Building a better tomorrow one project at a time. Cowater International believes in locally driven change. This has been the force behind their work and the inspiration they harness when designing and implementing every project. Combined with multidisciplinary expertise, private sector execution, and a continuous drive for innovative development solutions, they are intent on solving the most complex challenges facing communities in different parts of the world.

Their story started on a canoe trip in Algonquin park, Canada, more than 38 years ago. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore, and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. They work with governments, private sector actors, and communities, implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements, and advance equal opportunities for all.

They support trade and better economic opportunities for women in the Middle East and bring water supply infrastructure to remote communities in conflict-affected Sahel. They collaborate with smallholder farmers in Indonesia to make their produce comply with international standards so they can access global supply chains, and partner with governments in Latin America to modernize public institutions and enhance economic competitiveness.

They hold themselves to the highest standards as well by bringing world-class technical expertise to all projects on top of flawless project management. They embrace challenges such as working in unstable environments or forging partnerships where none existed before because they believe in building a better tomorrow.

They are a diverse and experienced team of 1100 international development experts committed to building a better tomorrow for the people they serve.

Their strengths

As a global development player and the largest and most technically diversified international development consulting company in Canada, they deliver results that generate lasting social, economic, and environmental impacts. They provide technical assistance, policy advice, and implementation support across 12 major service lines that cover a wide range of economic, human, and sustainable development areas. They possess internationally recognized and award-winning experience at the policy, program, and project levels, allowing them to deliver projects that are technically demanding on time and on budget, even in the most complex of environments.

Their partners

They partner with governments, like-minded organizations, local communities, and civil society to design and deliver impactful projects. This collaborative approach enables them to build strong relationships, gain a deep understanding of complex political and social dynamics, and address local development needs. Their clients include a variety of bilateral donors, multilateral institutions, governments, and the private sector.

Their commitment

Managing large-scale projects requires an ability to work across sectors and a commitment to integrate cross-cutting issues such as gender equality, environmental protection, good governance, and human rights into project design and implementation. They are committed to bringing an adaptive and systemic outlook to solving complex development challenges and ensuring a ‘do no harm’ approach. They uphold the principles of safeguarding and duty of care to the highest standards, ensuring the safety and security of their staff, partners, and beneficiaries in all environments, whether stable, fragile, or conflict-affected.