ICAR 2026 – 5th International Conference on African Rivers
ICAR 2026
5th International Conference on African Rivers

ICAR 2026

Research, Development & Innovation in African River Systems

5th Edition
4 Previous editions
11+ Partner organisations
Pan‑African Scientific network
6–11 July 2026  ·  Rabat, Morocco — University Mohammed V
About the conference

Context & Water Challenges in Africa

In Africa, water resources are under increasing pressure due to climate change, rapid population growth, and accelerating economic development. In this context, a detailed understanding of climates, hydrological regimes, and their spatial and temporal variability is an essential prerequisite for any sustainable management strategy and forward-looking water resources planning.

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.

This fifth edition is taking place within a changing international scientific environment, notably marked by the creation of the IAHS Africa Committee, which actively supports the event. This institutional structuring enhances the visibility of African hydrological research within the global scientific community and provides a strategic framework for promoting regional scientific output.

1st
2015 — Hammamet, Tunisia
Launch of the pan-African hydrological research network on African rivers and streams.
2nd
2016 — Dakar, Senegal
Strengthening of cross-border scientific cooperation and hydrological data sharing.
3rd
2018 — Algiers, Algeria
Expanded network — semi-arid regimes and physical hydrological modelling.
4th
2021 — Cotonou, Benin
First edition integrating climate adaptation and socio-ecological dynamics.
5th
2026 — Rabat, Morocco ★
Hosted by Mohammed V University. First edition under the IAHS Africa Committee framework.
Scientific programme

Thematic Areas & Scientific Focus

01
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. This theme also addresses basin hydrology — from large transboundary river basins to small catchments, including multi-scale physical modelling approaches.
Climate Hydrology Rivers Basin modelling
02
Advances in Observation & 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. It includes fine-scale hydrological processes and analysis of local dynamics — essential for the development of high-resolution models.
Modelling Remote Sensing Data Fine-scale processes
03
Water Management & 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, including water quality and health, ecohydrology, and groundwater resources.
Governance Ecology Society Groundwater
04
AI, Big Data & 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. This theme also covers low-cost sensors and citizen science, enabling decentralized monitoring networks and involvement of local communities.
AI Big Data Innovation Citizen Science
Emerging priority topics

Cross-cutting Scientific Priorities

Water Quality & Health
Assessment of microbiological risks and innovative treatment methods.
Ecohydrology
Integration of ecological processes into integrated water resources management.
Groundwater
Resource quantification, quality issues linked to agriculture, and role in water supply for populations.
Sediment Fluxes & Erosion
From origin to impacts on reservoirs, the carbon cycle, and the vulnerability of coastal zones.
Remote Sensing & AI
For hydrological observation, modelling, and forecasting at continental scale.
Low-Cost Sensors & Citizen Science
Development of decentralized monitoring networks and involvement of local communities.
Institutional framework

Organising Bodies & Partners

ICAR 2026 is jointly organized and supported by a network of Moroccan, African and international institutions committed to advancing hydrological science on the continent.

Ministry of Higher Education MESRI Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research & Innovation, Morocco Ministry of Equipment and Water MEW Ministry of Equipment and Water, Morocco University Mohammed V UMV University Mohammed V, Rabat, Morocco Faculty of Sciences Rabat FSR Faculty of Sciences, Rabat — UM5 IRD IRD Institute of Research for Development, France UNESCO IHP UNESCO IHP Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme FRIEND-Water FRIEND-Water Flow Regimes From International Experimental & Network Data IAHS IAHS International Association of Hydrological Sciences IRN RHYMA-CES IRN RHYMA-CES Int. Research Network — Hydrological Risks in the Maghreb, Floods & Soil Erosion CRASTE-LF CRASTE-LF African Regional Centre for Space Science & Technology
AMEDD AMEDD Moroccan Association for Environment & Sustainable Development