The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has intensified efforts to strengthen water governance, transboundary cooperation, and sustainable financing ahead of the first West Africa Regional Water Forum. This initiative was part of discussions at the 13th Ordinary Session of the Technical Experts Committee of the Permanent Framework for Coordination and Monitoring of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The meeting brought together representatives of ECOWAS Member States, regional institutions, development partners, and civil society organisations.
The technical session aimed to assess progress in regional water resources management and formulate recommendations for the 6th Ordinary Session of the Ministerial Monitoring Committee. The meeting also served as part of the preparations for the First West Africa Regional Water Forum (FREAO), scheduled for September 24 and 25 in Abidjan. The forum, themed “Valuing Water to Transform West Africa,” will examine pressing challenges affecting the region’s water sector, including transboundary water cooperation, sustainable financing, and effective implementation of regional water policies.
Speaking at the opening session, Conservateur Général Elvire-Joëlle Zouzou épouse Mailly, representing Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Water and Forests, Jacques Assahoré Konan, stressed the need for coordinated action to ensure effective management of the region’s water resources. The Director of the ECOWAS Water Resources Management Centre, Mr. Kouassi Kouakou Alexis, described integrated water resources management as a key tool for advancing regional integration, resilience, and sustainable development.
The session is being chaired by Senegal through Dr. Bacary Fatty, while the President of the Sub-Regional Consultative Council on Water Resources (CRCE), Dr. Boluwaji Onobolu, called for stronger participation of civil society organisations, women, and young people in regional water governance. The technical experts are expected to adopt recommendations for presentation to the 6th Ordinary Session of the Ministerial Monitoring Committee.
The recommendations will subsequently contribute to deliberations at FREAO, which is expected to establish priorities for the next phase of water governance in West Africa. The forum will also strengthen regional efforts towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6, which seeks to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
The West Africa Regional Water Forum will bring together ministers, technical experts, development partners, and other stakeholders to address the region's water challenges. Key areas of focus include transboundary water cooperation, sustainable financing, and effective implementation of regional water policies. The forum aims to promote coordinated action and integrated water resources management in the region.
The ECOWAS Water Resources Management Centre plays a crucial role in promoting integrated water resources management in the region. The centre's efforts aim to advance regional integration, resilience, and sustainable development. The centre's director, Mr. Kouassi Kouakou Alexis, emphasised the importance of integrated water resources management in achieving these goals.
Key points
- ECOWAS and stakeholders intensify efforts to strengthen water governance ahead of the West Africa Regional Water Forum.
- The forum aims to address pressing challenges in the region's water sector, including transboundary water cooperation and sustainable financing.
- The event seeks to promote coordinated action and integrated water resources management in the region to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6.
