Project Showcase

Phase II of the binational Lesotho Highlands Water Project includes construction of the 165-metre Polihali Dam, a saddle dam, a transfer tunnel of about 38.2 km connecting the Polihali reservoir to Katse, access roads, bridges, power and supporting infrastructure. The water-transfer component is for South Africa's Vaal River System, while hydropower and associated development benefits accrue to Lesotho under the bilateral treaty and Phase II agreement.

The Lesotho-Botswana Water Transfer Project (LBWT) is a major transboundary water infrastructure initiative to transfer water from the water-rich highlands of Lesotho to the arid regions of Botswana, traversing South Africa. The project's core components include: 1) Construction of a new multipurpose dam on the Makhaleng River in Lesotho, with an indicative storage capacity of approximately 1,200 million cubic meters. 2) A conveyance system comprising pipelines, pumping stations, and associated infrastructure to transfer water from the dam in Lesotho, across South Africa, to Botswana. The indicative pipeline length is over 700 km. 3) The project aims to yield about 500 million cubic meters of water per year, with an indicative 75% allocated to Botswana, and the remainder for Lesotho's Lowlands and en-route communities in South Africa. 4) The dam is planned to have a hydropower generation component. The project is being developed under the framework of the Orange-Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM).

The Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) Phase II is a multi-billion Maloti/Rand bi-national infrastructure project between the Governments of the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Republic of South Africa, established under the 1986 Treaty and the 2011 Phase II Agreement. Phase II is designed to augment water delivery to South Africa and increase hydropower generation capacity in Lesotho. The project is implemented by the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) on behalf of Lesotho and the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) on behalf of South Africa. The core infrastructure components of Phase II include: (1) The Polihali Dam, a 165 m high concrete-faced rockfill (CFRD) embankment dam located downstream of the confluence of the Senqu and Khubelu Rivers in the Mokhotlong district, which will create a reservoir with a surface area of 5,053 ha and a storage capacity of 2,325 million cubic metres; (2) A 50 m high saddle dam; (3) The Polihali-Katse Transfer Tunnel, a 38.2 km long, 5 m diameter gravity tunnel connecting the Polihali reservoir to the Katse reservoir, being excavated by two Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) simultaneously from both ends; (4) The Oxbow Hydropower Scheme on the Malibamatso River, with an installed capacity of 80.3 MW and an average annual output of 180 GWh, currently at detailed engineering design phase with commissioning slated for 2030/31; and (5) Advance infrastructure including roads, bridges (including the 825 m long, 90 m high Senqu Bridge), high-tension power lines, telecommunications systems, accommodation and construction facilities. Phase II will increase the current annual water supply rate from 780 million cubic metres to approximately 1,270 million cubic metres per annum, adding 490 million cubic metres per year to South Africa's Integrated Vaal River System. Water delivery is targeted for financial year 2028/2029, with reservoir inundation planned for 2027. As of late 2025, overall project completion stood at approximately 48%, with dam construction at 37% complete. The Katse TBM was launched on 15 January 2025 and the Polihali TBM arrived on site in July 2025 and began excavation in January 2026.

The project will construct a multipurpose dam on the Makhaleng River in Lesotho, associated hydropower facilities and a water-conveyance system of approximately 700 km through South Africa to Botswana. Current PIDA specifications indicate a 124-metre concrete arch dam, an estimated yield of 310 million cubic metres per year, about 30 MW of hydropower at the dam and additional generation along the conveyance route. The system is intended to supply domestic, agricultural and industrial users in all three participating countries.

AIP provides an enabling and project-preparation framework for priority transboundary and regional water investments submitted by African member states. It supports integrated water, health, energy and food-security projects; strengthens institutional arrangements; helps sponsors develop bankable projects; and links project pipelines to preparation facilities, public finance and private investment. The first phase identifies specific programmes in Benin, Cameroon, Tunisia, Uganda and Zambia, together with regional initiatives supported through institutions such as ECCAS and the SADC Water Fund.

The project proposes a multipurpose dam on the Dawa River approximately 20 km upstream of Rhamu Dimtu in Kenya and near Boni in Ethiopia. Current PIDA specifications indicate an estimated dam height of about 90 metres, reservoir capacity of approximately 4.5 billion cubic metres and potential hydropower generation of 8.2 MW. The stored water would support irrigation, flood control, domestic and livestock water supply, fisheries and improved dry-season water availability across the transboundary basin.

The project proposes a joint dam on the Lower Orange River near Noordoewer in Namibia and Vioolsdrift in South Africa. The feasibility process has examined alternative sites and sizes for a re-regulation reservoir capable of improving the long-term sustainable yield of the Orange River System. The facility would support projected municipal, agricultural and industrial demand, future irrigation development and releases needed to meet ecological water requirements in the lower river.

