.

The facility focuses on five key areas:

• Water technology and delivery systems: Enhancing efficiency and extending the reach of high-quality water distribution.
• Corporate system enhancement: Strengthening operational capacity and business practices for long-term sustainability.
• Climate action: Integrating climate resilience, adaptation and mitigation strategies and solutions.
• Gender equity: Promoting inclusive practices across the water sector.
• Impact measurement: Developing frameworks to track and communicate impact results effectively.

Looking ahead

By equipping water enterprises with the tools, knowledge, and resources they need, the TAF aims to create lasting impact and extend access to safe drinking water for those who need it most.

Over its lifespan, the TAF will implement approximately five direct technical assistance projects, alongside five impact measurement initiatives and two knowledge-sharing projects, fostering collaboration and learning across the sector.

For additional information, please read the press release.