The Global Water Partnership’s (GWP) Steering Committee has announced the appointment of Alex Simalabwi as the new Executive Secretary and CEO of the Global Water Partnership Organisation (GWPO), effective February 1, 2025. This leadership transition marks a pivotal moment for GWP as it seeks to strengthen its role in addressing global water security and climate resilience challenges.
Alex Simalabwi, who brings over 25 years of experience in transformative leadership in water security and climate resilience, will lead the global network and spearhead the organization’s shift towards a decentralized structure, empowering GWP’s regional hubs. This strategic move aims to better address the growing challenges of water scarcity and climate change faced by countries around the world, with a focus on providing localized solutions.
In his new role, Alex will drive the establishment of GWP’s regional hubs, which, in collaboration with GWP Regional Water Partnerships, will advance a bold transformative agenda on integrated investments in water security and climate resilience. The aim is to create closer ties with country partners, particularly those facing increasing water risks and challenges.
“The evolving international context, marked by shifting foreign aid priorities and increased engagement from emerging economies, requires a new approach,” said a statement from GWPO. “Alex will guide GWP through these changes, improving governance protocols and exploring new partnerships and funding opportunities to ensure water security for all.”
In addition to his role as Executive Secretary and CEO, Alex will serve as the President of the Global Investment Programme (GIP), a groundbreaking initiative that will launch later in 2025. The GIP aims to build on the successes of the Continental Africa Water Investment Programme (AIP), focusing on scaling up investments in water and climate resilience across the globe. This new programme is expected to play a critical role in addressing the water investment gap, with a target of mobilizing $30 billion annually by 2030.
Alex’s leadership in water investment has been widely recognized. In July 2023, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon praised the AIP’s transformative approach, calling for its global expansion. Furthermore, at the One Water Summit in Riyadh in December 2024, Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) committed $170 billion annually in climate finance through 2030, underscoring the significance of water resilience in tackling climate challenges.
Pablo Bereciartua, Chair of GWP’s Steering Committee, expressed confidence in Alex’s ability to lead GWP through this critical phase. “His proven track record of mobilizing resources, building partnerships, and leading diverse teams makes him the ideal person to drive GWP’s mission,” Bereciartua stated.
Alex Simalabwi has played an instrumental role in GWP’s success, particularly during his tenure as Executive Secretary and CEO of GWP Southern Africa. As Global Head of Climate Resilience, he helped leverage over $1.5 billion in water investments through the Water, Climate and Development Programme (WACDEP), which he pioneered. His leadership has spanned over sixty countries, including Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
A graduate of Harvard University Kennedy School of Government, Alex holds academic qualifications in civil engineering, business administration, and public policy. His vast experience and visionary leadership have earned him widespread recognition, including praise from H.E. Jakaya Kikwete, former President of Tanzania, who called his appointment a “wise decision.”
In his statement, Alex expressed his excitement about the future of GWP. “Now is the right time to change the status quo and build on the strong foundation of GWP to achieve even greater impact,” he said. “The pace and scale of mobilizing climate-resilient water investments must accelerate in response to the global water and climate emergency.”
This leadership transition follows the early retirement of Alan AtKisson, who stepped down as Executive Secretary and CEO on December 31, 2024, due to medical reasons. Alan’s leadership over the past year laid the groundwork for GWP’s transition, and the organization now looks to Alex to carry forward this important work.
With Alex Simalabwi at the helm, the Global Water Partnership is poised for a new chapter, one that promises greater regional impact and more dynamic responses to the world’s growing water challenges.
