Accra:The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) has emphasized the need for the widespread adoption of digital water technologies to enhance water management, irrigation efficiency, and agricultural resilience across Africa.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Abdulkarim Seid, IWMI's Country Representative for Ethiopia and Regional Representative, highlighted the potential of satellite observation, artificial intelligence (AI), and other digital tools in addressing critical water data gaps in African countries. He made these remarks during the opening of a two-day Pan-African Symposium, 'Shaping Africa's Digital Water Future' (DIWASA 2026), held in Accra.
The symposium gathered technology developers, researchers, policymakers, and water management practitioners to demonstrate digital solutions, share experiences, and explore ways to extend their application beyond pilot projects. The World Meteorological Organization's State of the Climate in Africa 2025 report, published in June 2026, underscores the escalating risks from extreme weather events such as floods and droughts that endanger livelihoods and water security across the continent.
Dr. Seid, who leads the Digital Innovations for Water Secure Africa (DIWASA) project, pointed out that many African countries lack sufficient information on agricultural water use, impairing their ability to assess efficiency and productivity or to plan effective irrigation systems. He noted that agricultural water use is one of the least monitored areas, stressing the necessity of reliable data for making informed irrigation decisions.
He further mentioned that satellite observations and digital innovations present opportunities for remote monitoring of water resources. However, many African countries face challenges in processing and applying the available data. The DIWASA project has trained over 1,000 individuals and has surpassed its initial target, with more than 100,000 users accessing its continental data products online.
In Ghana, the DIWASA project collaborates with the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA) to utilize Earth observation tools for enhancing water management at the Botanga Irrigation Scheme. Mr. John Dumelo, Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, emphasized the necessity of reliable water information for farmers in making decisions regarding planting, crop selection, and land cultivation amid uncertain rainfall patterns.
Dr. Valere Nzeyimana, Senior Water Development and Management Officer at the Food and Agriculture Organization's Regional Office for Africa, stated that satellite technology, geospatial analytics, and AI are instrumental in transitioning water management from reactive measures to predictive, evidence-based decisions. The symposium in Accra is set to launch IWMI's AI strategy, a suite of DIWASA tools, and the Africa Water Accounting Atlas, while also fostering partnerships to scale up interoperable digital solutions.