In this session, the panelists will explain the reasons for establishing a Pan-African Academy for professionals in the water and wastewater sectors. The existing challenges for a sustainable financial as well as efficient (through online & in-presence modules, partner-ships with accredited training institutions, etc.) operation of this Academy will be dis-cussed. Beyond the day-to-day operations, there is also an increased need for an efficient and effective communication structure for this new Academy – local and international part-ners, prospective students, governmental bodies, teachers, and many more stakeholders need to stay on the same page about the development and the current services the Academy provides. The session will further highlight the potential for cooperation between Ger-man / European and African experts and companies regarding cutting-edge technology and innovative teaching methods. Finally, the panelists will shed light on how to identify needs-based courses and how to avoid the duplication of existing curricula thus ensuring that the Academy adds value to what is already there and connects to national policies and development plans smoothly.