IGAD Hosts 3rd Regional Water Forum to Foster Sustainable Groundwater Cooperation

Addis Ababa, May 19, 2025 (ENA) -- The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has officially opened the 3rd IGAD Water Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The Forum is organized under the theme: “Building a Platform for Sustainable Regional Groundwater Cooperation.”

The three-day event, taking place from 19 to 21 May 2025, convenes representatives from IGAD Member States, international organizations, technical experts, and development partners to strengthen regional efforts in groundwater governance.

Groundwater resources are crucial to the Horn of Africa’s socio-economic development and environmental sustainability.

With increasing demands driven by climate variability, urbanization, and population growth, managing shared groundwater aquifers—such as the Dawa, Shabelle, and Northern Basement systems—requires coordinated and innovative solutions across national borders.

The outcomes of this Forum will contribute to IGAD’s broader commitment to integrated water resource management, climate resilience, and sustainable development in the Horn of Africa.