The long-awaited Nile River Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) has officially come into effect, paving the way for the establishment of the Nile River Basin Commission (NRBC). This marks a significant milestone in the efforts of Nile Basin countries to create a legal and institutional framework for the management and equitable use of the Nile River.
The Ethiopian Minister of Water and Energy, Habtamu Itefa, hailed the decision as a testament to the collective resolve of the Nile Basin countries to work together for mutual benefit. In a statement shared with Capital, the Ministry emphasized that the CFA represents a historic step toward rectifying long-standing imbalances in the access and use of Nile waters.
“The establishment of the Nile River Basin Commission (NRBC) will manage and safeguard the Nile River for the benefit of all countries involved and serve as the cornerstone of our cooperative efforts,” Habtamu Itefa said. The NRBC will be responsible for coordinating cooperation among the Basin states and ensuring the sustainable management of the Nile’s resources.
The CFA, which has been ratified by Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, and, most recently, South Sudan, recognizes the legitimate needs of all Nile Basin countries and commits them to equitable sharing of the river’s waters. The agreement also underscores the importance of sustainable development, cooperation, and regional integration. It is a major step in resolving historical inequities, as it ensures that all Nile Basin nations can benefit from the shared water resource.
In his statement, Habtamu highlighted the importance of thinking beyond the present: “We must use the resources of the Nile not just for today, but for the generations that will come after us. The CFA ensures that we protect the Nile and its ecosystems, utilizing its waters in ways that do not jeopardize the future.”
The agreement, which took years of negotiation to reach, represents the first multilateral effort to create a comprehensive legal framework governing the Nile’s use. The CFA’s entry into force is particularly significant as it reflects the growing regional consensus around the need for cooperation over conflict. It calls for the equitable and reasonable use of the Nile’s waters, a crucial point of contention among Nile Basin countries, particularly Egypt and Sudan, which have so far refused to sign the agreement.
While upstream countries such as Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania have embraced the CFA as a step toward fairer access to Nile waters, Egypt and Sudan remain opposed. For Egypt, which relies heavily on the Nile for its water supply, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile has been a particular source of tension, with concerns that it may reduce the country’s water share. Egypt has continued to push for a binding agreement on the dam’s operation and filling process.
Despite these ongoing challenges, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and other leaders have urged the non-signatory nations to join what they refer to as the “Nile Family.” The CFA is viewed as an opportunity to ensure that all nations along the river can benefit from its waters while preventing future disputes. Abiy called for unity, emphasizing that the CFA promotes regional cooperation that can lead to peace and prosperity for all involved.
The Nile River Basin includes ten countries: Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. While not all of these countries have ratified the agreement, those that have are moving forward with a vision of shared governance and sustainable development.
The establishment of the Nile River Basin Commission, made possible by the CFA, promises to be a key instrument in fostering long-term cooperation, ensuring the equitable distribution of water, and addressing the challenges posed by population growth, climate change, and increasing demand for water. With the CFA in force, the hope is that dialogue and collaboration will replace the tensions that have long surrounded the Nile River, enabling the Basin countries to build a future based on mutual trust and respect.
As Habtamu concluded, “This agreement is not just about water; it is about fostering a legacy of cooperation, unity, and sustainability for future generations.” The coming years will reveal whether the vision of the Nile Family can bring about the collective prosperity that the CFA seeks to achieve.
