Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has inaugurated the 3rd IGAD Water Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, under the theme “Building a Platform for Sustainable Regional Groundwater Cooperation. The three-day event (May 19–21, 2025) brings together policymakers, scientists, development partners, and water experts from across the Horn of Africa to address critical challenges in transboundary groundwater governance.
A Region at a Crossroads: The Urgency of Groundwater Cooperation
The Horn of Africa faces mounting water scarcity due to climate variability, rapid urbanization, and population growth. Groundwater, a lifeline for millions, sustains agriculture, industry and ecosystems yet shared aquifers such as the Dawa, Shabelle, and Northern Basement systems remain understudied and vulnerable to over-extraction and pollution.
On May 19 /2025 3rd Regional water forum opened by
H.E. the Deputy Executive Secretary of IGAD, Mohamed Abdi Ware .
H.E. emphasized the need for collective action:
“Water is the lifeblood of our societies. In a region marked by extreme droughts and floods, managing water resources is not just a technical challenge it is a matter of resilience, stability, and survival.”
Key Focus Areas of the Forum
1. Advancing Knowledge on Transboundary Aquifers
IGAD’s Groundwater for Resilience Program has conducted feasibility studies on major cross-border aquifers. These studies provide critical data to guide sustainable investments and prevent conflicts over shared water resources.
2. Developing a Regional Groundwater Recharge Methodology
Disparities in groundwater data across member states have hindered effective management. IGAD is spearheading efforts to establish a standardized regional methodology for estimating groundwater recharge, combining field data and remote sensing to improve accuracy.
3. Launching the Groundwater Information System (GWIS)
A landmark achievement, the IGAD GWIS, serves as a digital hub for groundwater data, offering policymakers and researchers interactive tools to analyze and manage water resources at national and regional levels.
A Call for Collaborative Action
The Forum builds on the successes of previous gatherings in Nairobi (2021) and Entebbe (2023)reinforcing IGAD’s commitment to integrated water resource management. Key objectives include:
Harmonizing regional policies on groundwater use and protection.
Enhancing technical collaboration among member states.
Mobilizing investments for sustainable water infrastructure.
H.E. Ware urged stakeholders to prioritize science-based decision-making, stating: “Our role is not to dictate policy but to equip member states with knowledge and tools for informed action.”
The Path Forward
As climate change exacerbates water stress, IGAD’s efforts underscore the necessity of regional solidarity. The Forum’s outcomes will shape strategies to bolster water security, ensuring that communities across the Horn of Africa can thrive amid growing environmental challenges.
Closing Remarks of
The Deputy Executive Secretary concluded with a resolute message: “The future of our region depends on how we manage water our most precious resource. Let this Forum be a catalyst for innovation, cooperation, and lasting impact.”
With its focus on data-driven governance and cross-border collaboration the 3rd IGAD Water Forum marks a pivotal step toward a more water-secure future for the Horn of Africa.
Emebet Asefa , Correspondent Addis Ababa , Ethiopia