"Orange River System (ORS) is one of the most highly developed River Systems in Southern Africa. In September 2015, Namibia and South Africa, under the auspices of the PWC, commissioned the Noordoewer / Vioolsdrift Dam (NVD) Feasibility Study, which aimed at identifying and optimising the best development dam size(s), site(s) and sequence of dam developments in the ORS needed to achieve the overall catchment objectives, to re-regulate the flows for ecological needs and to increase the yield in the Orange River System for use by both RSA and Namibia. The study was completed in May 2020. The study investigated many possible options and in 2016 initially concluded that the optimal NVD would have a wall height of about 73 m, with a storage capacity of 2,800 million m3 and would be concrete faced rock fill type (CFRD). Certain limited further feasibility studies are required before the project can proceed to implementation. Such studies would include at least an independent review of the above findings, the finalisation of the exact parameters for the recommended optimal NVD in terms of size, site and type, and obtaining environmental authorisation for implementation. The development of the NVD project will involve the following further stages: • Further feasibility studies • Detailed designs, procurement and constructionOrange River System (ORS) is one of the most highly developed River Systems in Southern Africa. In September 2015, Namibia and South Africa, under the auspices of the PWC, commissioned the Noordoewer / Vioolsdrift Dam (NVD) Feasibility Study, which aimed at identifying and optimising the best development dam size(s), site(s) and sequence of dam developments in the ORS needed to achieve the overall catchment objectives, to re-regulate the flows for ecological needs and to increase the yield in the Orange River System for use by both RSA and Namibia. The study was completed in May 2020. The study investigated many possible options and in 2016 initially concluded that the optimal NVD would have a wall height of about 73 m, with a storage capacity of 2,800 million m3 and would be of concrete faced rock fill type (CFRD). Certain limited further feasibility studies are required before the project can proceed to implementation. Such studies would include at least an independent review of the above findings, the finalisation of the exact parameters for the recommended optimal NVD in terms of size, site and type, and obtaining environmental authorisation.The development of the NVD project will involve the following further stages: • Further feasibility studies • Detailed designs, procurement and constructionOrange River System (ORS) is one of the most highly developed River Systems in Southern Africa. In September 2015, Namibia and South Africa, under the auspices of the PWC, commissioned the Noordoewer / Vioolsdrift Dam (NVD) Feasibility Study, which aimed at identifying and optimising the best development dam size(s), site(s) and sequence of dam developments in the ORS needed to achieve the overall catchment objectives, to re-regulate the flows for ecological needs and to increase the yield in the Orange River System for use by both RSA and Namibia. The study was completed in May 2020. The study investigated many possible options and in 2016 initially concluded that the optimal NVD would have a wall height of about 73 m, with a storage capacity of 2,800 million m3 and would be of concrete faced rock fill type (CFRD). Certain limited further feasibility studies are required before the project can proceed to implementation. Such studies would include at least an independent review of the above findings, the finalisation of the exact parameters for the recommended optimal NVD in terms of size, site and type, and obtaining environmental authorisation for implementation. The development of the NVD project will involve the following further stages: • Further feasibility studies • Detailed designs, procurement and constructionOrange River System (ORS) is one of the most highly developed River Systems in Southern Africa. In September 2015, Namibia and South Africa, under the auspices of the PWC, commissioned the Noordoewer / Vioolsdrift Dam (NVD) Feasibility Study which aimed at Feasibility Study, which aimed at identifying and optimising the best development dam size(s), site(s) and sequence of dam developments in the ORS needed to achieve the overall catchment objectives, to re-regulate the flows for ecological needs and to increase the yield in the Orange River System for use by both RSA and Namibia. The study was completed in May 2020. The study investigated many possible options and in 2016 initially concluded that the optimal NVD would have a wall height of about 73 m, with a storage capacity of 2,800 million m3 and would be of concrete faced rock fill type (CFRD). Certain limited further feasibility studies are required before the project can proceed to implementation. Such studies would include at least an independent review of the above findings, the finalisation of the exact parameters for the recommended optimal NVD in terms of size, site and type, and obtaining environmental authorisation for implementation. The development of the NVD project will involve the following further stages: • Further feasibility studies • Detailed designs, procurement and constructionOrange River System (ORS) is one of the most highly developed River Systems in Southern Africa. In September 2015, Namibia and South Africa, under the auspices of the PWC, commissioned the Noordoewer / Vioolsdrift Dam (NVD) Feasibility Study, which aimed at identifying and optimising the best development dam size(s), site(s) and sequence of dam developments in the ORS needed to achieve the overall catchment objectives, to re-regulate the flows for ecological needs and to increase the yield in the Orange River System for use by both RSA and Namibia. The study was completed in May 2020. The study investigated many possible options and in 2016 initially concluded at the optimal NVD would have a wall height of about 73 m, with a storage capacity of 2,800 million m3 and would be of concrete faced rock fill type (CFRD). Certain limited further feasibility studies are required before the project can proceed to implementation. Such studies would include at least an independent review of the above findings, the finalisation of the exact parameters for the recommended optimal NVD in terms of size, site and type, and obtaining environmental authorisation for implementation. The development of the NVD project will involve the following further stages: • Further feasibility studies • Detailed designs, procurement and construction"

The Integrated Watershed Management in the Ribb, Gumera and Jema Watersheds project is one of the four fast track projects prepared in 2007 under the Eastern Nile Watershed Management (ENWM) Project. The project was prepared as an integral part of Tana-Beles Watershed Management Project. The project area was comprised of five micro-watersheds/development clusters totaling 80,600 ha in area and split roughly equally between the Ribb, Gumera and Jema watersheds, each of which drains into Lake Tana. The project objective was to improve the livelihoods of rural households living in the upper catchments of Ribb, Gumera and Jema Watersheds in Ethiopia through enhanced productivity and promotion of sustainable land use practices. The project was structured along three mutually supportive themes, namely (a) theme A on livelihoods, which had four components directed at improving livelihoods through better communications, increased productivity and enhanced income generation; (b) theme B on natural resources, which had two main components covering soil and water management and forestry and agro-forestry measures aimed at creating a sustainable landscape that limits erosion and creates a more productive basis for livelihood generation; and (c) theme C on capacity building and project management that addresses the immediate constraints in capacity to implement the project and sustain the outcomes through more robust community and government institutions. Specific interventions under the project included upgrading rural feeder roads; establishing micro-finance schemes; improving water supply and sanitation systems; improving facilities at health posts and primary schools; demonstration of improved cropping practices (such as alley cropping, intercropping, strip cropping, cover cropping, etc), improved seed and fertilizer use; integrated pest management; controlled ploughing; stabilization of terraces and gullies with trees and shrubs; cultivation of pasture grasses and leguminous hedgerows for fodder production; establishment of animal health posts; development of dairy processing and animal fattening programmes; classification of land base on slope and introduction of appropriate soil and water conservation measures such as land closure, bench terracing, stone bunds, earth bunds, contour bunds and check dams; promotion of rainwater harvesting; promotion of small scale irrigation; establishment of tree nurseries and planting of private and community woodlots.

This Project is located in Western Kenya. The dam is intended to provide flood controls, irrigation development and hydropower generation. The project includes a 155 Mm3 dam, 20MW electricity, 30,000ha of irrigation, up to 86,400m3 /d water supply, benefitting 1.152m people. Detailed feasibility and design studies have been done for this project and it now requires implementation, estimated at USD 393.7m over 3 years, which has been included in NEL-IP.

