PROJECT SUMMARY

Project name

Transforming Academia - Embracing Digital Water Education in Africa

Project short name

DIGITWATER

Project phase

I

Partner(s)/ country(ies)

Belgium, Netherlands, Turkey, Ethiopia, Uganda, South Africa, Morocco, and Palestine.

AMU project coordinating office

Arba Minch University Water Technology Institute (AWTI)

Project type

Education and Research

Project implementation location

Sub-Saharan Africa in Ethiopia at Arba Minch and Bahir Dar

Target communities

Arba Minch university and Bahir Dar university community

Project coordinator

Dr Demelash Wondimagegnehu Goshime

Project manager

-

AMU-Principal investigator

Dr Demelash Wondimagegnehu Goshime

Co-investigators

-

Total project budget (Euro)

79,131.64

Project start

12/1/2025

Project end

1/31/2030

Financial reporting period

Quarterly

Project finance management office

College/institute finance & budget admin

Progress reporting period

Quarterly

Contact person

Dr Demelash Wondimagegnehu (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

DIGITWATER seeks to enhance the quality of higher education and research in water management through the use and promotion of innovative digital technologies. The project focuses on developing educational tools that promote collaboration and knowledge sharing among partner institutions (including students and academics), as well as the private and public sectors with a particular emphasis on the Sub-Saharan region. Key components of the project include upgrading the e-learning platform developed in our previous CBHE project, establishing technology labs, offering practical training, jointly supervising MSc theses, and developing e-learning modules (MOOCs) in water resources engineering. The project promotes interdisciplinary open water education, fostering South-South and North-South collaboration and co-development of MSc courses. It also engages stakeholders and citizens in education through an Integrated Project (IP) approach and local workshops on the Internet of Things. The IP will involve students tackling real-world water challenges, with each participating in NAPC HEI developing a case study. Additionally, the project aims to raise awareness of the gender aspects of water use and management, ensuring gender equality in access to education, and strengthening connections between the private and public sectors with MSc programs in partner universities. In summary, DIGITWATER aims to amplify the impact of digital technologies and educational tools in water management, while promoting access to high-quality education and research. The project will also establish new academic and research networks in water resources across partner countries, support student mobility, and foster partnerships with key stakeholders in the water sector.