West African Ministers Strengthen Water Governance Strategies

West African Ministers responsible for water resources convened in Abidjan under the auspices of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), and the Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS). They reaffirmed their commitment to Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and adopted strategic resolutions to consolidate regional water governance.

The session, chaired by Cheikh Tidiane Dièye, Minister of Water and Sanitation of the Republic of Senegal, emphasized the need for a unified regional voice to advance the African Water Vision 2063 and prepare for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference. Mr. Amin Sulemani, ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalisation, highlighted the challenges posed by climate-related shocks and environmental degradation.

The meeting also included contributions from technical and financial partners, with Mr. Jacques Somda of the IUCN stressing the need for increased investments and innovative financing mechanisms. The Ministers endorsed actions to revise the West African Water Resources Policy and operationalize the African Water Vision 2063.