With several of Africa’s 64 transboundary rivers still lacking legal frameworks for cooperation, effective governance of shared water resources remains critical. Climate change, population growth and increased water demands are intensifying pressure on shared waters, making international water law an indispensable tool for fostering collaboration and unlocking investment in sustainable transboundary water management. 

In response to these pressing challenges, the Water Convention Secretariat, in collaboration with its partners and host country Uganda, convened the 7th edition of the Pan Africa Water Governance and International Water Law Training from 9-12 December 2024, in Entebbe. The workshop brought together over 30 diverse water practitioners, including representatives from national governments, basin organizations, multilateral financial institutions, NGOs, and academia, to enhance capacity in international water law and governance for Africa’s shared water resources. 

Participants benefited from expert-led sessions facilitated by the Water Convention Secretariat's Legal Officers, along with renowned professors and senior practitioners from Africa and abroad. Key resources, including the Practical Guide on Developing Agreements and Other Arrangements and the Frequently Asked Questions on the Water Convention, served as foundational training materials. A field visit to Jinja, Uganda, highlighted practical applications of the training, with participants touring a hydroelectric dam and observing the source of the Nile River to contextualize discussions on sustainable water investment and management. 

Since its inception, the Pan Africa Water Governance and International Water Law Training has worked to build capacity, foster networks, and advance water governance practices. Recent editions have emphasized the role of international water law in catalyzing financial investment in transboundary water projects, institutions, and management frameworks. 

Key challenges and insights 
 

Despite progress in legal frameworks for transboundary water cooperation, gaps persist. Many agreements remain non-operational across entire basins due to the absence of critical riparian states or insufficient funding. Groundwater aquifers—essential yet underrepresented in governance—pose additional challenges. The training addressed these issues by combining foundational international water law principles with practical case studies and interactive discussions, fostering a “practitioner-to-practitioner” learning approach. 

Key outcomes 

• Enhanced understanding of international water law and its role in water agreements and institutions. 

• Greater awareness of the 1992 Water Convention and its institutional resources. 

• Practical experience in applying international water law through a treaty negotiation simulation. 

• Access to a robust network of peers, senior practitioners, and academics across Africa and beyond. 

About the Water Convention 

The Water Convention provides a global legal and intergovernmental platform to promote sustainable management and protection of transboundary water resources. Its tools and frameworks support countries in building cooperation, fostering sustainable investments, and addressing challenges in shared water management.