The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), and the Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS) have adopted a common regional agenda to enhance water security, climate resilience, and sustainable development across West Africa. This decision was made at the First West Africa Regional Water Forum (FREAO) held in Port-Bouët, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The forum's theme was "Valuing Water to Transform West Africa." The event brought together high-level participants, including heads of government, ministers, and representatives from regional institutions, river basin organisations, development partners, academics, the private sector, and civil society organisations.
The two-day forum resulted in the adoption of the Abidjan Declaration, which provides a shared roadmap for regional action on water resources. This declaration aims to guide coordinated action among West African countries and institutions to address emerging water challenges and promote sustainable management of the region's water resources. The forum also saw Cabo Verde designated as the host for the next edition of the regional water forum. This development is expected to foster stronger cooperation among West African countries in managing shared water resources.
Speaking on behalf of the Ivorian Government at the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé emphasised the need for stronger cooperation among West African countries in managing shared water resources. He described effective water governance as a strategic political choice and an important pillar of regional stability. The Prime Minister's remarks underscored the significance of the forum and the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing water-related challenges in the region.
Representing the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Commissioner Amin Amidu Sulemani highlighted the forum's role as a regional call to action towards strengthening water security and building resilience to climate change. The Commissioner stressed the importance of integrated water resources management, sustainable financing for the water sector, and climate resilience. These issues were central to the deliberations at the forum.
The President of the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) and Senegal’s Minister of Water and Sanitation, Dr Cheikh Tidiane Dièye, noted the significance of the forum to Africa’s broader water agenda and preparations for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference. The forum's discussions focused on key issues such as integrated water resources management, sustainable financing for the water sector, climate resilience, water diplomacy, and cooperation over transboundary water resources.
Participants at the forum emphasised the strategic importance of water to food security, economic transformation, environmental sustainability, and regional integration. The adoption of the Abidjan Declaration and the shared regional roadmap marked a step towards coordinated action by West African countries and institutions to address emerging water challenges. This development is expected to promote sustainable management of the region's water resources and enhance cooperation among member states.
The organisers of the forum believe that the adoption of the Abidjan Declaration will facilitate coordinated action among West African countries and institutions to address emerging water challenges. The declaration is expected to guide regional efforts to promote sustainable management of water resources, enhance water security, and build resilience to climate change. Cabo Verde will host the next regional water forum, providing an opportunity for further collaboration and progress on water-related issues in the region.
Key points
- The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), UEMOA, and CILSS have adopted a regional water agenda to strengthen water security and climate resilience in West Africa.
- The Abidjan Declaration provides a shared roadmap for regional action on water resources, aiming to guide coordinated action among West African countries and institutions.
- Cabo Verde has been designated to host the next edition of the regional water forum.
