ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA
Foreign Ministers from member states that have ratified the Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) on the Nile River Basin convened for a high-level breakfast meeting at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, reaffirming their collective commitment to equitable cooperation and sustainable management of the Nile waters.
The meeting was hosted by Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Gedion Themotewos, and brought together Foreign Ministers from Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, and South Sudan. The gathering provided a strategic platform for dialogue on advancing regional collaboration under the CFA and accelerating institutional implementation mechanisms.
Discussions focused on practical steps to expedite the full operationalization of the Agreement, particularly the establishment of the Nile River Basin Commission (NRBC), which will serve as the principal institutional body responsible for overseeing cooperation, coordination, and joint management of the shared Nile water resources. The Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to the core principles of equitable and reasonable utilization of the Nile waters, as enshrined in the CFA. They emphasised that cooperation among riparian states remains essential for ensuring fair access, sustainable use, and long-term water security for all partner countries.
Recognisng the Nile River as a lifeline for millions of people across the region, the Ministers underscored the importance of strengthened partnerships to address growing demands driven by population growth, climate variability, energy needs, and agricultural expansion. They noted that collaborative management frameworks are critical to preventing resource-based tensions while promoting shared prosperity.
The meeting also reviewed progress registered since the entry into force of the CFA. Ministers welcomed milestones achieved in legal, technical, and diplomatic processes and expressed satisfaction with the momentum gained toward institutionalising the Agreement. In this regard, they reiterated their commitment to ensuring the successful completion of the remaining steps required to operationalize the institutional structures of the Nile River Basin Commission. Establishing a fully functional Commission is expected to enhance joint planning, data sharing, dispute resolution, and coordinated development projects across the Basin.
The Ministers concluded by reaffirming their political will to deepen dialogue, build trust, and strengthen regional solidarity in the management of the Nile’s shared resources. They emphasised that equitable cooperation under the CFA will not only safeguard water security but also support regional integration, economic development, and environmental sustainability.
The Addis Ababa meeting marks another important milestone in advancing collective stewardship of the Nile River Basin and reinforcing the shared vision of cooperation for mutual benefit among CFA Member States.
