The World Bank Water Data Revolution: Closing the data gap for transboundary water in Africa (P176348) © 2024 The World Bank 1818 H Street NW, Washington DC 20433 Telephone: 202-473-1000; Internet: www.worldbank.org Some rights reserved. RIGHTS AND PERMISSIONS The material in this work is subject to copyright. Because The World Bank encourages dissemination of its knowledge, this work may be reproduced, in whole or in part, for noncommercial purposes as long as full attribution to this work is given. Attribution — Please cite the work as follows: “World Bank. 2024. Water Data Revolution: Closing the data gap for transboundary water in Africa. © World Bank.” Any queries on rights and licenses, including subsidiary rights, should be addressed to World Bank Publications, The World Bank, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA; fax: 202-522-2625; e‑mail: pubrights@worldbank.org Cover design: Joseph Michael Brunton ABOUT THE WATER PRACTICE Launched in 2014, the World Bank Group’s Water Global Practice brings together financing, knowledge, and implementation in one platform. By combining the Bank’s global knowledge with country investments, this model generates more firepower for transformational solutions to help countries grow sustainably. Please visit us at www.worldbank.org/water or follow us on Twitter at @WorldBankWater ABOUT CIWA The Cooperation in International Waters in Africa (CIWA) was established in 2011 and represents a partnership between the World Bank, its African partners, the European Commission, and the governments of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. CIWA supports riparian governments in SubSaharan Africa to unlock the potential for sustainable and inclusive growth, climate resilience, and poverty reduction by addressing constraints to cooperative management and development of international waters. Please visit us at www.ciwaprogram.org and www.ciwaprogram.org/fr or follow us on Twitter @CIWAProgram 1 The World Bank Water Data Revolution: Closing the data gap for transboundary water in Africa (P176348) Acknowledgment ........................................................................................................... 3 1. Introduction............................................................................................................... 6 2. Water Data Revolution Program ................................................................................. 10 2.1 Objectives and goals ............................................................................................. 10 2.2 Structure ............................................................................................................. 11 3. Pillar A – Assessment of Current Status of End-users and Identification of the Needs........ 12 4. Pillar B – Inception Workshops and Capacity Building ................................................... 16 5. Pillar C – Adapting Innovative Tools for WRM .............................................................. 18 5.1. Understanding Water Accounting (WA): Benefits and Methodology ....................... 18 5.2. Selection of participating RBOs ......................................................................... 21 5.3. Characteristics of selected RBOs ........................................................................ 22 5.4. Developing a Water Accounting Dashboard: The Process ...................................... 24 5.5. Technical aspects of the WA Dashboard ............................................................. 25 6. Insights and Strategic Pathways from the Water Data Revolution Project ........................ 33 2 The World Bank Water Data Revolution: Closing the data gap for transboundary water in Africa (P176348) Acknowledgment This report was developed by the WDR team led by Noosha Tayebi (Sr. Water Resources Management Specialist, Task Team Lead), with critical support from Ana Cecilia Escalera Rodriguez (Water Resources Management Specialist). We extend our sincere gratitude to the entire WDR team for their unwavering support throughout the program, as well as their invaluable contributions, including brainstorming, technical reviews, and validation of inputs: Erwin De Nys, Winston Yu, Nagaraja Rao Harshadeep, Poolad Karimi, Alona Nesterova, Kelsey Reeves and Vitor Malagutti. We also extend sincere gratitude to Christina Leb, Bogachan Benli, and Yukio Tanaka for their critical review and feedback, which were instrumental for improving the quality of this report. This initiative was made possible through collaborative efforts with various river basin and regional organizations across Africa, who generously shared their experiences and insights. We would like to acknowledge the contributions of the following: Cuvelai Watercourse Commission (CUVECOM), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Incomati and Maputo Watercourse Commission (INMACOM), Komati Basin Water Authority (KOBWA), Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), Lake Kivu and Ruzizi River Basin Authority (ABAKIR), Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC), Mano River Union (MRU), Niger Basin Authority (NBA), Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) (including