Regional nations agree to increased hydropower development along river Nile

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT |  The just concluded 7th Nile Basin Development Forum (NBDF) has underscored the importance of the basin states increasing their efforts to develop hydropower and promote regional power interconnection and power trade. This strategic move is expected to enhance regional peace and security, stimulate industrialization, boost job creation, and catalyze economic growth.

This approach to harnessing the Nile’s potential is also seen as a means to alleviate environmental pressures, enhance river flow, and ensure its long-term sustainability.

TThese are among the 14 resolutions made by the Nile Basin Initiative, an organization dedicated to promoting sustainable development along the 6,650-kilometer (4,100-mile) long river.

Statistics indicate that the Nile currently has an installed capacity of 20,000 MW, and with the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam in operation, this capacity is set to increase to 26,000 MW. Michael Kizza, the Deputy Executive Director of the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI), presented the resolutions report at the forum’s conclusion. He highlighted that while the forum spanned two physical days, it involved up to a month of discussions with over 1,000 participants engaged in online discussions.

hese discussions focused on five sub-themes, emphasizing the intricate interplay between water, energy, and food security. Participants acknowledged the need for a well-balanced approach to ensure the prosperity and well-being of the Nile’s riparian countries. The discussions delved deeply into the Nile’s ecosystem sustainability, the challenges posed by climate change, innovative financing models, and the governance of transboundary waters.

Kizza noted that the forum’s discussions were comprehensive, covering a wide range of topics that contributed to the derived resolutions. Notable among these resolutions is the removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers to regional trade in agricultural products. Another significant resolution is the call for the basin countries that have not yet ratified the Cooperative Framework Agreement to do so, as it offers a permanent solution to water-sharing issues in the region. As of now, only six out of the 11 NBI member states have ratified the framework.

The other resolutions stressed the need for meaningful engagement between water and environmental experts on one side and politicians and policymakers on the other, aiming to streamline policies and foster the political will necessary for the peaceful and collaborative development and sustainable use of the Nile.

As the forum concluded, dignitaries emphasized the imperative of increased cooperation and sustainability of the Nile, recognizing it as a shared resource and a collective responsibility for every state. Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, who served as the guest of honor, praised the collective efforts of the participants who convened to discuss critical Nile-related issues.

She highlighted the historical significance of the Nile River, which has evolved from a lifeline for civilizations into a symbol of unity and collaboration in the region. “Resolutions, partnerships, and policy recommendations forged during the forum have set the stage for a promising future in which the Nile Basin thrives,” Kadaga stated. She acknowledged that challenges lie ahead but emphasized that the forum can overcome obstacles when nations and communities unite with a shared purpose and mutual respect.

Sam Cheptoris, the Minister of Water and Environment of Uganda and the chairperson of the Nile Council of Ministers, stressed the integral connection between sustainability, cooperation, and development. He called upon all stakeholders to treat the Nile with reverence, recognizing it as both a legacy and a vital resource. Cheptoris lauded the collective will and determination displayed at the forum, underlining the objective of turning challenges into opportunities for the benefit of all and preserving the integrity of the Nile Basin ecosystems.

He expressed gratitude to all participants for their commitment and engagement during the month-long forum, emphasizing the significance of the event’s theme: “Deepening Nile Cooperation: Accelerating the Achievement of SDGs in a Changing Climate.” “The theme underscored the integral connection between sustainability, cooperation, and development, particularly in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” Cheptoris stressed.

According to the minister, the Nile, with its historical and cultural significance, symbolizes not merely a river but life, history, and civilization. He called upon all stakeholders to treat the Nile with respect, recognizing it as a legacy and a crucial resource.

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