International river basin organizations in sub-Saharan Africa

Assesses the successes and shortcomings of river basin organizations in order to help international organizations improve the management of shared water resources in the region. On the African continent, where all countries have shared rivers and 35 out of 41 countries share 17 major river basins, it has become increasingly important to have international collaboration for controlling surface water resources. This report reviews the role of river basin organizations (RBOs), whose mandate is to develop formulas for the equitable sharing of waters and then ensure the implementation of the policies. These organizations promote, through international cooperation, both studies and the construction of works that will lead to integrated, economically and environmentally sustainable, and technically sound development of the water resources of a river basin. The successes and shortcomings of the RBOs are assessed with the aim of assisting the World Bank and other international organizations in their pursuit of an effective role in helping Sub- Saharan African countries improve their management of shared water resources.