the NBI Secretariat (Nile-SEC), Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Program (NELSAP), and Eastern Nile Technical Regional Office (ENTRO)), Okavango River Basin Water Commission (OKACOM) Secretariat, Organization for the Development of the Gambia River (OMVG), Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS), Southern African Development Community (SADC), Volta Basin Authority (VBA), and Zambezi River Authority (ZRA). Special thanks go to the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) for their support in developing the Water Accounting dashboards and for providing continuous technical capacity to the selected River Basin Organizations. We are particularly grateful to our colleagues at the Volta Basin Authority, Incomati and Maputo Watercourse Commission, and Zambezi Watercourse Commission for their active engagement and valuable feedback throughout the dashboard development process. Finally, we extend our appreciation to the Cooperation in International Waters in Africa (CIWA) and its program managers: Lars Anders Jagerskog and Ai-Ju Huang, for their support, which has been instrumental in the successful implementation of this program. 3 The World Bank Water Data Revolution: Closing the data gap for transboundary water in Africa (P176348) 4 The World Bank Water Data Revolution: Closing the data gap for transboundary water in Africa (P176348) Disclaimer This work is a product of The World Bank which includes external contributions. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this work do not necessarily reflect the views of The World Bank, its Board of Executive Directors, or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this work. The boundaries, colors, denominations, and other information shown on any map in this work do not imply any judgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. 5 The World Bank Water Data Revolution: Closing the data gap for transboundary water in Africa (P176348) 1. Introduction Africa’s rapidly increasing population, expanding economies, and changing climate are driving increased demand for water, while outdated data systems hinder effective management of this resource. Rising water needs for agriculture, industry, and households often strain existing resources, creating tensions among competing sectors. The scarcity of water resources is further exacerbated by climate change, which increases the frequency and intensity of droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events.1 These climatic stresses not only strain water availability but also undermine agricultural productivity, affecting livelihoods, infrastructure, and food security, and pushing vulnerable populations further into poverty.2 This further complicates the political, institutional, economic, and financial challenges countries face as they manage and develop their transboundary rivers, lakes, and aquifers. These impediments affecting the water sector constitute a bottleneck to growth and prosperity in Africa. Capacity for sustainable water management is increasingly vital to stabilize ecosystems, protect infrastructure, and support equitable development. As the saying goes, “you can't manage what you can't measure”. Information and data on quantity and quality of water is vital to ensure equitable and efficient use of transboundary water – which is imperative for addressing other major development challenges in the region, such as agricultural production and food security, and reducing conflict and displacements. With 90 percent of water in Africa falling within 63 international river basin catchments crossed by multiple borders, water management in the region is inherently an international and cooperative endeavor.3 Improved management of water resources and increased resilience to hydrological extremes requires understanding water resource dynamics at the basin level. This can only be achieved based on data and observations, and it is the foundation for efficient and environmentally sound management of water with proper consideration for upstream and downstream users.4 Basin organization are formed to collectively collaborate on these shared issues but often lack the complete picture of the situation to do so. To face these challenges adequately, governments and regional organizations need data-driven decisions to inform cooperative transboundary water 1 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. Available at: https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg2/. 2 African Development Bank. Africa Water Vision 2025: Equitable and Sustainable Use of Water for Socioeconomic Development, 2010. Available at: https://www.afdb.org/fileadmin/uploads/afdb/Documents/Generic- Documents/african%20water%20vision%202025%20to%20be%20sent%20to%20wwf5.pdf 3 World Bank. "Cooperation in International Waters in Africa (CIWA) Program." World Bank, 2023. Available at: https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/cooperation-in-international-waters-in-africa 4 García, L.E, Rodríguez, D. J. , Wijnen, M., & Pakulski, I. (Eds.). (2016). Earth observation for water resources management: Current use and future opportunities for the water sector. Washington, DC: World Bank Group. 