The project involves the construction of the Koukoutamba multi-purpose dam (previously known as Gourbassy dam) between Mali and Senegal. A feasibility study and preliminary design for the Gourbassy Dam was completed by SNC LAVALIN International in 2012 for the OMVS Secretariat (Haut Commissariat de l"’OMVS), with funding from the World Bank under the project PGIRE 1. The main summary report is dated July 2012. Since then, some (rather modest) progress has been made on further project preparation and mobilisation of finance. Activities that have been undertaken include: preparation of terms of reference for detailed design studies and tender documents. The preparation of studies to assess the cost of building the dam; and development of plans to mobilise finance, including planning for a donor round table and sending out funding requests to potential partners has been done.

The Jita sub-basin measures 2,915 km2 in area, and is part of the Abbay (Blue Nile) River Basin located in the Central Ethiopian Highlands. The sub-basin partially covers five Woredas in the South Gonder and North Wollo Zones of Amhara Regional State. The sub-basin is characterized by high elevations (2,500 â€" 3000 m amsl in most parts; down to 1,200 m in the lowest part), steep slopes, high rainfall intensity that generates considerable runoff, intensive cultivation, overgrazing and deforestation. These characteristics, and the use of inefficient traditional farming methods and growing human population on naturel resources lead to soil erosion, soil fertility decline, water scarcity and deepening poverty. The objectives of the Jita project are fourfold, to: (a) improve natural resources management through sustainable land management practices; (b) improve agricultural productivity by introducing improved crop and livestock technologies; (c) enhance Institutional capacity through various capacity building activities; and (d) diversify the livelihoods of local communities with a focus on women and youth by introducing different off-farm activities. The project as three components on sustainable land management, livelihoods support, and institution capacity building. The project was identified in 2007 under the Cooperative Regional Assessment (CRA) of the Eastern Nile Watershed Management Project (ENWM), which was itself part of the Integrated Development of the Eastern Nile. Full feasibility and project preparation studies were completed in 2012 under the Project Delineation and Prioritization study supported under the NBI Institutional Strengthening Project (ISP). Both phases of the studies were funded by the Nile Basin Trust Fund.Â

The Anger Irrigation Project is a major multi-purpose water resources development project in Ethiopia, located on the Anger River, a tributary of the Didessa River in the Blue Nile Basin. The project's core component is the construction of the Anger Dam, a concrete-faced rockfill dam (CFRD) with a height of 80 meters and a crest length of 1.3 km. The dam will create a reservoir with a significant storage capacity to regulate water flow. The irrigation component aims to develop 14,450 hectares of land through a network of main canals, secondary canals, tertiary canals, and on-farm irrigation systems. The project also includes a hydropower component with an installed capacity of up to 200 MW, flood protection measures, and cross-drainage structures. It is part of the broader Eastern Nile Irrigation and Drainage Projects (ENIDP) portfolio. Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) and Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs) are integral components to address potential impacts.

The Mara River Basin Project contributes to improved living conditions of the basin communities by creating an enabling environment for sustainable development-oriented investments and building capacity of riparian staff and communities in integrated water resources management and development. The project is preparing several investment proposals in the fields of water infrastructure, watershed management and irrigation infrastructure for subsequent funding within a consistent basin development strategy. This primarily irrigation project includes the Borenga Dam, will benefit 100,000 people, irrigate 8,340Ha in 13 villages of Serengeti and Butiama Districts, 2.85MW hydropower, water supply to 18 villages in Serengeti, Butiama and Tarime Districts in Tanzania.

The Ruvyironza Multipurpose Water Resources Development Project (PIDA Code: BIP_NELSAP_017) is a major infrastructure initiative in Burundi. The project's core component is the construction of a multipurpose dam on the Ruvyironza River, a tributary of the Kagera River. The primary purposes are irrigation, hydropower generation, and water supply. The dam is expected to create a reservoir with a surface area of approximately 11 square kilometers, inundating about 11 km of the Gitega-Ngozi highway, the Kibaya Bridge, and the Kibaya river gauge. The project scope includes: 1) Development of 14,674 hectares of irrigated agriculture across five provinces (Cankuzo, Gitega, Karuzi, Muyinga, Ruyigi); 2) Installation of a 22 MW hydropower plant; 3) Provision of water for municipal and livestock supply, and aquaculture; 4) Catchment restoration activities upstream of the dam (covering a 1,999 km2 area) to address land degradation. The project preparation phase, managed by the Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Program (NELSAP), includes comprehensive feasibility studies, detailed design, Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), Resettlement Action Plan (RAP), and tender document preparation.

The Kabuyanda Water Resources Development Project, renamed Kabuyanda Irrigation Scheme, is located in Isingiro and Ntungamo Districts in south-western Uganda. The project area is characterized by fluctuating rainfall and with up to four months of little to no rainfall. The proposed project consists of a dam (Kabuyanda dam) and an irrigation scheme. The dam is a 33 m high earth-fill dam on the Mishumba River with a 8.8 MCM reservoir and 90 km2 drainage area. The dam will be located approximately 5 km north-west of Kabuyanda Town, and will submerge an area of 100 ha within the Rwoho Central Forest Reserve (CFR). The irrigation area served by the dam is expected to cover 3,300 ha.Funded under the World Bank-funded Irrigation for Climate Resilience Project (ICRP). In 2019, the design of the original project was revised to simplify management and reduce the project costs, and the ESIA and RAP (including all required documentation like the Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPMP) and Dam Safety Management Plan (DSMP)) were accordingly revised and updated. Dam utilization options were also re-assessed and the option of irrigation development alone, which excludes hydropower, domestic uses and livestock uses, was recommended and selected for implementation.

