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 leading international development consulting firm in Canada, we deliver results with lasting social, economic and environmental impacts. Our technical assistance spans 12 major service areas covering economic, human and sustainable development. With award-winning experience at policy, program and project levels, we consistently deliver complex initiatives on time and on budget, even in challenging environments. Our technical diversity and implementation expertise enable us to address multifaceted development challenges effectively.
Our Partners
We partner with governments, organizations, local communities and civil society to design and implement impactful projects. This collaborative approach builds strong relationships, deepens our understanding of complex political and social dynamics, and addresses local development needs comprehensively. Our diverse client portfolio includes bilateral donors, multilateral institutions, governments and private sector entities. These partnerships strengthen our ability to create sustainable solutions tailored to specific contexts.
Our Commitment
Managing large-scale projects requires cross-sectoral expertise and integration of gender equality, environmental protection, governance and human rights principles. We bring an adaptive, systemic outlook to complex development challenges while ensuring a ‘do no harm’ approach in all our work. We uphold safeguarding and duty of care to the highest standards, prioritizing the safety and security of staff, partners and beneficiaries across all environments—stable, fragile or conflict-affected. This comprehensive approach ensures our interventions create positive, sustainable change.