WASCAL participated in the first West African Regional Water Forum (FREAO 2026), held in Abidjan, Cรดte dโIvoire, from 20 to 26 September 2026, as part of a series of regional engagements on Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in West Africa. Represented by Jean Francis SEMPORE, WASCAL took part in the Technical Committee of Experts and Ministerial Committee meetings on IWRM, as well as the regional water forum.
The engagement provided an important platform for WASCAL to present its activities, achievements and 2026โ2030 Strategic Plan to IWRM focal points from West African countries, basin agencies, and technical and financial partners. It also created opportunities to strengthen relationships and explore areas of collaboration with ECOWAS, WAEMU, CILSS, basin organisations and other regional stakeholders.
Discussions during the mission brought together WASCAL and key regional actors, including representatives of ECOWAS, WAEMU, CILSS, the African Development Bank, basin agencies, GWP-West Africa and IWMI. These engagements highlighted opportunities for stronger collaboration around water resources, climate and environmental services, data, research and innovation.
The mission also identified concrete follow-up areas, including developing collaboration frameworks with WAEMU, CILSS and the ECOWAS Water Resources Management Centre; strengthening engagement with basin agencies; and exploring continuing education opportunities for water professionals.
For WASCAL, the engagement reinforced the importance of connecting science, data, partnerships, and regional action to address West Africaโs water and climate challenges. The proposed collaboration with the ECOWAS Water Resources Management Centre will initially explore the Water-Energy-Food-Environment Nexus and data.
