Ethiopia commits to expanding role in transboundary rivers & hydropower dev’t

Addis Ababa, March 26, 2026 (FMC) – Ethiopia and Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) countries have explored ways to turn shared water resources into shared prosperity, highlighting regional cooperation as key to sustainable development.

The annual Sululta Water and Hydro-Diplomacy Conference, held from March 20–24, 2026, brought together water ministers, NBI officials, academics, and stakeholders to review collaborative management of transboundary rivers, including the Nile, and discuss strategies to mobilize resources for equitable water use.

Ethiopia’s Minister of Water and Energy, Habtamu Ittefa, said the conference provided a platform to address national and regional water development challenges, strengthen hydro-diplomacy dialogue, engage the media, and ensure women’s participation and benefits in water management.

He emphasized Ethiopia’s commitment to expanding its role in transboundary river utilization and hydropower development, safeguarding water bodies, and ensuring access to clean drinking water through strengthened partnerships with Nile Basin countries.

The minister concluded by expressing gratitude to all participants, including water ministers, researchers, academics, panelists, and media representatives, for their contributions to the success of the conference.