Water Management: West Africa Adopts New Guidelines in Abidjan

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 the 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 African 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.

Technical and financial partners emphasized the urgent need to increase investments and promote innovative financing mechanisms.

Towards the Institutionalization of 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. The President of the Sub-Regional Advisory Committee on Water Resources, Dr Boluwaji Onobolu, called for strengthening the participation of women, youth, and civil society.

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.