East Africa
With population increases and economic growth, water is essential for energy generation, manufacturing and urban development. Economically, Eastern Africa is the fastest growing region on the continent. Economic expansion leads the continent at close to 7% per year. However, the benefits of economic development are not equally distributed, with women, young people and marginalized groups receiving a disproportionately low share. Rapid economic growth has also led to unsustainable use of land and water resources, and uncontrolled and widespread industrial pollution.
Eastern Africa experiences regular lengthy periods of drought. The frequency and duration of droughts and floods will only increase with climate change. Rapid urbanization and a strong push to create employment in the manufacturing and industrial sectors have created competition over the relative distribution of water for domestic, industrial and agricultural purposes. There are also issues around whether distribution should favor water for smallholders or large-scale farmers, often export-oriented agriculture. The mandate for managing water is spread across different ministries, and the organizations tasked with water management are understaffed and underfunded.
IWMI in East Africa
IWMI works closely with government and nongovernment partners in East Africa to develop solutions for water challenges and priorities. Our work is aligned with the agendas of regional and continent-wide organizations, including the African Union Commission, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the East African Community.
Our work in East Africa is based on the IWMI Strategy 2024–2030. All our activities contribute to supporting the efforts of the region and its countries to meet their targets towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Regional representative
Abdulkarim Seid
Contact
For work related to East Africa, please contact our regional office in Ethiopia.
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