The Lakes Edward and Albert Basin supports over 14 million people who depend on fisheries, agriculture, transport, and diverse ecosystem services. The basin faces severe pressures from population pressures, poverty, limited social services and infrastructure, and unsustainable resource use. LEAF I and II made progress, but basin-wide challenges—including overfishing, declining biodiversity, catchment degradation, water-quality deterioration, climate impacts, and institutional weaknesses—remain significant. The Project Development Objective is to ensure the sustainable management, development, and utilization of fisheries and water resources in the basin, enhancing biodiversity, economic growth, and community livelihoods. There are five components: (i) Fisheries Resources Management and Development—strengthening monitoring, rebuilding stocks, aquaculture, improving landing-sites, and alternative livelihoods. (ii) Integrated Water Resources Management—expanding monitoring networks, implementing catchment plans, improving pollution control, and access to safe water and sanitation; (iii) Navigation and Maritime Safety to enhance safe, efficient water transport. (iv) Control of Invasive Aquatic Weeds—coordinated surveillance, prevention, and management of invasive species. (v) Project Coordination and Management— operationalization of an effective permanent transboundary basin institution--strengthened cooperation for shared benefits

The Ngono Valley project (located in the western shores of Lake Victoria and shared by the Districts of Bukoba Rural and Missenyi) will develop a multipurpose reservoir, net irrigated agriculture of approximately 5,825 ha, generation of hydropower, as well as contribute towards sustainable land management of endangered sub-catchments in the Ngono River Basin. The proposed projects are part of the investment projects advanced by Tanzania to the NELSAP for projects preparation and which were prioritized through the NEL Multi-Sector Investment Opportunity Analysis. The project has been phased into two stages as follows: The project includes command areas and a canal for small scale farmers (stage 1), followed by stage 2 which includes a 17m high, 268 MCM Dam, Hydropower plant with installed capacity 1.65MW, mean annual energy production 8.7GWh, irrigation command areas for small- and large-scale farming and will have 100,000 beneficiaries including water supply to 23 villages in Missenyi and Bukoba Districts on the western shores of Lake Victoria, Tanzania. Feasibility studies, detailed design, ESIA have been done, and the project is now seeking implementation funding of USD 243m.

The Noumbiel project is a transboundary multipurpose dam proposed on the Mouhoun, close to the confluence with the Koulbi and the Burkina Faso-Ghana border. The approved PAP II submission describes a dam of about 40 metres, an indicative reservoir volume of 11.3 cubic kilometres, installed generation of approximately 62.4 MW, annual production of about 303 GWh and irrigation potential in Burkina Faso and Ghana. The project is intended to serve the directly affected countries while generating wider benefits across the Volta Basin.

The project will construct a dam of about 30 metres on the Malaba River at the Kenya-Uganda border, creating a reservoir of roughly 31 million cubic metres. The scheme is designed to supply potable water to approximately 270,000 people, irrigate about 4,000 hectares, generate 1.3 MW of hydropower, support fisheries and livestock, regulate floods and droughts, and restore the associated upstream watershed. NELSAP-CU of the Nile Basin Initiative has coordinated the joint preparation process for Kenya and Uganda.

The Angololo Water Resources Development Project (AWDP) is located on the trans-boundary Malaba River that is between Kenya and Uganda and it falls within the Sio-Malaba Malakisi (SMM) River Basin within the Lake Victoria sub basin. The Angololo project was identified by Kenya and Uganda in collaboration with Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Program (NELSAP) through its Sio Malaba Malakisi (SMM) River Basin Management (RBM) project. NELSAP-CU conducted its prefeasibility studies in 2010 with grant financing from the Royal Government of Sweden and the Royal Government of Norway. Following this identification study, the Governments of Kenya and Uganda formally requested NELSAP to integrate it into its pipeline of natural resources projects for further appraising and development. The project was approved during the 18th Nile Equatorial Lakes Council of Ministers (NELCOM) meeting held in Entebbe, Uganda on 13th October 2015 and was included into the African Development Bank (AfDB) pipeline (IOP) for the year 2016 – 18 to seek possible funding support. NELSAPCU/NBI was mandated in the signed MOU between Uganda and Kenya to support in mobilization of resources for preparation of the investment project. NELSAPCU approached AfDB Eastern Africa Regional Centre (EARC) for funding to undertake preparation studies. The project studies will consist of the following components: • Feasibility Study, Detailed Design and Preparation of Tender Documents; • Independent Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) • Stakeholder engagements to validate project study outputs. Once proven economically viable, the project studies will proceed to Detailed Designs (DD), and preparation of tender documents.

The Fincha'a sub-basin measures 4,089 km2 in area, and is part of the Abbay (Blue Nile) River Basin located in the Central Ethiopian Highlands. The sub-basin is located in Horo Gudru Wellega Zone of Amhara Regional State. The sub-basin is characterized by high elevations (2000 â€" 3200 m amsl in most parts), steep slopes, high rainfall intensity that generates considerable runoff, intensive cultivation, overgrazing and deforestation. These characteristics, and the use of inefficient traditional farming methods and growing human population on naturel resources lead to soil erosion, soil fertility decline, water scarcity and deepening poverty. The objectives of the Fincha'a project are fourfold, to: (a) improve natural resources management through sustainable land management practices; (b) improve agricultural productivity by introducing improved crop and livestock technologies; (c) enhance Institutional capacity through various capacity building activities; and (d) diversify the livelihoods of local communities with a focus on women and youth by introducing different off-farm activities. The project as three components on sustainable land management, livelihoods support, and institution capacity building. The project was identified in 2007 under the Cooperative Regional Assessment (CRA) of the Eastern Nile Watershed Management Project (ENWM), which was itself part of the Integrated Development of the Eastern Nile. Full feasibility and project preparation studies were completed in 2012 under the Project Delineation and Prioritization study supported under the NBI Institutional Strengthening Project (ISP). Both phases of the studies were funded by the Nile Basin Trust Fund.Â

