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.
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Travel Award Opportunities
SYSTA Funding
SYSTA (Sivapalan Young Scientist Travel Award) funding is available for eligible early career researchers wishing to participate in ICAR 2026 (6–11 July 2026) at the Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco.
Eligibility, Support & How to Apply
This funding encourage young African researchers and early career hydrologists to take advantage of this opportunity to join an international scientific community and contribute to discussions on hydro-climatic variability, flood risks, water management, and emerging technologies in hydrology.
- Completed SYSTA application form
- Copy of a published paper
- Conference abstract submitted to ICAR 2026
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, networking opportunities,
2-Day Training
A two-day specialized training will be offered after the conference,
Rabat, Morocco
Beautiful venue in the heart of Morocco's capital city
Conference Details
Keynote Speakers
Pr. Lahcen BENAABIDATE
Professor and Director of the Geo-Resources and Environment Laboratory
Faculty of Science and Technology, University Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah of Fez, Morocco.
Pr. Oula AMROUNI
Associate Professor at the National Institute of Marine Sciences and Technologies
University of Carthage, Tunisie
Pr. Ernest AMOUSSOU
Full Professor of Applied Physical Geography at Department of Geography and Land-Use Planning
University of Parakou, Benin
Pr. Christel PRUDHOMME
Expert in global hydrology
The European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecast
Reading, UK
Conference Themes
Submission
Submission Guidelines
English only
We welcome original research contributions on all aspects of African river systems
Oral Presentations
15-minute presentations followed by 5-minute Q&A sessions
Abstract: 300-500 words,
Poster Presentations
Visual presentations during dedicated poster sessions
Abstract: 300-500 words, Poster: A0 size (841 x 1189 mm)
Opportunity to publish in
SCOPUS-INDEXED JOURNALS
Publication Opportunites
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…
Important Dates
Mark your calendar with these key submission and registration deadlines
March 30, 2026
Deadline: Abstract Submission & Training Requests Deadline
April 15, 2026
Acceptance Notification (Oral/Poster)
April 30, 2026
Deadline: Early-bird fee payment
June 20, 2026
Deadline: Standard fee payment Deadline
Training Details
Training Sessions
Pr. Mounia Tahiri
Professor, Faculty of Sciences
University Mohammed V, Rabat, Morocco
SESSION 1: Integrated Remote Sensing & Multivariate Statistical Techniques
Pr. Tarik Bouramtane
Professor, Faculty of Sciences
University Mohammed V, Rabat, Morocco
SESSION 2: Machine Learning for Hydrological Impacts Mapping
Pr. Essam Heggy
Research scientist at the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at the University of Southern California and an affiliate of the Earth Science Division of the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
SESSION 3: Application of polarimetric SAR and interferometric techniques to investigate the temporal evolution of hydrodynamic properties in watershed systems.
Pr. Christel Prudhomme
Expert in global hydrology
The European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecast UK
SESSION 4 : Hydrological Forecasting & GloFAS System
Mr. Mohamed AZHAR
Hydrological data analyste
Associate hydrologist UK
SESSION 4 : Hydrological Forecasting & GloFAS System
Pr. Bertil Nlend
Senior Lecturer at University of Douala.
Vice-Chair of the IAHS Africa Reginal, Cameroun
SESSION 5: Isotopic Tracers in Hydrology
Pr. Sakaros Bogning
University of Douala, Cameroon
SESSION 6 : Satellite Radar Altimetry for Ungauged Rivers
Dr. Nour El Houda Karmouda
PhD in Hydrology, Faculty of Sciences
University Mohammed V Rabat, Morocco
SESSION 7 : Deep Learning for Hydrological Time Series Prediction
Dr. Laurent Froideval
Researcher specializing in airborne LiDAR, drone based mapping, and photogrammetry
CNRS, France
SESSION 8 : LiDAR and Photogrammetry for Terrain Digitization: Instrumentation, Measurement, and Modeling