Tanzania launches the 8th NBD Forum with a call  for stronger ties among Nile Basin countries

DODOMA: TANZANIA has officially launched the 8th Nile Basin Development Forum (NBDF8) in Dodoma and called for stronger cooperation among Nile Basin countries to develop innovative financing solutions for water infrastructure and address growing challenges caused by climate change.

The forum inaugurated by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water, Eng Mwajuma Waziri brings together stakeholders from countries sharing the Nile Basin to discuss sustainable management of the region’s water resources.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Permanent Secretary stated that Tanzania is honoured to host the forum and that the country remains an important partner in the Nile Basin, particularly because the main source of the Nile River is Lake Victoria, part of which lies within Tanzania.

She said the basin is facing increasing pressure from climate change, population growth, rising water demand, expanding economies and growing needs for water, food and energy.

ALSO READ: Tanzania affirms cooperation with Africa50 in advancing infrastructure projects across Africa

“These challenges require member states to work together in protecting, developing and managing shared water resources,” she said.

Moreover, the PS highlighted achievements from Tanzania’s participation in the Nile Basin cooperation, including improvements to eight national water monitoring stations in the Lake Victoria Basin, adoption of modern communication technologies for water data collection and access to equipment for monitoring water quality, groundwater and hydropower resources.

Furthermore, she invited researchers, writers and journalists to participate by submitting publications and stories on Nile Basin issues, which will compete for recognition and awards.

The forum aims to strengthen partnerships among Nile Basin countries through research presentations, online seminars, public awareness campaigns and a major meeting to be held in Dar es Salaam, which will bring together experts and leaders for technical discussions.

Nile Basin Development Forum Executive Director Eng Nestor Niyonzima urged stakeholders to submit articles and reports about the Nile Basin in different languages, including Kiswahili, to increase public awareness on the importance of the shared resource.