Countdown to Dar-es-Salaam: NBI Unveils 19 Thematic Webinars Ahead of the 8th Nile Basin Development Forum

The Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) has kicked off a series of 19 thematic webinars running from October 2 to October 16, 2026, setting the stage for the 8th Nile Basin Development Forum (NBDF8).

According to the organisers, from 2^nd  to 16^th October 2026 will feature the webinar series; while  25^th  to 27^th  November 2026 will be the main event.  Of the NBDF8 in Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania

The theme of the forum is: "Building a resilient and inclusive Nile future: investing in people, innovation and cooperation for shared prosperity" with daily Webinar Scheduled at: 09:00–11:00 EAT and 14:00–16:00 East Africa Time

Executive Director Dr. Eng. Nestor Niyonzima noted that this year's lineup places a greater emphasis on everyday community experiences alongside technical and scientific discourse.

“There is a lot happening across the Nile Basin, and enormous potential across our region. Until you hear the perspectives coming from different parts of the Basin, you may not fully appreciate the breadth of the knowledge, innovation and experience that exists,” said Dr Niyonzima. “We received more than 80 abstracts from 10 Nile Basin countries and contributors elsewhere in Africa and Europe, and this series gives us an opportunity to bring that knowledge into a much wider discourse.”

The forum will features over 90 presentations and applied case studies from contributors across 10 Nile Basin countries, plus Europe and Africa, and the core topics will include: Covered themes including remote sensing, machine learning, digital twins, hydrological modelling, hydropower operations, regional electricity trade, innovative financing, wetlands, nature-based solutions, and water-resource planning.

Participants can register and access session schedules directly through the Nile Basin Development Forum Portal.

Compared with previous fora, Executive Director Dr Eng. Nestor Niyonzima said, this series brings people more prominently into the conversation, alongside the technical and scientific knowledge shaping the future of the Nile Basin.

NBDF8 traditionally provides a platform to bring such contributions together, encourage exchange among researchers, practitioners and policymakers, and explore how evidence and experience can inform cooperation and practical solutions for the Basin.

The series reflects the changing needs of Nile cooperation, where skills, transparent data exchange and strong institutions are increasingly important for managing shared water resources, including wetlands. It will explore how new ideas and cooperation can deliver practical results – from turning early warnings into early action and using forecasts to improve reservoir operations, to examining how shared water resources can support hydropower, electricity access and regional power trade

You can Register at www.nbdf.nilebasin.org and see the full programme and session details.

The Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) is an intergovernmental partnership of 10 Nile Basin countries established to provide a forum for consultation and coordination among the Basin states. NBI seeks to develop the Nile Basin water resources in a cooperative manner, share substantial socioeconomic benefits and promote regional peace and security.