6 The World Bank Water Data Revolution: Closing the data gap for transboundary water in Africa (P176348) management. That is, sustainable transboundary water management requires timely, pragmatic decisions based on adequate information on the status of resources, historical trends, and future availability. This information, such as measurements on rainfall, stocks and flows, and groundwater, are key to making decisions to improve water quality, water use, long-term environmental impacts, and local and regional economies. Many of the most water vulnerable places are also the most hydrologically data poor. In Africa, hydrometeorological and agricultural monitoring networks are often sparse and have large latency, making them impractical for real-time decision-making. To make up for a shortage of water data, a consequence of limited in-situ monitoring networks, many water managers need better access to remotely sensed data acquired from satellites. Where the need for information is arguably greatest, the data collection infrastructure and human capacity to monitor and forecast hazards is generally low because of a decline in hydro-meteorological monitoring networks over the past 30 years5 and an ongoing lack of investment in infrastructure and training. A key limitation at the national, sub regional and continental levels is the paucity of data on water resources. This limitation is linked to inadequate human capacity for the collection, assessment, and dissemination of data on water resources. There is, therefore, an urgent need for improved data collection, better tools for water resources monitoring, and enhanced cooperation between countries sharing transboundary water resources. Figure 1 summarizes some of the key challenges such as insufficient data coverage, incomplete historical records, high data collection costs, and barriers to cross-border cooperation, across Africa. Figure 1: Key challenges in transboundary water data management in Africa include limited data coverage, gaps in historical records, high costs of data collection, and difficulties in cross-border cooperation. Historically, water data collection relied heavily on ground-based methods, including the installation of hydrometeorological meters and rain gauges at specific locations. Remote 5Lorenz, C., & Kunstmann, H. (2012). The hydrological cycle in three state-of-the-art reanalyses: Intercomparison and performance analysis. Journal of Hydrometeorology, 13 (5), 1397-1420. 7 The World Bank Water Data Revolution: Closing the data gap for transboundary water in Africa (P176348) sensing (RS) technology presents a valuable solution for addressing some of the key challenges associated with the limitations of in-situ data6. RS can mitigate issues related to gaps in ground- based observations by providing broad spatial coverage across regions, including areas where in- situ data is limited or entirely absent. With continuous historical records, RS data offers consistent time series, making it particularly useful for analyzing long-term trends in climate, hydrology, and land use. Additionally, remote sensing data is often available at high spatial resolutions, which is essential for detailed environmental monitoring and precise applications, such as water allocation and disaster forecasting. Unlike in-situ data, RS datasets are also typically free or low-cost and are not restricted by national boundaries, which allows for cohesive analysis at a basin, continental or global scale. RS enables the collection and estimation of essential data for effective transboundary water resource management. The main data derived from RS relevant for water applications includes precipitation, evapotranspiration, soil moisture, vegetation and land cover, groundwater, surface water, snow and ice, and water quality. In the context of Africa, data from all these variables, except for snow and ice, are crucial for managing water resources. In addition to supporting applications such as flood and drought hazard mapping, RS data can assist tracking changes in land use and land cover, analyzing vegetation indices, and assessing agricultural water productivity5. Furthermore, RS plays a vital role in basin-scale water accounting, offering consistent and reliable data for evaluating water availability, usage, and sustainability, while also contributing to broader climate and environmental assessments7. Furthermore, RS data brings strategic value in the political context by enabling open data- sharing practices and fostering trust and collaboration among countries. RS data allows riparian countries to address transboundary water problems, such as drought and flood forecasting on transnational rivers, and facilitates broader discussion on sharing of water resources. Recent advances in cloud storage and computing power have also made RS data more accessible, allowing it to be stored and analyzed in real-time on a global scale, often at low cost. Publicly available RS data and data products enhances transparency and equity in transboundary water governance by providing unrestricted access to consistent hydrological information across national borders. This accessibility improves collaboration among riparian countries, reduces data ownership disputes, and supports evidence-based decision-making for sustainable management8. 