ABIDJAN HOSTS PIVOTAL WATER GOVERNANCE TALKS AS WEST afRICA PREPARES FOR ITS FIRST-EVER REGIONAL WATER FORUM

ABIDJAN HOSTS PIVOTAL WATER GOVERNANCE TALKS AS WEST afRICA PREPARES FOR ITS FIRST-EVER REGIONAL WATER FORUM

The 13th Ordinary Session of the Technical Experts Committee of the Permanent Framework for Coordination and Monitoring of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) opened in Abidjan, Côte d’ivoire, on 22 September 2026, bringing together representatives of all ECOWAS Member States, regional institutions, development partners and civil society to assess progress in regional water governance and formulate recommendations for the 6th Ordinary Session of the Ministerial Monitoring Committee. The meeting is a key preparatory step towards the First West Africa Regional Water Forum (FREAO), scheduled for 24-25 September 2026 in Abidjan under the theme “Valuing Water to Transform West Africa,” as ECOWAS seeks to strengthen transboundary water cooperation, accelerate implementation of regional water policies, mobilise sustainable financing and advance progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 6.

The session was opened by Conservateur Général Elvire-Joëlle Zouzou épouse Mailly on behalf of Côte d’lvoire’s Minister of Water and Forests, Jacques Assahoré Konan. Speaking for ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS, Mr. KOUASSI Ķouakou Alexis, Director of the ECOWAS Water Resources Management Centre, underscored the strategic importance of integrated water resources management for regional integration, resilience and sustainable development. The meeting is chaired by Senegal through Dr Bacary Fatty, while Dr Boluwaji Onobolu, President of the Sub- Regional Consultative Council on Water Resources (CRCE), called for stronger participation of civil society, women and youth. The recommendations adopted by the experts will be submitted to the 6th Ordinary Session of the Ministerial Monitoring Committee and subsequently discussed during FREÃO, the region’s first-ever water forum, which will bring together ministers, technical experts, development partners and stakeholders to define the next phase of West Africa’s water governance agenda.