5th International Conference on African Rivers
Research, Development and Innovation
About
This conference is organized on the initiative of the International Research Network RHYMA-CES, funded by the French Institute of Research for Development (IRD). It follows previous editions held in Hammamet (2015), Dakar (2016), Algiers (2018), and Cotonou (2021), which helped establish an active pan-African scientific community focused on African rivers and hydrological regimes. The conference is supported by the UNESCO FRIEND-Water program and the International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS), thereby enhancing the international visibility of African research. It will be hosted by Mohamed V University in Rabat.
SYSTA Travel Award — Funding Opportunities for ICAR 2026
SYSTA (Sivapalan Young Scientist Travel Award) funding is available for early career researchers wishing to participate in ICAR 2026 (6–11 July, Rabat). Supported by IAHS, this award encourages young African researchers and hydrologists to contribute to discussions on hydro-climatic variability, flood risks and water management.
- Completed SYSTA application form
- Copy of a published paper
- Conference abstract submitted to ICAR 2026
info@iahs.co.uk
IWMI Support for Training Registration – ICAR 2026
The IWMI – MENA Office will support training registration fees for 2 Moroccan candidates to participate in ICAR 2026 trainings. Candidates must be Moroccan nationals in a water-related field, not currently in stable employment.
- CV
- Short motivation note (5–10 lines) — preferred training(s) + career plans
- Proof of status (PhD diploma or Master's enrollment/degree)
@cgiar.org
Conference Highlights
Join leading researchers, policymakers, and practitioners in advancing our understanding of African river systems.
Expert Speakers
Renowned researchers and practitioners from around the world.
Research Papers
Latest findings on African river systems and water resources.
4-Day Program
Keynote sessions, communications, poster sessions and networking opportunities.
2-Day Training
Specialized post-conference training led by international experts.
Rabat, Morocco
Beautiful venue in the heart of Morocco's capital city.
6–11 July 2026 · Rabat, Morocco
Conference Details
Themes · Keynote Speakers · Training Sessions · Discussion Workshops · Science & Society Talks
Conference Themes
Four major research themes shaping our understanding of African river systems and water resources.
Hydro-climatic Drivers in Hydrological River Systems
In Africa, water resources are under increasing pressure due to climate change, rapid population growth, and accelerating economic development. A detailed understanding of hydro-climatic regimes and their variability is crucial to anticipating changes in river systems.
Climate · Hydrology · RiversAdvances in Observation and Modelling of Hydrological Processes
This theme explores new methods and technologies to observe and simulate hydrological processes in African basins, improving both scientific knowledge and decision-making tools.
Modelling · Remote Sensing · DataWater Management and Socio-Ecological Dynamics
Water management strategies must consider the socio-ecological complexity of river systems. This theme focuses on governance, equity, resilience, and the interactions between water users and ecosystems.
Governance · Ecology · SocietyAI, Big Data and Remote Sensing in Hydrology
Emerging digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and remote sensing are reshaping hydrological research and monitoring capacities in Africa.
AI · Big Data · InnovationKeynote Speakers
Renowned researchers and practitioners from around the world sharing their expertise on African river systems.
Prof. Lahcen BENAABIDATE
Professor & Director, Geo-Resources and Environment Laboratory
University Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah, Fez, Morocco
Prof. Oula AMROUNI
Associate Professor, National Institute of Marine Sciences and Technologies
University of Carthage, Tunisia
Prof. Ernest AMOUSSOU
Full Professor of Applied Physical Geography
University of Parakou, Benin
Prof. Christel PRUDHOMME
Expert in Global Hydrology
European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecast, Reading, UK
Prof. Lahcen BENAABIDATE
Professor & Director, Geo-Resources and Environment Laboratory
University Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah, Fez, Morocco
Prof. Oula AMROUNI
Associate Professor, National Institute of Marine Sciences and Technologies
University of Carthage, Tunisia
Prof. Ernest AMOUSSOU
Full Professor of Applied Physical Geography
University of Parakou, Benin
Prof. Christel PRUDHOMME
Expert in Global Hydrology
European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecast, Reading, UK
Submission Guidelines
We welcome original research contributions on all aspects of African river systems.
Submission Guidelines
We welcome original research contributions on all aspects of African river systems.
Oral Presentations
15 min presentation + 5 min Q&A
Requirements
Poster Presentations
Visual presentations during dedicated sessions
Requirements
Publication Opportunities
Selected authors will be invited to submit a full paper for publication in special issues of SCOPUS-indexed journals, such as Hydrological Sciences Journal, Bulletin de l'Institut Scientifique and more.
