A ministerial consultation for water governance
The sixth ordinary session of the Ministerial Monitoring Committee for Integrated Water Resources Management was held in Abidjan, bringing together West African decision makers. This meeting allowed ministers to reaffirm their commitment to integrated water resources management in the face of demographic and environmental pressures on shared water systems.
The session was chaired by Dr Cheikh Tidiane Dièye, Senegalese Minister of Water and Sanitation, who is also President of the African Ministers' Council on Water. Discussions highlighted the need to harmonize national policies and speak with a common voice during upcoming international events, particularly to promote the Africa Water Vision 2063.
Priority technical and financial projects
Ministerial decisions are based on the work of the thirteenth ordinary session of the Technical Experts Committee, which took place from 21 to 22 September 2026. Based on these recommendations, the ministers validated several strategic guidelines. These include the revision of the West African water resources policy, the improvement of hydrological information systems, and the fight against transboundary pollution of river basins.
Infrastructure financing and ecosystem protection were also the subject of targeted discussions. Technical and financial partners stressed the urgent need to increase investment and promote innovative financing mechanisms.
Towards institutionalizing regional dialogue
One of the major points validated during this session is the institutionalization of the West Africa Regional Water Forum. This initiative aims to establish a permanent framework for exchange between member states, basin organizations, civil society, and development partners. Ministers stressed the importance of more actively including women and youth in these decision making processes.
The first edition of this West Africa Regional Water Forum is scheduled for 24 and 25 September 2026 in Abidjan, under the theme of valuing water for the transformation of the region.
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