COWASH IV held its annual progress review for the concluded Ethiopian Fiscal Year (EFY) 2018 and planning workshop for EFY 2019 in Bishoftu from August 25–27, 2026. The project’s federal team and representatives from all regional offices took part in the workshop.

The gathering served as a platform for federal and regional teams to present their current implementation status, budget allocations, achievements, and strategic focus areas for the upcoming fiscal period. Subsequent sessions centered on planning for the current fiscal year, harmonization efforts and collaborative strategies. Discussions also emphasized the continued strengthening of gender mainstreaming, sanitation initiatives, climate resilience, and outreach and promotion activities.

The workshop concluded with an agreement on the proposed action plans and strategic ways forward. Following the federal workshop, regional teams will facilitate their respective Regional Steering Committee meetings to review progress and finalize regional plans before the end of Septemeber, 2026. The Sidama region already concluded its steering committee meeting earlier this month.

Participants noted the workshop’s productive outcomes, highlighting the open discussions and collaborative approach as essential for advancing COWASH’s mission to address rural community water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) needs.