The Chemoga-Yeda sub-basin measures 2,738 km2 in area, and is part of the Abbay (Blue Nile) River Basin located in the Central Ethiopian Highlands. The sub-basin is located in Amhara Regional State, East Gojam Regional office. The sub-basin is characterized by high elevations (2000 â€" 3900 m amsl in most parts, down to 890 m in the lowest part), steep slopes, high rainfall intensity that generates considerable runoff, intensive cultivation, overgrazing and deforestation. These characteristics, and the use of inefficient traditional farming methods and growing human population lead to soil erosion, soil fertility decline, water scarcity and deepening poverty. The objectives of the Chemoga-Yeda project are fourfold, to: (a) improve natural resources management through sustainable land management practices; (b) improve agricultural productivity by introducing improved crop and livestock technologies; (c) enhance Institutional capacity through various capacity building activities; and (d) diversify the livelihoods of local communities with a focus on women and youth by introducing different off-farm activities. The project as three components on sustainable land management, livelihoods support, and institution capacity building. The project was identified in 2007 under the Cooperative Regional Assessment (CRA) of the Eastern Nile Watershed Management Project (ENWM), which was itself part of the Integrated Development of the Eastern Nile. Full feasibility and project preparation studies were completed in 2012 under the Project Delineation and Prioritization study supported under the NBI Institutional Strengthening Project (ISP). Both phases of the studies were funded by the Nile Basin Trust Fund.Â

This project involved construction of water supply and sanitation systems, improving solid waste and storm water management, improving watershed management, improving urban planning and building capacity of urban authorities in 15 secondary towns in the Lake Victoria Basin. This project intends to meet the Millennium Development Goals and support secondary urban centers in the Lake Victoria Basins to contribute to the reversal of the pollution of the lake through improvements of sustainable water supply and sanitation infrastructure in 15 secondary towns within the Lake Victoria Basin. The selected towns were across East Africa countries with Burundi having 3 towns that included: Ngozi, Muyinga and Kayanza. In Kenya, Keroka, Kericho and Isebania were among the towns while in Rwanda, Kayonza, Nyagatare and Nyanza were identified. Tnazania had Geita, Sengerema and Nansio towns added while Uganda had Mayuge, Buwama-Kayabwe-Bukakata and Ntungamo. The implementation was launched in 2011 with approx. 110 MUSD grant funding from the African Water Facility. This component of LVWATSAN was called LVWATSAN Phase II. Africa Development Bank entered into a Contribution Agreement with UN-HABITAT to offer Technical Assistance and Capacity Building Programme. MWAUWASA was delegated to take the role of implementing authority for the 3 Tanzanian towns; Geita, Sengerema and Nansio, financed by AfDB.  The water supply has been improved for 784,470 residents of beneficiary towns across the Partner States.

Kinyeti River has its origins in the Imatong Mountains close to the South Sudan-Uganda border and from there flows northwards, eventually dispersing into the Badigeru swamp. The proposed project has multiple components including small scale potable water supplies, fisheries management, irrigation, livestock watering and watershed management. The Kinyeti River multipurpose development project is one of the three short term projects proposed as part of the Baro-Akobo-Sobat multipurpose water resources development study project. The three short term projects are based on the sustainable development of water resources. They aim at providing inter-sectoral benefits and improving people’s livelihoods in the sub-basin. The Kinyeti project is centered around the construction of a multipurpose dam in Eastern Equatoria, South Sudan, upstream of the city of Torit. The project has been designed to provide the following benefits: The 45 million m3 reservoir will secure water access for the city of Torit (100,000 inhabitants projected in 2041). It will also support capture fisheries and recreational activities The regulation of the flow will provide water for the development of irrigation (1,000 ha) and aquaculture (100 ponds of 200 m²) downstream of the dam. It will also provide water for the livestock all year round and satisfy an environmental flow during the dry season. Irrigation and aquaculture will be introduced in this area and there would be room for further expansion of these activities in the future. A Feasibility studies completed with an estimated investment costs is USD 92 million

Why this Project is Needed Now? The project is a timely intervention to strengthen the climate resilience of targeted communities in a region frequently affected by drought. By focusing on sustainable groundwater management, it aims to provide a buffer against climate shocks and improve livelihoods. The project builds on the achievements of earlier initiatives, such as the HoA-Groundwater Initiative (HoA GWI), to create a consolidated and sustainable institutional framework for managing transboundary aquifers. Phase II project will benefit from lessons learnt from the GW4R project Phase 1. Anticipated Benefits: The project's primary beneficiaries will be decision-makers and groundwater management professionals in regional and national institutions, who will benefit from strengthened capacity, better information, and improved policies. Indirectly, inhabitants of the IGAD region will benefit from more sustainable groundwater management and increased resilience to climate shocks. The investment is justified by its potential to promote peaceful coexistence over shared resources and enhance economic livelihoods. Regional and Global Significance: The project's focus on transboundary water management aligns with broader regional and global development agendas. By strengthening cooperative frameworks for a vital natural resource, it contributes to regional stability and sustainable development. The project also supports the achievement of SDGs (especially SDG 6), AU Agenda 2063, African Water Policy and Vision 2025, and IGAD and NBI goals. Alignment with Nile Basin Investment Program: The project should be included in the Nile River Basin Investment Program as it presents a novel approach for transboundary groundwater management that can strengthen livelihoods and climate resilience, offering a model that could be replicated and upscaled across the Nile Basin. Furthermore, it conducts pre-investment activities in key transboundary aquifers located within the Nile Basin, specifically the Sudd Aquifer (shared by Ethiopia and South Sudan) and the Gedaref Aquifer (shared by Ethiopia and Sudan), which are the focus of the current phase of the project.

