West Africa opened a key chapter in its water governance calendar in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on September 22, 2026, as regional organizations convened a key meeting. 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) initiated the 13th Ordinary Session of the Technical Experts Committee of the Permanent Framework for Coordination and Monitoring (PCMF) of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). This significant session aims to consolidate twenty-five years of integrated water resources management efforts across West Africa by ECOWAS, UEMOA, and CILSS, marking a key step in regional collaboration.
Key Meeting Outcomes
The session, which took place over two days, concluded with several key developments and strategic advancements. Attendees included national focal points and technical delegations representing the fifteen West African States, alongside transboundary basin organizations, technical and financial partners, and civil society representatives. This broad participation shows the collaborative spirit and full approach adopted for water governance in the region. Dr. Bakary Fatty of Senegal assumed the chairmanship of the session bureau, providing leadership for the critical discussions. Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Cabo Verde are rotating the rapporteurship for the proceedings, ensuring diverse perspectives are captured.
During the 5th Ministerial Session, fourteen resolutions were adopted, reflecting a consensus on pressing water-related issues and future strategies. Additionally, two significant regional directives received approval from the ECOWAS Council of Ministers in December 2024. One directive focuses on hydraulic infrastructure development, outlining plans for essential water infrastructure projects across the region. The other directive addresses the management of shared water resources, a critical component given West Africa's numerous transboundary river systems. These directives provide a strong legal and policy framework for coordinated action among member states.
Strengthening Regional Water Management
West Africa contains 28 shared river basins, which collectively cover nearly 71 percent of the region's total land area. This extensive network of shared water resources necessitates strong regional cooperation and integrated management strategies. The Permanent Framework for Coordination and Monitoring (PCMF) of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) convenes all fifteen States of the region on an equal footing under a full Water Resources Policy for West Africa. This framework aims to standardize approaches across diverse national contexts, fostering coherence and efficiency in water management efforts.
Côte d’Ivoire has recently adopted significant updates to its water governance, including a new Water Code in 2023, a revised National Water Policy, and a full Water Resources Master Plan. This legislative and policy development contributes substantially to the regional efforts, setting an example for other member states. Eight of the fifteen African States party to the 1992 United Nations Water Convention are members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), noting the region's commitment to international water law. Benin's formal accession to the 1992 United Nations Water Convention is expected in November 2026, further expanding regional participation in international water agreements and strengthening the collective voice of West Africa on global water platforms.
The legal instruments for the Mano River Transboundary Basin Management Authority have been validated, an important step for managing shared resources between its member states, including Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea. This validation provides a clear operational framework for the authority, facilitating effective cross-border water cooperation. The Sub-Regional Consultative Council on Water Resources (CRCE) comprises 45 member bodies, indicating a broad base of stakeholders involved in regional water discussions and policy implementation. This extensive network ensures that diverse perspectives from various sectors are integrated into regional water strategies.
Future Water Governance Landscape
The First West Africa Regional Water Forum (FREAO) is scheduled to take place from September 24 to 25, 2026, in Abidjan, building on the momentum generated by the technical committee meeting. The forum's central theme is "Valuing Water to Transform West Africa," aligning with the African Union's significant designation of 2026 as the “Year of Water.” This designation shows the continent's commitment to prioritizing water-related issues and sustainable management. Outcomes from the 13th Ordinary Session will establish the technical foundation for the upcoming 6th Ordinary Session of the Ministerial Monitoring Committee on Integrated Water Resources Management, ensuring continuity and informed decision-making at the ministerial level.
Preparation for future initiatives includes a World Bank-funded feasibility study for the proposed West African Water Fund. This study is a key step towards establishing a sustainable financial mechanism to support water infrastructure and management projects across the region. The World Bank also co-developed Pillar 4 of the Regional DREVE Programme, further supporting regional water resource efforts and demonstrating international commitment to West Africa's water agenda. In a significant institutional development, the Sub-Regional Consultative Council on Water Resources (CRCE) recently elected a substantive chairperson, marking the first such appointment in two decades. This election signals a renewed focus on strengthening the leadership and operational capacity of the CRCE. The region is actively positioning its strategies in anticipation of the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, slated to be held in Abu Dhabi, aiming to present a unified and progressive front on global water challenges.