The CICOS programme aims to improve trade, navigation safety and sustainable water-resource management across the Congo Basin and Ogooué inland-waterway network. It covers navigation diagnostics, harmonised rules, information and monitoring systems, institutional strengthening and future infrastructure measures. Participating countries are Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Gabon.
The Congo Basin contains more than 25,000 km of naturally navigable waterways, including at least 15,000 km of classified routes. Managed through CICOS, the programme will improve the safety, reliability and management of inland waterway transport and strengthen integrated water-resource management. Activities include needs assessment and project definition, navigation and hydrometric information, harmonised rules and procedures, institutional capacity, planning for channel and terminal improvements, and data services for governments, operators, communities and research institutions.
Facilitate trade on the inland waterways of the Congo Basin and Ogooué River; improve navigation safety and transport reliability; strengthen integration in Central Africa; harmonise navigation and water-management arrangements; improve hydrological, environmental and transport information; promote integrated and sustainable use of basin water resources; and create a foundation for phased investment in river infrastructure and services.