Background: Water is crucial in achieving several SDGs in Africa, especially SDG 1 (No Poverty) SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SGD 6 (Clean water and sanitation) and SDG 13 (Climate action). Africa has several transboundary river basins. Very prominent among them are the Nile, Congo, Niger, Benue, and Zambezi basins, just to mention a few. However, the effective governance of these resources is a significant challenge due to conflicting national interests, weak institutional frameworks, and limited data sharing.
Agriculture is the backbone of many African economies, yet it is largely rain-fed making it vulnerable to the vagaries of climate. Irrigated agriculture is pivotal to rescuing the continent from the vices of poverty, hunger, low water use efficiencies, abysmal crop water productivity and profitability, absence of clean water, poor sanitation, and others.
Despite its potential, Africa’s irrigation potential is largely untapped, with less than 10% of cultivated land under irrigation compared to 37% in Asia. A report from Africa Union which emanated from the International High-level Panel on Water Investment in Africa in Dakar, 2022: “The Africa’s Rising Tide” acknowledged that the annual average investment in water infrastructure in Africa which is between US$10 to 19billion is inadequate if Africa will achieve the targets of SDG 6: Clean water and Sanitation. The report emphasized that the investments must be raised to at least US$30 billion per year by 2030 and outlined strategies for raising such funds. While investing more in water infrastructural development is essential, the relationship between such infrastructures and governance should be well articulated to avoid escalated conflicts within and across countries with transboundary waters.
To achieve the SDGs, an integrated approach that addresses transboundary water governance, irrigation funding, and the scale and spread of irrigation infrastructures is needed. Key strategies may include strengthening regional cooperation, leveraging technology and innovations, policy harmony, and inclusive stakeholder engagement. The dialogue therefore will focus on these issues.
The Dialogue will be chaired by His Excellency, Prof. Umara Babangana Zulum, The Executive Governor of Borno State, Nigeria. The Chief Host is the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumum Utsev.
On stage as Panelists will be:
The Moderator of the programme is Engr. Prof. Henry E. Igbadun, NINCID Vice Chairman (Academics), of the Department of Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
Date and Time of Dialogue: Wednesday 16th April 2025; Time: 2:30 to 5:00 pm
Discussion: Achieving SDGs in the Context of Transboundary Water Resources Governance, Irrigation Funding, Scale, and Spread in Africa
Chairman of Occasion: Engr. Prof. Babagana U. Zulum, Executive Governor of Borno State, Nigeria
Order of Events
| Time | Anchor | Topic/Area of Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 2:30 – 2:35 pm | Call to Order & Introduction of Dignitaries, Panelists and Moderator | Master of Ceremony |
| 2:35 - 2:40 pm | Welcome Remark by the Host | Honourable Minister of FMWR &S, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumum Utsev |
| 2:40 - 2:50 pm | Opening remark and Declaration of Dialogue open | The Chairman: Engr. Prof. Babagana U. Zulum. Executive Governor of Borno State |
| 2:50 - 4:30 pm | The Dialogue | The moderator: Engr. Prof. Henry E. Igbadun |
| 4:30 - 4:50 pm | Audience participation | The moderator: Engr. Prof. Henry E. Igbadun |
| 4:50 – 5:00 pm | The take-home messages & Closing Remark | Honour Minister of FMWR &S, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumum Utsev |
African Regional Working Group (AFRWG) was established in 2000 with the objective of promoting strong communications and networking among African countries as well as regional and international institutions for enhancing cooperation and coordination.
