West African Regional Water Forum convenes in Abidjan to address resource management

The first edition of the West African Regional Water Forum (FREAO 2026) was held in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, focusing on the theme ‘Valorizing water to transform West Africa’. The forum brought together regional leaders and ministers to address the management of 28 hydrographic basins that serve approximately 500 million people.

Ivorian Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé emphasized that water management must be a political choice aimed at building trust between states and using shared resources as a tool for peace rather than division. Regional ministers reaffirmed their commitment to Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) to enhance climate resilience and transboundary cooperation.

During the event, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara were both awarded the Special Trophy of the West African Water Prize. The distinction recognizes their leadership in promoting sustainable water governance and using water as a strategic lever for regional development and resilience. Senegal currently holds the presidency of the African Ministers' Council on Water (AMCOW).