Policy Brief // New Directions for EU Action on the Implementation of the WEFE Nexus in Transboundary River Basins
By Mueller & Worsley. This policy brief examines how the EU can enhance the implementation of the WEFE Nexus in African transboundary river basins, highlighting the critical role of River Basin Organisations and the need for locally driven, cross-sectoral governance solutions.
Summary
This policy brief explores efforts by the European Union (EU) to support the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus in African transboundary river basins, with a focus on River Basin Organisations (RBOs) as key actors in operationalising cross-sectoral approaches. It evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of current policies, institutional frameworks, stakeholder engagement, and research support, while identifying opportunities for future improvements in these areas. Drawing on insights from the EU Horizon 2020 project GoNEXUS, interviews and a literature review, this policy brief focuses on the EU’s WEFE Nexus activities in Africa with a particular emphasis on the Zambezi and Senegal River Basins. Recommendations are directed at EU policymakers, global organisations, donors, NGOs, and academia.
Key Messages
- Rather than being an end in itself, the WEFE Nexus serves as a valuable - though not exclusive -framework for implementing cross-sectoral approaches to ensure sustainable water management.
- Substantial donor investments in recent years have propelled WEFE Nexus initiatives across the globe, with the EU being one of the largest donors.
- RBOs are essential for advancing Nexus solutions by facilitating dialogues on infrastructure planning, integrating these solutions into basin plans, and providing relevant guidelines.
- To date, the Nexus has been embedded in development strategies and management plans in some major transboundary basins, including the Zambezi and Senegal.
- However, systematic integration of the approach into management or development decisions remains rare in Africa, with impacts often elusive, and many Nexus activities overlooking ecosystems.
- After investing substantially in creating awareness about the Nexus, developing tools and guidance, and piloting projects, the WEFE Nexus must eventually be led by African countries in their day-to-day activities, gradually reducing the need for project-based donor funding
Published
2025