Addis ababa: The conclusion of colonial-era agreements has heralded a new chapter in the management of the Nile River, a vital waterway that has sustained civilizations across Africa for centuries. The Nile, fed by the Blue Nile or Abbay River from Ethiopia’s highlands, is one of the continent’s most significant river systems, with a drainage basin covering 3.18 million square kilometers. This basin is a critical resource for 11 countries, home to over 556 million people, which is about 42% of Africa’s total population.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the legacy of colonial agreements, particularly the 1929 and 1959 treaties primarily involving Egypt and Sudan, has long influenced the governance of the Nile’s waters. These agreements, brokered by British colonial powers, allocated a large portion of the river’s resources to Egypt and Sudan, sidelining the needs of upstream countries like Ethiopia. This historical context has perpetuated a power imbalance, granting Egypt significant control over upstream
water development projects.
Ethiopia has consistently advocated for equitable utilization of the Nile’s waters, emphasizing the need to address the developmental needs of upstream nations. The principle of equitable use, enshrined in international water law, supports Ethiopia’s argument for the right to develop its resources without harming downstream users. This stance has been a driving force behind the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI), a partnership established in 1999 to promote sustainable socioeconomic development through fair use of the Nile’s resources.
The Nile Basin Initiative has facilitated cooperation among the riparian countries, culminating in the Nile Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA). The CFA, a treaty aimed at equitable water resource management, required six ratifications to come into effect. This milestone was achieved in 2024 with South Sudan’s ratification, bringing the CFA into force and signaling a shift towards mutual cooperation and sustainable development in the Nile Basin.
The establishment of the Nile River Basin Commission (NRBC) under the CFA promises a permanent institutional mechanism for managing and developing the Nile’s resources. Its goal is to ensure equitable distribution of water resources among the ten Nile Basin countries, addressing challenges such as population growth and climate change.
Ethiopia’s completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) represents a significant achievement in harnessing the Nile’s potential. Constructed using local resources and public support, GERD underscores Ethiopia’s commitment to overcoming historical injustices and advancing regional development. The dam’s successful implementation highlights Ethiopia’s capacity to generate and export hydroelectric power, fostering economic growth and energy security in the region.
The GERD project exemplifies the necessity of a paradigm shift in Nile water management. The colonial-era agreements, which favored downstream nations like Egypt and Sudan, are no longer sustainable or just.
Instead, a cooperative approach based on equitable resource sharing is essential for ensuring long-term security and prosperity for all Nile Basin countries. Such collaboration could transform the Nile from a source of conflict into a catalyst for regional cooperation and sustainable development.