Africa’s great rivers have nourished some of the world’s most significant civilizations. They have shaped the rhythm of life for untold generations of riparian peoples, linking cultures across political borders.
Unfortunately, from the Nile to the Zambezi, many of these rivers have been dammed, diverted, dredged and polluted in the name of meeting water and energy needs. This development has not only failed to meet these needs, it has caused catastrophic social, environmental and economic damage.
Our Work in African River Basins
Africa deserves a just energy transition that maintains the vital free-flowing rivers that nourish its unique biodiversity and enable transportation, farming and fishing.
With our partners, the Africa Program works to promote sustainable solutions for meeting food, water and energy needs and to ensure that local communities, and women in particular, have a voice in decisions affecting their rivers.
River Basins
Related Resources
Latest Updates
- New Resource: Community Guide to Independent Accountability Mechanisms for Communities in AfricaFrançais below English and French versions of the guide can be found in the Safeguards and Standards section of the Capacity Building Tool Resources page. Development projects such as dams, … Read more
- DRC Delegation Addresses the Green Hydrogen Hype in EuropeIntroduction In September, International Rivers accompanied civil society partners and community leaders from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to meet with European policymakers and civil society organizations, to … Read more
- MAP: Hydropower Dams in Sub-Saharan AfricaFrench below/ Version Française plus bas Only one-third of rivers remain free-flowing, largely due to dams. Globally, large hydropower dams have displaced up to 80 million people and compromised the … Read more
- PRESS RELEASE | Namibia at an Energy Crossroads: continue relying on climate-risky hydropower or harness its abundant and cost-effective renewablesTMP Public electricity sector assessment demonstrates that solar and wind represent the least-cost pathway to meeting Namibia’s current and future energy demand FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 18, 2023 Media contacts: … Read more