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Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — Governments, scientists and innovators from across Africa are convened in Addis Ababa for a symposium on digital innovations, technology and data to transform how the continent understands and manages its water resources.
Across the continent, floods, droughts and water scarcity are intensifying under climate extremes, and inadequate data systems are making it harder for governments to plan and respond to challenges. The 2024 Africa Sustainable Development Report reveals that only 6% of the continent’s Sustainable Development Goals targets, including those on water, are on track, and experts say the continent must urgently harness digital technology to close the water data gap.
Co-convened by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and Digital Earth Africa (DEAfrica) with support from The Helmsley Charitable Trust, the symposium will offer new pathways to manage water more efficiently and equitably. The three-day meeting will explore how satellite data, artificial intelligence and digital platforms can help countries improve planning, enhance forecasting of water risks and safeguard communities against climate extremes and water challenges. It will feature high-level discussions, technology showcases and examples of smart water management solutions from Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, among others.
“Harnessing technology is key to ensuring every drop of water supports development and resilience,” said Eng. Abdulrazak Omuer, Deputy Director General at Ethiopia’s Space Science and Geospatial Institute. “Africa is ready to lead through innovation.”
Participants include representatives from the Space Science and Geospatial Institute of Ethiopia, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Water and Energy, the World Bank, UN Economic Commission for Africa, African Ministers’ Council on Water and regional water authorities.
“Digital innovation is transforming what’s possible in water management,” said Rachael McDonnell, deputy director general – research for development at IWMI. “Access to accurate, timely data helps governments make better decisions, manage risk, and invest in solutions that benefit people and the environment.”
Dr Kenneth Mubea, Capacity Development Lead at DE Africa, noted: “Capacity building is central to Africa’s digital transformation. When we make Earth observation data accessible and usable for every African nation, we empower decision-makers to act. This symposium is about turning that access into real change on the ground.”
By connecting policymakers, researchers and digital developers, the meeting will accelerate the adoption of data-driven tools and create a continental roadmap for digital transformation in water management.
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Interview Opportunities:
Dr Abdulkarim H. Seid — Country Representative, Ethiopia & Regional Representative, East Africa, International Water Management Institute (IWMI)
Dr Kenneth Mubea –—Capacity Development Lead, Digital Earth Africa
Dr Olufunke Cofie — Africa Director for Research Impact,International Water Management Institute (IWMI)
Dr Rachael McDonnell — Deputy Director General — Research for Development,International Water Management Institute (IWMI)
To arrange interviews and for more information, please contact:
Elizabeth Wamba — Regional Communications and Knowledge Management, IWMI
e.wamba@cgiar.org; (+251) 965180500 / (+254) 722786664
About IWMI
The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) is an international research-for-development organisation that works with governments, civil society and the private sector to solve water problems in developing countries and scale up solutions. Through partnership, IWMI combines research on the sustainable use of water and land resources, knowledge services and products with capacity strengthening, dialogue and policy analysis to support implementation of water management solutions for agriculture, ecosystems, climate change and inclusive economic growth. Headquartered in Colombo, Sri Lanka, IWMI is a CGIAR Research Centre with offices in 15 countries and a global network of scientists operating in more than 55 countries. www.iwmi.org
Sobre a Digital Earth Africa
Digital Earth Africa (DE Africa) is a leading open data platform providing free, analysis-ready satellite imagery and geospatial services to support sustainable development across the African continent. From food security to biodiversity management, DE Africa enables African nations to drive evidence-based policies with locally relevant data.