Côte d'Ivoire has reached a decisive milestone in its sustainable water resource management policy. Under the leadership of the Ministry of Water and Forests, key stakeholders in the sector met on June 2nd and 3rd, 2026, in Cocody. The objective of this workshop? To develop the national strategy and implementation plan for the United Nations Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes , two years after the country's accession on July 10th, 2024.

Adapting the international framework to Ivorian realities

This is not simply about adopting an international text, but rather about adapting it to the realities on the ground. This initiative aims to strengthen water governance, stimulate cooperation with neighboring countries, and optimize integrated water resources management (IWRM).

“This workshop marks an important step in the realization of the commitments made by our country regarding water governance and cross-border cooperation.” — Zouzou née Maillet Elvire Joëlle , Chief of Staff, representing Minister Konan Assahoré Jacques.

The goal is clear: to align the Ivorian vision with the UN's 2030 Agenda to make water a true lever for peace, security, sustainable development and climate resilience .

Major challenges in the short and medium term

Ivory Coast is facing increasing pressure on its water reserves. The Chief of Staff specifically highlighted several critical factors:

1. Rapid population growth
2. Rapid urbanization
3. The intensification of economic activities
4. Climate change

Faced with these challenges, shared and coordinated management of waterways is essential to secure water and food supplies while preserving the region's stability. For his part, the Director General of Water Resources, Dr. Yéo Eugène , emphasized the urgent need to coordinate responses to pollution and the degradation of water quality.

A united front supported by international partners

The Ivorian approach benefits from strong institutional support:

1. The UN: Dr. Komlan Sangbana (focal point for West and Central Africa) reiterated the importance of designing a tailor-made mechanism, perfectly adapted to the specificities of Côte d'Ivoire.
2. ECOWAS: Represented by Kouassi Alexis, the regional organization was pleased to support the country in respecting its international commitments.

Next step

The conclusions and contributions from this workshop will serve as the basis for an in-depth study. The final document is expected within four to five months , paving the way for sustainably strengthened regional cooperation.