Chad shares a significant portion of its water resources with neighboring countries, such as the Lake Chad basin, the Niger River basin, and the Nubian Sandstone aquifer system. These shared resources present challenges for Chad, as they are under increasing pressure due to climate change, pollution, and urbanization. Updating cooperation agreements for shared basins and improving monitoring of water resources are critical tasks for Chad to address these challenges and adapt to climate change.
To tackle these issues, Chad’s Ministry of Water and Sanitation developed an implementation plan for the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes at a national workshop in 2024. This plan aims to enhance water governance on both a national and transboundary level.
Becoming the first African Party to the Water Convention in 2018, Chad is leading the way for other African countries to join. Strengthening its legal and political framework for water resource management, Chad’s strategy document will help in implementing the Convention’s obligations and addressing current gaps and challenges.
The workshop also allowed Chad to explore potential technical and financial support from partners like the European Union, the African Development Bank, and the Global Water Partnership. The presence of national focal points for funding agencies like the Global Environment Facility and the Green Climate Fund signaled financial opportunities for projects related to shared water resources management.
With the support of the Convention secretariat and funding from the European Union, France, and the Lake Chad Basin Commission, Chad is working towards sustainable and peaceful management of its shared water resources. The upcoming 10th session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Water Convention will provide Chad with an opportunity to present its priority needs and seek further support from partners.