The project area covers the Akanyaru marshland, the Lakes Cyohoha and Rweru and their watersheds shared by Rwanda and Burundi, and is located in the Akanyaru sub-basin and the downstream Nyabarongo sub-basin, both being part of the Kagera sub-basin shared by Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda and Tanzania. The project area has experienced a steady decline in the level of ecosystem services from being the food basket of Rwanda and Burundi in the 1960s with widespread forest area and plenty of rainfall to its current status of frequent drought, soil erosion and lack of grazing land. The objective of this project is to enhance: Co-ordination, sustainable development, management and utilization of the Lakes Cyohoha, Rweru, Akanyaru marshland environment, including water and fisheries resources production Contribute to poverty reduction and the reversal of environmental degradation in the Bugesera region shared by Rwanda and Burundi, especially in the Rweru and Cyohoha lakes basins and Akanyaru marshland. The project aims to develop 4,200ha irrigated land; 2.5 million agroforestry trees; 765ha riverbank & lake shores protected; restocking of 2 lakes; support to 9 fishermen cooperatives; 1 million beneficiaries including 4,500 fisher folks and improved capacity of more than 6,500 farmers. In more detail: Integrated Agriculture and Watershed Development and Management: Nearly 2,000 ha of irrigated land set up with hillside irrigation techniques and effective marshland management, more than 6,500 farmers with improved capacities on improved seeds, dairy cows and post-harvest infrastructures Watershed management: Mechanisms and capacities for joint water monitoring and management in place and operational, Protection of 765 ha of lakeshores and Akanyaru riverbanks with fodder grass, agroforestry, fruit, bamboo and indigenous tree species. Conservation of aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity through restoration of lakes shores, spawning sites and catchments and joint mechanisms for fishery and water resources monitoring and management Fisheries Resources Development and Management: Restock of the 2 lakes with 1,000,000 tilapia fingerlings, support construction of fishery infrastructures and strengthen capacities of 9 fishermen cooperatives and key stakeholders for sustainable fishery development. Regional Integration and peace building through harmonized policies frameworks Capacity building and development: Capacity building for alternative livelihood and by commodity chain of 4,500 beneficiaries from fishery, farmers and agriculture cooperatives, 50% being women. Leading to poverty reduction and improved food security. This component also specifically addresses knowledge generation and dissemination systems to monitor specific risks and threats, notable climate change and variability. The project is ready for implementation and requires funding of USD 95m over 4 years implementation to enable the project to become financially self-sufficient.

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.

The Northern Sahara Aquifer System (SASS) is a basin of more than 1000,000 km shared by three countries (Algeria, Tunisia, Libya) with considerable but not renewable water potential. This water potential is overexploited in view of the estimates of the levies, which rose from 0.6 billion m3/year in 1970 to 2.8 billion m3/year in 2013, almost triple the average recharge (1 billion m3/year).If the state of overexploitation persists, due to the increase in water needs that could double by 2030 due to the extension of irrigation, the consequences will be dramatic and may result, among other things, in a sharp deterioration in water and soil quality. As a result, alternative solutions must be sought through, among other things, the generalization of renewable energy (solar), the realization of renewable water points, drainage systems, water demineralization stations accompanied by efficient management of irrigation water.The project serves a planned infrastructure asset of another sector, but there is less than 50% overlap in the geography serviced by the proposed project and the other sector planned asset.Agricultural development through irrigation efficiency to triple irrigated areas by 2030; The development of solar energy, especially in arid areas; Job creation in the agricultural sector; Modernising irrigation through water-efficient practices; The use of unconventional water in irrigation through the demineralization of brackish water and the recovery of drainage water; The involvement of the private sectors and research in agricultural development; Incentives to invest in major agricultural projects; The development of cold storage capacity and packaging centres, particularly in arid areas; The attractiveness of the agricultural sector to young people. Innovation Drip System: - Use of Solar Energy; - applications of the "renewable energy-water-agriculture" nexus. - Rain systems outside the oasis, available in: - Private irrigated serriculture system and perimeter for the production of early or off-season market garden products with high added value. There, the problem is related to the degradation of the quality of the groundwater resource by salinization by contamination with marine water; The rain-fed olive system, threatened with drought with decline. In both cases, too, the application of a "renewable energy-water-agriculture" nexus is able to safeguard and redeploy them on the path to sustainability. The expected results of this reasoned intensification are as follows: - The conservation of water and soil resources and the preservation of their qualities; - Significant improvement in agronomic performance (saving 30% of irrigation water, recovery and reallocation of drainage water, at least doubling yields/ha relative to baseline, diversification of production and improvement in quality). This with a very positive integration of livestock into crop systems; - The increase (double or even triple) in the income of farmers to the benefit of the local economy; - The consolidation of the social structures and cultural values of these regions based on group solidarity, through new structures created and adopted by the indigenous peoples themselves. - Establishment of demineralization stations for brackish waters

The Nyimur/Limur multipurpose water resources project is a transboundary project located in the Aswa Basin covering parts of Lamwo District, Uganda and Magwi Country, Eastern Equatorial State, South Sudan. The location coordinates are 3.560042°N, 32.361010°E. The project comprises of several components, including a community-based irrigation scheme, a dam and water reservoir, a water and soil conservation component and flood control component. The core scheme of the project consists of a 26 m head dam on the Nyimur River, a mini hydropower plant with a 350 kW capacity; and development of 5,105 ha for paddy rice irrigation. The project is expected to benefit 12,000 people from the two countries. The preparatory studies (2015-2019) included feasibility studies for community-based irrigation, hydropower generation, and watershed management; an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA); and preparation of a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP). At the project end in 2019, a roundtable donors meeting was held to mobilize resources for the implementation phase. Project preparation activities were funded through a EUR 1.975 million grant from the AfDB, with EUR 0.587 million co-funding from NELSAP-CU and EUR 34,608 in in-kind support from the countries.

The project combines water-supply infrastructure with climate-resilient water-resource management in Antanambao Manampotsy, Atsinanana Region, Madagascar. The concept includes cascading lakes and retention structures, water treatment and distribution systems, protection of community sources and improved monitoring. It is designed to serve approximately 71,910 residents and support public health, household water access, local livelihoods and agricultural production.

Dinger Bereha Irrigation and Drainage Project is located in Chewaka Woreda develop a 7,500 ha irrigation scheme at Dinger Bereha in Chewaka Woreda. The project will abstract water from the Didessa River and comprises of a mass concrete weir headworks, a 15 km main canal, primary canals and tertiary distribution system of HDPE pipes. The project feasibility studies were completed in 2010. with funding from the African Development Fund.

