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The 19th Nile Day celebration hosted by Ethiopia in Addis Ababa yesterday 22 February was marked with a march through the streets of Addis Ababa, an exhibition of results of cooperation, a renewed call for Nile cooperation, and a culture/food night.
The Nile Basin countries yesterday celebrated Nile Day 2025 under the theme “Strengthening Nile Cooperation for Climate Resilience and Shared Prosperity”
In his remarks, the Nile Council of Ministers’ chair/Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hon. Pal Mai Deng said “Perhaps the most concerning challenge is the looming threat of climate change. Changing weather patterns, reduced rainfall, and higher temperatures are likely to worsen water scarcity, disrupt agricultural productivity, and lead to further displacement of vulnerable communities.”
“It is clear that through cooperation, we can overcome these challenges. The ownership of the institution by all member states is vital for the sustainability and growth of the cooperation. Each nation must take pride in the successes of the NBI, contributing ideas, resources, and support,” he stated.
He further noted that a key milestone in the journey of cooperation was the completion of the ratification of the Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA). “This agreement marks a new chapter for Nile Basin countries, strengthening our ability to work together on shared goals.”
In his speech, Ethiopian President H.E. Taye Atske-Selassie emphasized the need for establishing a permanent Nile River Organization, noting that this organization would provide a strong institutional framework for coordinated management, dispute resolution, and long-term strategic planning for our shared waters.
He urged development partners to continue their support in facilitating investments in climate-resilient infrastructure, data sharing, and capacity-building programs.
He further called on the academia and research institutions to provide evidence-based solutions to “our” water and climate challenges.
Minister for Water and Energy of Ethiopia, Ing. Dr. Habtamu Itefa said, “Due to climate change, we are likely to be forced to live with more frequent extreme events – floods and droughts. Our catchments are facing increasing degradation. Ethiopia is taking great pains to mitigate these impacts of climate change. For instance, farmers spend 60 days every year doing unpaid work for soil and water conservation to rehabilitate degraded lands and catchments. Through the Green Legacy Initiative, Ethiopia planted 40 billion seedlings in the last 6 years. Out of which 11, 2 billion was planted in the Blue Nile Basin.”
Nile Badin Initiative Executive Director, Dr Florence Grace Adongo stressed that only 42 percent of people in the Nile Basin have access to clean energy; most of the people’s reliance on biofuels therefore threatens the environment.
“Nile Basin is a net food importer while we could be a food basket to Africa. Nile Basin lakes, rivers, wetlands, and dams are getting silted due to deforestation, degradation of water towers, uncoordinated development, and poor watershed management. Sustained commitments and obligations of NBI Member States to support NBI through country contributions are paramount. NBI commends Member States who have met their obligations.” she remarked.
Achievements under NBI’s Water Resource Investments Programme
NBI has facilitated the construction of 6,595km of power interconnections, benefiting over 4 million people.
Hydropower generation increased by nearly 300 megawatts.
Water storage increased by 122 million cubic meters through multipurpose dams.
Over 26,000 hectares of arable land equipped with agricultural irrigation
626,700 hectares of degraded watershed restored.
More than 42,000 Nile Basin citizens benefited from capacity-building programs, including interns and young professionals.
Call to action:
There is a need for the riparian countries to celebrate Nile Day at the country level to raise awareness and share information and knowledge for Nile Cooperation.
There is a need for greater engagement of women and youth, who are the future of the Nile Basin, and overall, to strengthen human capital.
