Building a better tomorrow one project at a time
We believe in locally driven change. This has been the force behind our work and the inspiration we harness when designing and implementing every project. Combined with multidisciplinary expertise, private sector execution and a continuous drive for innovative development solutions, we are intent on solving the most complex challenges facing communities in different parts of the world.
Our 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. We 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.
We support trade and better economic opportunities for women in the Middle East and bring water supply infrastructure to remote communities in conflict-affected Sahel. We 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.
We hold ourselves to the highest standards as well by bringing world-class technical expertise to all projects on top of flawless project management. We embrace challenges such as working in unstable environments or forging partnerships where none existed before because we believe in building a better tomorrow.
We are a diverse and experienced team of 1100 international development experts committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve.
Our strengths
As a global development player and the largest and most technically diversified international development consulting company in Canada, we deliver results that generate lasting social, economic and environmental impacts. We 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. We possess internationally recognised and award-winning experience at the policy, program and project levels allowing us to deliver projects that are technically demanding on time and on budget, even in the most complex of environments.
Our partners
We partner with governments, like-minded organizations, local communities and civil society to design and deliver impactful projects. This collaborative approach enables us to build strong relationships, gain a deep understanding of complex political and social dynamics and address local development needs. Our clients include a variety of bilateral donors, multilateral institutions, governments and the private sector.
Our 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. We are committed to bringing an adaptive and systemic outlook to solving complex development challenges and ensuring a ‘do no harm’ approach. We uphold the principles of safeguarding and duty of care to the highest standards ensuring the safety and security of our staff, partners and beneficiaries in all environments, whether stable, fragile or conflict-affected.