Wad Meskin barrage across Rahad River has been planned to regulate the flood flows during rainy season, for Dinder and Rahad rivers so as to satisfy the needs of Rahad Project Phase I, through Abu Rakham barrage as a downstream regulator, and to divert water to Rahad Project Phase II for summer crops through a main canal. This same barrage would regulate water transported from the Roseires Dam, after the heightening project completion, with the link canal through Dinder River barrage to the project. It lies between Hawata town and Wad Meskin on the eastern side of the seasonal Rahad river. The defunct railway line from Khartoum to Gadarif then Port Sudan crosses the Rahad river at Hawata which lies on the northern end of the project. The Wad Meskin Project site is close to the Rahad Project Phase II.The project area is located on the eastern bank of Rahad River and its land is shared between Gezira and Gadarif States. The 53.8 km long open earth canal linking the two barrages at Salsal and Wad Meskin on Dinder and Rahad Rivers respectively. Its function is to convey part of Dinder waters to Rahad.

The Taba-Gakomeye Multipurpose Water Resources Development Project is a planned infrastructure project in the Nile Equatorial Lakes Region, specifically in Burundi. Its primary purpose is to develop a multi-purpose reservoir on the Ruvyironza River to address water scarcity, enhance food security, and support socio-economic development. The project scope includes the construction of a dam and reservoir for irrigation, domestic water supply, livestock watering, and potentially hydropower generation. It is designed to regulate river flow, mitigate floods, and improve water availability for surrounding communities and agricultural activities. The project is part of the broader Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Program (NELSAP) under the Nile Basin Initiative.

Angololo Water Resources Development Project (AWDP) is located on the transboundary Malaba River shared by Kenya and Uganda and falls within the Sio-Malaba Malakisi (SMM) River Basin of the Nile Basin. The project consists of a proposed 30 m high dam with a reservoir capacity of 43.0 MCM and hydropower generation capacity of 1.75 MW. The dam will supply potable water to 20,000 people and irrigate 3,300 hectares (1,180 ha in Kenya and 2,120 ha in Uganda). The project also includes rehabilitation of the 430 km2 watershed upstream of the dam. In total the Angololo Water Resources Development Project is expected to benefit at least 127,300 people from Tororo, Manafwa, and Namisindwa districts in Eastern Uganda and Busia and Bungoma Counties in Kenya through employment creation, irrigated agriculture, piped water supply, hydropower generation, and livestock and fisheries production. The Angololo project was identified by Kenya and Uganda in collaboration with NELSAP-CU under the Sio Malaba Malakisi (SMM) River Basin Management (RBM) project. NELSAP-CU conducted its prefeasibility studies in 2010 with grant financing from the Royal Government of Sweden and the Royal Government of Norway. Feasibility studies (including detailed designs, ESIA and RAP studies and stakeholder engagement) commenced in 2019 with a US$ 1.5 million grant from NEPAD-IPPF and are expected to reach completion in 2021. The project is located at coordinates 0.693243°N, 34.306400°E

The Fomi project is a multipurpose dam proposed on the Niandan River in Guinea within the Upper Niger Basin. The approved project concept includes a reservoir of about 4,978 million cubic metres, a dam of approximately 50 metres, three generating units totalling around 90 MW, irrigated agriculture, fisheries, improved navigation and environmental-flow regulation. Guinea is the project member state, while benefits extend across the wider Niger Basin.

To contribute to the improvement of the Eastern Nile Flood Risk Mitigation (EN-FRM) Project the following outputs are planned: An enhanced EN FFEWS, so that reliable flood forecasts and early warnings for the EN region become available to member countries. Flood maps with flood hazards and risks for key flood prone areas in the EN region, so that flood protection measures and flood response preparedness actions can be planned adequately and Enhanced forecasting capacity for better management of dam operation and water resources planning.

Remnants of the vegetation cover in the Jema Watershed include scattered trees and patches of shrubs and bushes on hills and mountain slopes and along streams. Grasses also occur with bushes and shrubs, around homesteads, on pasture lands, on field boundaries and along narrow valleys. Scattered natural trees are common within homesteads, in crop fields and along streams as traditional agro-forestry species. A large area of arable land on gently undulating terrain towards the Jema River, and severe gully erosion associated with areas of communal grazing in the north-east of the area. The runoff from the hills is channelled into gullies, which are a problem to the community. Flooding and riverbank erosion are also indicated as priority constraints.

PEAT-WISE was conceived to address the growing threats to peatlands caused by unsustainable practices such as drainage for agriculture, burning, and peat extraction. These activities have led to land degradation, biodiversity loss, and greenhouse gas emissions. The project recognizes that peatlands are globally significant ecosystems because they store vast amounts of carbon, regulate water flows, and support diverse flora and fauna. The project's core objectives include: • Restoration and protection of peatlands in the Akanyaru and Nyabarongo wetlands, which are among the largest peatland complexes in the Nile Basin. • Climate change mitigation and resilience, by conserving peatlands as carbon sinks and enhancing their role in flood regulation and water storage. • Sustainable livelihoods development, promoting eco-friendly land use practices that allow local communities to benefit economically while reducing environmental harm. • Capacity building and policy support, strengthening institutional frameworks in Rwanda and Burundi for transboundary ecosystem management. • Regional cooperation, fostering collaboration between the two countries to jointly manage shared wetlands and peatlands within the Kagera River Basin. Expected Impacts • Environmental: Reduced greenhouse

The Kitale Town Sewerage Project aims to improve wastewater management and sanitation services in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, addressing challenges from rapid urban growth. The project involves expanding and rehabilitating the sewer network through construction of 94 Km of Trunk and Secondary Sewers including 5,000 plot connections to increase household connections. Two new wastewater treatment plants-the Rafiki WWTP (4,600 m³/day capacity) and the Sirende WWTP(5,600 m³/day capacity)-will be constructed to ensure efficient, environmentally friendly treatment of sewage, replacing the existing Machinjoni and Bidii plants. A total of 85,779 inhabitants will benefit from the project. The project also includes upgrading sewer lines, decommissioning obsolete infrastructure, and strengthening the capacity of local operators. Environmental and social safeguards are integrated to minimize impacts and promote community engagement. Upon completion, the project will significantly reduce pollution, protect local water bodies, and enhance public health and living standards, supporting Kitale's sustainable urban development and setting a benchmark for effective wastewater management in Kenya.

