On 26 October 2026, the delegation of the Niger Basin Authority (NBA) held two working meetings at the headquarters of the Netherlands Commission for Environmental Assessment (NCEA): the first with the NCEA and the second with Wageningen University & Research (WUR). The main objective was to turn cooperation intentions into concrete action for the benefit of the populations of the Niger Basin and the nine NBA Member States.

1. Giving substance to the NBA–NCEA Cooperation Agreement
This meeting focused on the implementation of the Cooperation Agreement between the two institutions. The NCEA presented its mandate and its experience in West Africa in the following areas: (i) technical assistance and quality assurance in the preparation of terms of reference and the conduct of environmental assessment studies; (ii) independent studies and technical advisory opinions; (iii) strategic environmental assessment; and (iv) mapping and support for structuring investments, notably on the terms of reference for the environmental and social impact assessment studies of the Fomi dam project.

The discussions made it possible to identify six priority areas:
- strengthening the capacities of the national and regional Coordination Bodies of Niger Basin Natural Resources Users;
- developing and implementing a regional capacity-building programme in environmental and social assessment for young professionals and the relevant national institutions of the NBA Member States;
- supporting the application of pollutant discharge standards in the Niger Basin, the draft of which will be submitted to the NBA Council of Ministers for consideration at its next Ordinary Session;
- supporting the process of updating the Shared Vision towards the 2050 horizon and the Master Plan for Development and Management (MPDM) for the sustainable development of the Niger Basin, as well as the preparation of a Round Table of the NBA’s financial partners;
- strengthening impact-based forecasting and early warning services for the reduction of flood, drought and pollution risks in the Niger Basin; and
- the joint mobilisation of funding, including within the framework of the blue economy, in support of the implementation of the NBA Strategic Plan and Operational Plan 2026–2030.

The two Parties agreed to co-produce a roadmap for November 2026 – December 2027, structured around the six priority areas. They also exchanged the names and contact details of their respective Focal Points.

2. Placing research at the service of the resilient and sustainable development of the Niger Basin

At the second meeting, the Executive Secretary presented the current and emerging challenges facing the Basin, together with some of the NBA’s prospects: the update of the Shared Vision to the 2050 horizon and of the Master Plan for Development and Management (MPDM) for the sustainable development of the Niger Basin. He reiterated the NBA’s interest in translating scientific research results into policies, structuring investments and appropriate, sustainable solutions for the benefit of the most vulnerable populations of the Niger Basin.

WUR outlined its interventions in West Africa and the Sahel, supported by its network of universities in the region, including the Pro-ARIDES and Soil Values programmes (soil fertility, with SNV, and support to doctoral students).

The two Parties identified the following prospects:
- the signing of a memorandum of understanding in support of the implementation of the NBA Strategic Plan and Operational Plan 2026–2030;
- the establishment of consortia with universities of the NBA Member States to mobilise financial resources jointly for the Niger Basin, by responding together to calls for proposals from the Netherlands and to other opportunities relevant to the NBA;
- the joint preparation and implementation of a regional programme on the blue economy in the Niger Basin;
- the rollout of in-service and continuing training programmes;
- the establishment of a community of practice on the Water-Food-Energy Nexus approach, peace and employment, and on the NBA’s action in areas of instability.

The next steps will focus on the designation of Focal Points, the preparation of a draft memorandum of understanding with WUR, the development of joint work plans and the drafting of concept notes with a view to mobilising funding.

These meetings confirm the NBA’s determination to strengthen the scientific and technical dimension of its action, in the service of water, food and energy security, as well as the resilience and preservation of the ecosystems of the Niger Basin.