FREAO - Regional Water Forum in West Africa

2026 Edition · Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire · 24-25 September 2026

Intensive program 24–25 September 2026

Water to Transform West Africa

Browse political sessions, thematic workshops, innovation panels and dialogue segments that structure the forum.

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Intensive program

Political sessions, thematic workshops and innovation panels to co-create regional solutions.

Context

A guided journey toward regional governance

Let’s convene policymakers, financial institutions, and civil society to build a shared roadmap, accelerate SDG 6 and strengthen shared basins.

Forum essentials

Support

Multilingual 24/7

Dates

24–25 September 2026

Location

Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

Key figures

Quick indicators on the regional scope covered by the forum.

28

Shared basins

71%

Of the territory concerned

Quick agenda

A compact agenda to identify the main highlights at a glance.

  • J1 Political track (ministers, parliamentarians)
  • J2 Thematic sessions (GTR)

Why participate?

Shared objectives and measurable impact

Mobilization framework

Take stock of the regional IWRM process, accelerate SDG 6 and mobilize sustainable finance.

Overall goal

Mobilize all water and sanitation actors to build a common vision.

Expected outcomes

Concrete recommendations, an accelerated SDG 6 strategy and an investment roadmap.

Key participants

Ministers, parliamentarians, regional institutions, CSOs and technical partners.

2026 priorities

Four axes for quick action

Workshops blend policy, finance, inclusion and hydro-diplomacy.

4 operational levers for faster and more coordinated decisions.

01
Water-food-energy-gender nexus

Intersectoral solutions to prevent conflicts.

02
Infrastructure finance

Mobilization of PPPs, climate finance and blended funds.

03
Gender, youth & social inclusion

Women’s leadership and youth inclusion.

04
Regional cooperation & hydro-diplomacy

Strengthening the ECOWAS/UEMOA narrative on water peace.

Operational programme

Three segments

A clear structure combining political decisions, technical recommendations and solution showcase.

Political segment

Ministerial consultations, political declaration and roadmap.

Thematic sessions

Priority workshops driving recommendations and reports.

Panels & exhibitions

Innovative solutions and public-private partnerships.

  • Regional roadmap for SDG 6.
  • Track by the Regional Coordination Group.
  • Inclusive co-creation with CSOs and private sector.
Governance framework
Regional Coordination Group

CGRE-ECOWAS, UEMOA, CILSS, GWP/AO, IUCN/PACO are steering the preparation.

Governance framework
Regional Thematic Groups

Institutional leaders, CSOs, researchers and experts are grouped by theme.

Governance framework
Local Organising Committee

Ivorian ministries handle logistics, hospitality and security.

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