Abidjan to host major regional water forum and animation market in 2026

The Ivorian city of Abidjan will host the inaugural West African Regional Water Forum on 24‑25 September 2026. The event, announced by ECOWAS, the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) and the Inter‑State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS), will bring together policymakers, experts and private‑sector representatives to discuss sustainable water management, climate‑change adaptation and financing of water‑infrastructure across the 28 trans‑boundary basins in West Africa. Organisers aim to produce a regional water‑policy roadmap.

In November 2026 Abidjan will also stage the first African Animation Market (MAFA), following the city’s Animation Film Festival. The market will gather creators, producers, investors and distributors to showcase projects, secure funding and negotiate distribution deals, positioning the capital as an emerging hub for the continent’s $15.71 billion animation sector, which has been growing at about 8 % annually.