In June 2025, a delegation from Mali - including representatives from the Ministry of Sanitation, Environment and Sustainable Development, ANGESEM, SNV Mali, and the Embassy of the Netherlands in Mali - visited the Netherlands as part of the Blue Deal Mali partnership.
Exchange Mission to the Netherlands: Building ANGESEM’s Capacity
The work visit focused on strengthening ANGESEM’s technical and organisational capacities through interactive workshops, site visits to wastewater treatment plants, and hands-on training. Laboratory technicians sharpened their skills at Waterschap Hunze en Aa, while operators gained practical experience at facilities managed by Hoogheemraadschap Hollands Noorderkwartier.
Pictured: Practical exchanges at Dutch wastewater treatment facilities
A leadership workshop hosted by Waterschap Rivierenland provided space to reflect on and improve ANGESEM’s management charter. Aside from these practical visits, the delegation also met with funders – Netherlands Enterprise Agency and NWB Fonds – to discuss the upcoming dyeing project supported by SNV Mali, with involvement from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This exchange laid a strong foundation for more sustainable and efficient wastewater management in Mali.
Pictured: A visit to Dutch water authority Hunze en Aa
Expert Visit to Mali: Diagnostic Assessment of Bamako’s Treatment Plants
To complement the exchange, Dutch wastewater expert Dirk Koot visited Mali from August 12 to 18, 2025, with support from PUM. His work visit involved a thorough diagnostic assessment of ANGESEM’s wastewater treatment plants in Bamako.
The visit concluded with a debriefing workshop, where key challenges and recommendations were shared with ANGESEM’s management, technical departments, and operators. These insights will be integrated into the ongoing Blue Deal partnership, helping to improve the sustainability and performance of sanitation infrastructure – ultimately benefiting both the population and the environment.
Pictured: Dirk Koot visits an ANGESEM wastewater treatment plant in Bamako, Mali