The Atbara Kerib Land Rehabilitation Project was one of 13 potential first-round investment projects identified in 2007 under the Cooperative Regional Assessment (CRA) of Watershed Management in the Eastern Nile Basin. The 13 projects identified under the CRA focused on watered degradation ‘hot spots’ characterized by increasing population pressure on a degrading natural resource base. The project area is located along the western banks of the Atbara River in El Fashaga Locality in Gederef State and stretches from the Kashm el Girba dam to the junction the Setit and Barr as Salem Rivers where a new dam is proposed to be constructed. The project area extends up to 16 km form the river edge. The objective of the Atbara Kerib Land Rehabilitation Project is to arrest land degradation along the Atbara River in Gedaref State, and rehabilitate degraded kerib lands along the river while diversifying community livelihood activities and contributing to poverty alleviation. Karib land is land along a river channel where deep gullies have formed as a result of erosion of soil from land adjacent to the river. Project interventions include construction of field bunds in land adjacent to kerib lands, check dams within kerib land, planting indigenous trees within community forests and general lands, training locals in community forest management, training households in off-farm income generating activities, including processing of farm produce; and establishment of micro-finance institutions The prefeasibility study for the project was carried out in the period 2010-2012 under the Watershed Delineation and Prioritization Project.

The Lau Watershed Management project is one of the four fast track projects prepared in 2007 under the Eastern Nile Watershed Management (ENWM) Project. The Lau Watershed project area is administratively located within Maiwut County, Upper Nile State in Southern Sudan. Maiwut County has six Payams, four of which (Maiwut, Kigille, Jotome and Turuw) fall within the Lau Watershed Project area. The watershed (the part in South Sudan) has an area of 700 km2 that is characterized by rugged densely vegetated mountainous highland terrain at its head and plain lowland in the downstream parts. The altitude ranges from 415 to 1904 m amsl, with about 90 percent of the watershed falling below 500 m asl. During dry seasons, many people move long distances with their livestock in search of forage and water. The people that remain behind in the watershed have great difficulty finding adequate water (for domestic use and for the livestock that has not been driven away. Conflicts over water resources and grazing grounds are common in the watershed. Other issues identified in the watershed include deforestation, overgrazing, land degradation and soil loss, water pollution, and loss of wildlife from hunting and habitat destruction, impacts of climate change manifesting as changes in rainfall patterns, and weak institutions. The project objective was to restore community capacity to sustain and develop livelihoods in an environmentally responsible manner. The project had four components namely: (a) capacity building and institutional strengthening; (b) provision of basic services; (c) support to livelihoods, and; (d) project management. Specific interventions under the project included building capacity of Maiwut County and supporting NGOs; supporting the formation of, and building capacity of Community-Based Organisations; engaging and promoting community participation; constructing water supplies for domestic water use, livestock watering and agricultural irrigation based on sand dams or surface water reservoirs; constructing demonstration pit latrines and carrying out hygiene education; supporting school feeding programmes; introducing adult literacy programs; upgrading rural feeder roads to improve market access; demonstrating improved farming methods (e.g. use of improved seeds and fertilizers, mechanical ploughing; soil and water conservation; pest and disease control, etc); introducing small-scale irrigation; training fishermen in improved capture fisheries; introducing fish farming; supporting establishment of dairy processing cottage industries; establishing fruit tree nurseries, and promoting agro-forestry; diversification of income-generating activities (beekeeping, wood craft and furniture marking, vegetable processing, fruit processing, edible oil processing, grain milling, producing improved stoves, etc.); promoting use of renewable energy sources (biogas, solar); and introducing compressed bricks to replace traditional soil construction techniques.

The project would improve the hydraulic capacity of the Chari River and design the infrastructure required to transfer water by gravity from the proposed Bria Dam toward the Chari and Lake Chad. The concept includes measures to reduce water losses in floodplains, address silting and maintain flows, while optimising possible hydropower and irrigation components and minimising adverse environmental and social effects.

The project aims to address critical gaps in Homabay Town's sanitation infrastructure - protecting Lake Victoria from pollution and improve public health. The project focuses on both sewer rehabilitating the existing 20 km sewer network, which is largely degraded and underperforming, and expanding coverage to serve a growing population. Key components include: - Upgrading the dysfunctional wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) to meet Kenya's Water Quality Regulations (2006) by improving effluent quality - Rehabilitating primary and secondary sewer lines in the town center - Extending the gravity-based sewer network to newly urbanizing areas - Last-mile connectivity measures involve reactivating house connections, installing new connections, integrating on-site sanitation solutions in peripheral zones. - Operational improvements to reduce non-revenue water and enhance HOMAWASCO's capacity to manage assets. Implementation will be in phases. These interventions will increase service coverage, mitigate environmental risks to Lake Victoria, and align with Kenya's Vision 2030 goals for sustainable urban water management.

The Kitoba-Lubango focal area (5,664 ha) is situated in is located between the villages of Kitoba and Lubango, in the territory of Lubero, in the district of Goma, in the province of North Kivu, in eastern DR Congo. The Project is to develop 3,000 ha irrigation and watershed management and is part of the investment programs prioritized by DR Congo for preparation and implementation whose identification was undertaken in 2012. Benefits will accrue to 15,000 beneficiaries (including 4,286 farmers) either directly or indirectly through creation of employment opportunities, water for domestic consumption, agricultural production, and livestock production. The outcomes of these benefits will be enhanced household incomes and livelihoods, environmental protection, watershed management, boosted agricultural production to match the ever increasing population and market demand at regional level thereby improving both national and regional food security, social economic development and ultimately poverty reduction. The Project"’s expected outputs include: Kitoba-Lubango irrigation infrastructure to enable 5,664 ha of land to be under irrigated agricultureWatershed management program for catchments upstream of the proposed irrigation infrastructureEnvironmental and Social Management PlanImproved market infrastructure and outlets; greater participation in rural economy by small-holder farmersImproved water resources monitoring along three tributaries through establishment of 2 new river gauging stations. A pre-feasibility study has been done and it is expected that this national priority project will cost USD 21.1m. Feasibility, ESIA, and detailed design is required and has been allocated USD 3m in NEL-IP.