Regional Hydrology Workshop Boosts Data Capacity and Flood Preparedness in Africa

The workshop aimed to strengthen regional capacity in streamflow measurement and hydrological data analysis, advancing critical efforts to monitor and respond to flood and drought risks in one of the world’s most climate-sensitive regions.

From 13 to 17 October 2025, the scenic town of Musanze, nestled in northern Rwanda, hosted a landmark regional workshop that brought together more than 20 hydrology experts from 11 countries across the Nile Basin and Greater Horn of Africa. The workshop aimed to strengthen regional capacity in streamflow measurement and hydrological data analysis, advancing critical efforts to monitor and respond to flood and drought risks in one of the world’s most climate-sensitive regions.

Organized jointly by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI), and the Rwanda Water Resources Board (RWB), the training showcased a blend of traditional and cutting-edge hydrometric techniques, serving as a critical platform for knowledge exchange and technical skill-building.

Backed by International Support for Climate Action

The initiative was held under the framework of several regional and international partnerships, including:

• Water at the Heart of Climate Action (WHCA) Project

• CREWS East Africa and CREWS Horn of Africa Initiatives

• Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), through GIZ

These organizations provided technical and financial backing to ensure that participants could access both theoretical training and practical field demonstrations, emphasizing the importance of climate-informed water resource management in the region.

Multinational Representation and Cross-Institutional Collaboration

Participants hailed from Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and the United Republic of Tanzania, reflecting the transboundary nature of the Nile River system. Representatives from IGAD’s Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), the WMO HydroHub Think Tank, and private sector hydrometric equipment providers also took part, highlighting the workshop’s wide-ranging stakeholder engagement.

This diverse gathering fostered a rich exchange of national experiences, local challenges, and innovative practices in hydrological monitoring.

Hands-On Training in the Field

Fieldwork formed a core component of the workshop, with practical demonstrations conducted on the Mukungwa River and Nyamukongoro Stream. Participants learned to apply a range of streamflow measurement techniques, including:

• Traditional methods such as current meters and Flow Trackers

• Advanced tools like Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs)

• Non-contact image-based surface velocimetry using mounted cameras

Data gathered in the field were processed using modern hydrological software, allowing participants to compare the accuracy, safety, and efficiency of different measurement approaches. Results confirmed that emerging technologies can enhance both data quality and operational safety, especially in remote or challenging environments.

Private Sector Technology Demonstrations

To cap off the week, hydrometric industry leaders Sommer and SEBA Hydrometrie hosted equipment demonstrations, highlighting the latest innovations in flow measurement. Attendees received guidance on calibration, maintenance, and operational best practices, adding practical value to the training outcomes.

Key Outcomes and Strategic Recommendations

The workshop concluded with a set of important recommendations aimed at institutionalizing the gains achieved. These include:

• Regular regional capacity-building programmes to sustain and expand skills

• Integration of innovative technologies into national hydrological services

• Development of standardized procedures for data collection and analysis

• Strengthened data sharing frameworks to improve cross-border water management

• Creation of a dedicated communication platform for continuous collaboration

The proposed communication platform will enable countries to exchange technical insights, share training resources, and disseminate emerging solutions in hydrometry and data science, fostering a community of practice for water professionals in the region.

Toward a Resilient Hydrological Future

As climate change continues to amplify the frequency and intensity of floods, droughts, and extreme weather events, robust hydrological monitoring becomes indispensable. This workshop marks a critical step toward developing a modern, sustainable, and collaborative hydrological system for the Nile Basin and Greater Horn of Africa.

The knowledge and technologies shared during the workshop are now being disseminated in participants’ home countries, with the aim of improving early warning systems, enhancing climate resilience, and ensuring sustainable water management for millions across the region.