On September 26, 2026, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye received the Special Trophy for the West Africa Water Prize at the first edition of the West Africa Regional Water Forum (FREAO 2026) held in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. This award recognizes the President's vision for sustainable water governance and efforts to make water a strategic lever for development, regional cooperation, and resilience.
The West Africa Regional Water Forum, themed "Valorize Water to Transform West Africa," emphasized the need for concerted and sustainable management of water resources in the sub-region. The Special Trophy was also awarded to Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara. According to the Senegalese Ministry of Hydraulics and Sanitation, this dual distinction reflects the shared commitment of both heads of state to promote concerted, sustainable, and inclusive water resource management.
This recognition is part of a regional and continental dynamic led by Senegal, focusing on cooperation, solidarity, investment, and hydrodiplomacy. As President of the African Ministers' Council on Water (AMCOW), Senegal is contributing to the implementation of the African Water Vision 2063 and co-organizing the 2026 United Nations Water Conference with the United Arab Emirates.
The 2026 United Nations Water Conference, scheduled for December 8-10 in Abu Dhabi, is another step in Senegal's commitment to reinforced international water governance. Through the Special Trophy received in Abidjan, Senegal aims to reaffirm its commitment to responsible water governance, oriented towards population needs, sustainable development, and resource preservation for future generations.
By 2030, Senegal intends to continue advocating for water as a political priority at the African continental level. The goal is to make water management an accelerator for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6, dedicated to access to clean water and sanitation, as well as the African Water Vision 2063.
The Special Trophy award is a testament to Senegal's engagement in promoting sustainable water governance in West Africa. President Faye's efforts have been acknowledged at the regional and continental levels, demonstrating Senegal's leadership in addressing water-related challenges in the sub-region.
The recognition of Senegal's commitment to water governance is also reflected in its role in promoting cooperation and solidarity among African countries. As the country continues to champion the importance of water in sustainable development, it is expected that its efforts will have a positive impact on the lives of millions of people in West Africa.
Key points
- Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye receives Special Trophy for West Africa Water Prize
- The award recognizes Senegal's efforts in promoting sustainable water governance in West Africa
- Senegal continues to advocate for water as a political priority at the African continental level