6 García, L.E., Rodríguez, D.J., Wijnen, M., & Pakulski, I. (Eds.). (2016). Earth observation for water resources management: Current use and future opportunities for the water sector. Washington, DC: World Bank Group. 7 Bastiaanssen, W.G.M., Molden, D.J., & Makin, I.W. (2000). Remote sensing for irrigated agriculture: Examples from research and possible applications. Agricultural Water Management, 46(2), 137–155. 8 Christina Leb, “Data Innovations for Transboundary Freshwater Resources Management: Are Obligations Related to Information Exchange Still Needed?” in Data Innovations for Transboundary Freshwater Resources Management (2020): 3–78, https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004429000_002. 8 The World Bank Water Data Revolution: Closing the data gap for transboundary water in Africa (P176348) RS does not replace ground measurement – they are more effective when combined – but it does shift the possible cost-benefit of different approaches to water data collection and expands the ability of countries to collect data on basins that extend past country borders. It can fill the spatial and temporal gaps, enabling improved decision making for management of water resources. Remotely-sensed data and information, combined with in-situ data, can provide continuous and reliable coverage to be used for basin and water planning and for cross-border applications, such as monitoring of surface water quality, tracking of water diversions and allocations, and quantification of water storage in reservoirs. To address these challenges while capitalizing on available opportunities, the Water Data Revolution (WDR): Closing the Data Gap for Transboundary Water in Africa, supported by Cooperation in international Waters in Africa (CIWA) program was launched in 2021. This initiative, also aligned with the Resilience pillar of the World Bank’s Africa Regional Integration (RI) strategy9, aims to connect decision-makers across Africa with demand-driven, accessible data tools to strengthen cooperative water management across borders. The WDR worked closely with African River Basin Organizations (RBOs)10 and Regional Organizations (ROs)11 to identify and prioritize their specific data needs and build capacity around digital tools and applications at transboundary level. Similarly, CIWA’s overarching objective is to assist riparian governments in Africa in unlocking the potential for sustainable, climate-resilient growth by addressing key constraints to cooperative WRM. Collaborative management of transboundary water resources is vital for Africa to meet the SDG targets and to address cross-cutting issues influencing water decisions, such as climate change, fragility, conflict, violence, gender equality, social inclusion, human capital, and economic development. Transboundary cooperation is strengthened by improving access to information and through identifying, preparing, or mobilizing sustainable investments. Through initiatives like WDR, CIWA is building the capacity of its partners to make evidence-based decisions and utilize cutting-edge technologies, while creating a collaborative atmosphere to promote equitable decision-making addressing challenges associated with transboundary WRM. The WDR recognizes that technological advancements in data collection and analysis often progress rapidly, yet they are frequently developed without fully considering the practical needs of end-users. To address this gap, the program connected users to the data through a multi- 9 The pillar emphasizes supporting regional cooperation to enhance resilience against risks such as food insecurity, natural disasters, and economic instability, which are increasingly prevalent across the African continent. World Bank, Africa Regional Integration Strategy: Resilience Pillar (Washington, D.C.: World Bank, 2024) 10 River basin organizations oversee activities that have basin-wide impacts, including at the transnational, national, or local scales. 11 Regional organizations refers to organizations that service multiple rivers and basins, such a multi-governmental organizations focused on regional or continental operations. 9 The World Bank Water Data Revolution: Closing the data gap for transboundary water in Africa (P176348) faceted approach that ensures both utility and transparency. This includes: (i) a “top-down” approach to connect innovation and technologies accessible to the users and to identify “fit-for- purpose” at scale, (ii) a “bottom-up” user-driven approach to understand and address end-users’ specific data requirements and to identify and support commonalities among them, and (iii) a “middleware” approach that bridges providers and users through scalable platforms. By aligning technological solutions with user needs, this holistic approach not only improves data accessibility but also fosters transparency, trust, and cooperation among African countries sharing transboundary water resources. 