Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister Gedion Themotewos hosted a productive breakfast meeting today with Foreign Ministers from the ratifying states of the Agreement on the Nile River Basin Cooperative framework (CFA).

The gathering brought together Foreign Ministers from Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi and South Sudan.

Discussions centered on practical steps to expedite the full operationalization of the Agreement and the establishment of the Nile River Basin Commission (NRBC).

The Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to the principles of equitable and reasonable utilization of Nile waters, as enshrined in the CFA.

They underscored that cooperation remains to be a necessity to ensure an equitable and reasonable management and utilization of this shared water resource.

Furthermore, the meeting highlighted progresses achieved since the entry into force of the CFA and expressed their commitment to ensure the successful completion of the formation of institutional setup.

The Nile River Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) is a multilateral treaty aimed at promoting equitable and sustainable use of the Nile River’s waters among its riparian states.

Signed initially in 2010, the CFA seeks to provide a legal and institutional framework for cooperation, ensuring that all member states can benefit fairly from the Abay while respecting the rights of each country.

The Nile River Basin Commission (NRBC) is the proposed institutional body under the CFA, tasked with coordinating joint management, monitoring, and development projects across the basin.

The CFA agreement emphasizes equitable and reasonable utilization, no significant harm to other riparian states, and sustainable development.