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IWMI Unveils Bold 2024–2030 Strategy to Advance Water Security and Climate Resilience Across East Africa.


Ephantus Kimotho Kimani , PS. Principal Secretary, State Department for Irrigation.

Nairobi, Kenya  April 8, 2025

In a significant step toward addressing East Africa’s escalating water and climate-related challenges, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) officially launched its Strategy 2024–2030 during a high-level event held in Nairobi on April 8, 2025. The event was a key highlight of CGIAR Science Week and brought together a diverse group of stakeholders from government, research institutions, farmer organizations, NGOs, and the private sector.

The new strategy, titled “Research and Innovation for Water Security”, outlines IWMI’s vision for transforming the way water resources are managed in the region. It aims to foster sustainable agricultural practices, build climate resilience, and enhance livelihoods by generating high-quality research, driving innovation, and scaling solutions through multi-stakeholder collaboration.

Speaking at the launch, IWMI Director General Dr. Mark Smith emphasized the urgency and importance of the strategy. “Water is at the heart of climate resilience, food security, and economic development,” Smith said. “Our new strategy is a roadmap for how research and innovation can improve the way water is managed in East Africa. It marks a significant milestone in IWMI’s mission to advance water security, climate resilience, and sustainable agricultural practices across the region.”

Smith added that through this strategy, IWMI is committed to working with a wide array of partners to co-create and implement solutions that tackle pressing water challenges, enhance food systems, and support inclusive, sustainable development.

Abdulkarim H. Seid, IWMI’s Regional Representative for East Africa and Country Representative for Ethiopia, highlighted the strategy’s focus on collaborative approaches tailored to regional realities. “The challenges facing East Africa, such as water scarcity, climate variability, and food insecurity, require collective action,” he said. “Our strategy ensures that we work hand-in-hand with local communities, governments, academia, private sector, and development partners to co-design resilient and innovative water systems that meet both current and future needs.”

The strategy launch served as a platform for dynamic dialogue through expert panel discussions that explored the alignment of IWMI’s vision with national and regional development plans. Panels included voices from government ministries, development agencies, farmer organizations, and the scientific community, all reflecting on opportunities for integration, policy influence, and joint implementation.

Attendees praised the strategy for its evidence-based approach, strong emphasis on partnerships, and commitment to inclusivity. The interactive sessions fostered meaningful exchanges of knowledge, with stakeholders discussing how IWMI’s work can support climate-smart agriculture, equitable water distribution, and policy frameworks that prioritize long-term sustainability.

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