The European Union and Germany have officially launched a new regional water management programme aimed at boosting climate resilience and stability in the Lake Chad Basin. The initiative, known as the Lake Chad Water Management (LACHAWAMA) Action, was unveiled in Bangui, Central African Republic, and is expected to bring significant benefits to Nigeria and the wider region.
The programme is a joint effort by the European Union, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), and the government of the Central African Republic. Its primary goal is to enhance cooperation among member states in managing shared water resources while promoting climate resilience, regional stability, and sustainable development across the basin.
For Nigeria, particularly the northeastern region where millions depend on the Lake Chad Basin for agriculture, fishing, and livestock, the initiative is set to improve environmental governance and strengthen community resilience. It also aims to contribute to stability in areas affected by climate stress and insecurity.
The broader regional action includes support for resilient infrastructure, hydrological monitoring systems, technical assistance, and investment facilitation for sustainable water management. LACHAWAMA is financed by the European Union and jointly funded by Germany through the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The first operational component, implemented by GIZ in collaboration with the LCBC and member states, is jointly financed with €7 million from the EU and €4.25 million from Germany.
The Lake Chad Basin remains one of Africa's most critical transboundary ecosystems, providing water and livelihoods to over 50 million people across Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and the Central African Republic.
Leaders Emphasize Collective Responsibility
Speaking during the launch ceremony in Bangui, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra of the Central African Republic described the programme as a vital initiative for the future of the Lake Chad Basin. He highlighted that it reflects the collective responsibility of member states to address growing climate and environmental challenges.
"The Central African Republic is a source of the Lake Chad Basin's hydrological system, which comes with a particular socio-environmental responsibility," President Touadéra said. He called for stronger collaboration among governments, development partners, private sector actors, and civil society organizations to support implementation. "Let us save the Lake Chad Basin for the well-being of humanity," he added.
Serge Panaget, Chargé d'Affaires of the European Union Delegation to the Central African Republic, represented EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot. Panaget noted that the initiative aligns with the EU's Global Gateway and Team Europe approach, supporting African-led solutions to shared regional challenges.
"Climate change and environmental pressures do not stop at borders. Nigeria's partnership with its neighbours through the Lake Chad Basin Commission is essential for long-term stability and development. The European Union is proud to stand alongside Nigeria and regional partners in strengthening cooperation around one of the region's most important shared resources," he said.
Panaget emphasized that the programme goes beyond infrastructure and policy coordination to focus on long-term prosperity and well-being. "For young people in northern Nigeria and across the Lake Chad region, strengthening resilience around water and natural resources is also about expanding opportunity and supporting long-term stability. It is about helping communities build sustainable livelihoods, deepen cooperation, and create a stronger foundation for future generations."
Programme Components and Local Impact
The programme will strengthen regional governance systems, improve hydrological data sharing, and support environmentally sustainable, climate-resilient, and conflict-sensitive water resource management across the basin. At the regional level, LACHAWAMA will support multi-stakeholder dialogue platforms across transboundary sub-basins to improve coordination on water management, biodiversity, climate adaptation, and conflict prevention. At the local level, it will support practical solutions aimed at improving resilience and strengthening sustainable natural resource management for vulnerable communities.
Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, described the programme as a demonstration of collective commitment. "LACHAWAMA reflects our shared conviction that the challenges facing the Lake Chad Basin require collective and coordinated responses. Through this programme, the LCBC reaffirms its commitment to supporting its member states in building sustainable and cooperative solutions around our shared water resources," he said.
The launch event brought together representatives of governments, regional institutions, diplomatic missions, development partners, civil society organizations, and technical experts. European partners included the Chargé d'Affaires of the EU Delegation to the Central African Republic, the German Ambassador to the Central African Republic and Cameroon, the GIZ Regional Director, the LACHAWAMA Project Director, and a representative of Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Their presence underscored the strong Team Europe commitment to supporting sustainable water resource management, climate resilience, and regional stability in the Lake Chad Basin.