Important Dates
Mark your calendar with these key deadlines
March 30, 2026
Deadline: Abstract Submission & Training Requests
July 6–11, 2026
Conference: ICAR 2026 — Rabat, Morocco
Workshop Moderators
Six thematic workshops bringing together experts, practitioners and policymakers to address key challenges in African water resources.
Dr. Dominique BEROD
Chief of the hydrological monitoring and data management Section at (WMO)
More details
Dr. Fairouz MEGDICHE KHARRAT
Assistant professor of architecture and urbanism
University of Sousse,
Tunisia
OPJEB Benin · WIMAFRICA Morocco
More details
Dr. Youssef BROUZIYNE
Regional Representative, MENA region
International Water Management Institute (IWMI)
Egypt
OPJEB Benin · WIMAFRICA Morocco
More details
Science Society Talks
Engaging sessions bridging science and society on African river systems and water challenges.
OMVS – Senegal River
Dakar, Senegal
of Great Rivers (IAGF)
Lyon, France
The science–society dialogue: an asset for shaping the future of Africa's rivers
River health conditions human societies. Since 2015, IAGF (Initiatives pour l'Avenir des Grands Fleuves) has been advocating for sustainable river management through three levers: amplifying dialogue and expertise, strengthening awareness and advocacy, and promoting innovative solutions. IAGF advocates for integrated river governance — open, transparent and inclusive of all stakeholders — through tools such as the RIVERPULSE diagnostic and the Living with Rivers Label.
- Science–society dialogue is essential to strengthen basin resilience and anticipate water crises
- African rivers illustrate the need to articulate scientific knowledge, local expertise and development imperatives
- Open governance founded on transparency, inclusion and engagement of all stakeholders
Mohammed V University, Rabat
Castelnau-le-Lez, France
Relationships in the flood forecasting and warning chain
For 20 years, Predict Services has developed specialist hydrometeorological forecasting for risk managers and decision-makers. Against the backdrop of climate change, the UN has driven since 2021 the principle of providing every person with an early warning system. These systems provide added value to the public — ensuring safety in advance of dangerous situations — and to organizations, enabling them to scale resources and communicate the right information at the right time.
- Early warning systems must be operational, aligned with existing team practices and skills
- Case studies from Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, Tunisia and Morocco illustrate the science–society link
- Examples include anticipating floods in the Gharb region and disseminating warnings in Abidjan neighbourhoods
New York, USA
Demosite since 2022 – Tunisia
The Close Relationships Between Science and Socio-Economic Community in the Management of the OMELI Observatory
The talk highlights how collaboration between scientists, socio-economic actors, local communities, civil society, and decision-makers contributes to environmental monitoring and sustainable coastal and water resources management in sandy and deltaic semi-arid regions. The UNESCO IHP celebrates in 2026 the 30th anniversary of the Ecohydrology Initiative and the 20th anniversary of UNESCO Ecohydrology Demosites worldwide.
- Participatory approaches and knowledge co-construction link scientific research with societal needs
- OMELI demonstrates science–society partnerships for resilience in vulnerable coastal ecosystems
- Special 2026 context: 30 years of Ecohydrology Initiative and 20 years of UNESCO Demosites
Mohammed V University, Rabat
The use of arts to raise interest for water issues in schools
Arts are an effective and innovative way to raise students' awareness about water and environmental issues. As part of ICAR 2026, a school in Khemisset — 80 km from Rabat — worked on the theme "Water, Source of Life." Students created paintings and posters illustrating water conservation, the fight against pollution, and the importance of dams — transforming art into a powerful tool for environmental education and community communication.
- Artistic activities encourage greater student engagement and stimulate ecological awareness
- Art transforms complex water issues into accessible, visual messages for communities
- Participatory school projects bridge science, education and local society
Training Sessions
Two days of specialized hands-on training led by international experts — 10 & 11 July 2026, Rabat.
Prof. Mounia Tahiri
Professor, Faculty of Sciences
University Mohammed V, Rabat, Morocco
Prof. Tarik Bouramtane
Professor, Faculty of Sciences
University Mohammed V, Rabat, Morocco
Prof. Bertil Nlend
Senior Lecturer, University of Douala
Vice-Chair IAHS Africa Regional, Cameroon
Dr. Nour El Houda Karmouda
PhD in Hydrology, Faculty of Sciences
University Mohammed V, Rabat, Morocco
Prof. Mounia Tahiri
Professor, Faculty of Sciences
University Mohammed V, Rabat, Morocco
Prof. Tarik Bouramtane
Professor, Faculty of Sciences
University Mohammed V, Rabat, Morocco
Prof. Bertil Nlend
Senior Lecturer, University of Douala
Vice-Chair IAHS Africa Regional, Cameroon
Dr. Nour El Houda Karmouda
PhD in Hydrology, Faculty of Sciences
University Mohammed V, Rabat, Morocco