A regional science-policy-practice dialogue convening ministers, researchers, practitioners, and civil society to advance sustainable development of shared Nile Basin water resources.
Physical Closing Event · Dar es Salaam
Since 2006, the NBDF has brought together stakeholders from within and beyond the Nile Basin to foster shared understanding on water security challenges and cooperative development solutions.
Four-week series in October 2026 featuring paper presentations, technical discussions, and global participation from all Nile Basin countries and beyond.
Three-day conference in Dar es Salaam with technical sessions, ministerial roundtables, exhibitions, media & youth awards, and the forum declaration.
Build-up activities including the Nile Run/Walk, tree planting, youth hackathon, shoreline clean-ups, and multimedia outreach across all riparian countries.
Since its evolution from the Nile 2002 Conferences, the NBDF has become a cornerstone for fostering trust and confidence among riparian countries, enabling them to engage more openly and constructively on shared development goals. It has played a catalytic role in advancing transboundary cooperation, which has increasingly become institutionalised.
The Forum has also raised international awareness of the Nile Basin as a global asset of critical importance — framing Nile cooperation not merely as a regional imperative, but as a shared global responsibility. No single country can, in isolation, safeguard the Basin's ecosystems from degradation or from the unintended consequences of uncoordinated development.
The Basin's ecosystems serve critical environmental functions and act as natural infrastructure sustaining the livelihoods of millions.
Despite vast natural resources, the region remains among the least developed in the world — a contrast the Forum has consistently drawn attention to.
Through its inclusive, knowledge-driven approach, the NBDF has emerged as a powerful instrument for dialogue, shared learning, and coordinated action — advancing cooperation, resilience, and sustainable development across the Nile Basin.
Proceedings, presentations, and outcomes from previous editions of the Nile Basin Development Forum are available on the NBI website.
Building a resilient and inclusive Nile future through four interconnected pillars — investing in people, financing, climate resilience, and shared prosperity.
Women, youth, academia, and civil society as drivers of sustainable transboundary water management.
Innovative financing to bridge the infrastructure gap and unlock transformative basin-wide projects.
Integrated water resources management to adapt to climate change and reduce disaster risk across the basin.
Cooperative water management for mutual benefits, peace, and inclusive growth across all riparian states.
NBDF8 extends beyond the closing event with a rich programme of build-up activities, competitions, and follow-up actions.
Charity walks, runs, shoreline clean-ups, tree planting, and market clean-ups across Nile Basin countries to raise awareness.
Innovation competitions for young people to develop technology-driven solutions for Nile Basin water challenges.
Four-week webinars featuring paper presentations, call for abstracts, write-shops, and multimedia outreach.
Opening, business, and closing sessions with technical presentations, panel discussions, and ministerial roundtables.
Recognition ceremonies for outstanding Nile media coverage and youth innovation contributions to basin sustainability.
Partner exhibitions, booth displays, and co-convened side events showcasing innovations and technologies.
Adoption and dissemination of the NBDF8 declaration outlining commitments and priority actions for the Basin.
Comprehensive evaluation, published report, and proceedings documenting outcomes and recommendations from NBDF8.
Open call for journalists and media professionals covering Nile Basin issues to submit entries for the media awards competition.
The road to NBDF8 — from concept development through the closing event and beyond.
Join us virtually through the webinar series or in person at the closing event in Dar es Salaam.
The detailed schedule for each webinar and closing-event day is being finalised and will be published here shortly.
Distinguished researchers, policy makers, and practitioners from across the Nile Basin and beyond.
Confirmed keynote speakers, panellists, and moderators will be announced here as they are confirmed.
Multiple avenues to engage with NBDF8 — whether as a presenter, sponsor, exhibitor, or participant.
Present your research at the Forum. Submit an abstract on any of the four thematic areas.
Make a financial or material contribution. Sponsor logos displayed on the Forum website and documents.
Pay for a booth at the closing event venue to showcase your organisation, projects, and technologies.
Contribute technical papers and join in planning and running a technical session of the Forum.
Provide the cash prize for one or more categories of the media or youth awards competitions.
Host a side event at the closing in collaboration with the Forum Secretariat.
Take part in the Nile Run/Walk, tree planting, shoreline clean-ups, or sponsor others to participate.
Register free of charge to join the virtual or physical audience at the Forum.