2. Water Data Revolution Program 2.1 Objectives and goals The development objective of the WDR program is to build regional institutional capacity and demonstrate applications of remote-sensing data platforms to improve management of transboundary water in Africa. The WDR is a transformative initiative focused on enhancing the sustainable management of transboundary water resources across Africa by strengthening institutional capacities to collect, store, and analyze data for informed decision-making. The project's primary objective is to bridge critical data gaps by leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as remote sensing (RS), which provides scalable and cost-effective solutions for monitoring water resources across vast and often inaccessible areas. Through its focus on reducing the cost and complexity of water data collection and analysis, the WDR aims to make water data and information accessible to decision-makers. By connecting them with demand-driven analytical tools and state-of-the-art RS products, the initiative empowers water organizations (e.g. RBOs) to adopt data-driven approaches, promoting sustainable water management practices across Africa's river basins. Additionally, the program integrates capacity-building efforts to ensure that institutional stakeholders can effectively translate this data into actionable strategies for addressing water resource challenges. Figure 2 illustrates the WDR's systematic approach, illustrating the progression from raw RS data to processed data products, through advanced analytical tools, and ultimately to decision-ready information that supports strategic water management. 10 The World Bank Water Data Revolution: Closing the data gap for transboundary water in Africa (P176348) Figure 2: This figure demonstrates how RS data progresses from raw satellite imagery to processed data products, which are then input into analytical tools for applications such as flood forecasting and drought monitoring. Decision- ready information derived from these tools enables organizations to make informed, strategic choices for sustainable water management. 2.2 Structure The WDR project was organized around three strategic interconnected pillars, each addressing essential aspects of data needs, capacity building, and practical applications for regional water organizations in an ordered step-by-step approach: Pillar A: Assessment of Current Status of End-users and Identification of the Needs Pillar A assessed the data needs and capacities of African RBOs, identifying gaps that informed tailored capacity-building interventions under subsequent pillars. This assessment focused on identifying critical gaps in data collection, technical capacity, and data-sharing practices that hinder the effective management of transboundary water. By pinpointing these specific needs and challenges, Pillar A established a foundation for targeted support and informed the design of capacity-building and technology initiatives in the subsequent pillars. This groundwork enabled the development of customized data tools, products, and training programs that would equip organizations to make evidence-based, sustainable water management decisions aligned with the unique requirements of each RBO in Africa. 11 The World Bank Water Data Revolution: Closing the data gap for transboundary water in Africa (P176348) Pillar B: Inception Workshops and Capacity Building Based on the findings of Pillar A, Pillar B aimed to improve the accessibility and usability of RS data. This pillar focused on strengthening organizational capacity through online targeted training and workshops, providing water organizations with the expertise required to collect, manage, and analyze RS data. By aligning training programs with the specific needs identified in the assessment, Pillar B ensured that organizations gain the knowledge and tools necessary for sustainable, data-driven water management. This capacity building supports RBOs and ROs in applying RS data to address critical issues like water allocation, monitoring, and resource planning. Pillar C: Adapting Innovative Tools for WRM Pillar C served as a pilot initiative that partnered with selected RBOs to address specific water management challenges through customized, low-cost RS data solutions. Building on the practical needs identified in Pillar A, this pillar developed tailored Water Accounting (WA) dashboards for real-time monitoring for selected basins. To ensure effective integration, Pillar C provided in- person trainings, enhancing RBOs technical capacity to incorporate data-driven strategies into daily operations. By piloting these solutions, Pillar C demonstrated scalable, sustainable approaches to cooperative water management across Africa, empowering water organizations to make informed decisions. The following sections provide a summary of the progress and achievements of each pillar within the project. For a more detailed overview of the specific activities, methodologies, and outcomes associated with each pillar, please refer to Annexes 1 through 3. 3. Pillar A – Assessment of Current Status of End-users and Identification of the Needs Pillar A involved conducting an initial assessment of the needs and capacities of RBOs in Africa by evaluating the status, availability, and use of data, data products, and analytical tools. This assessment identified key data gaps within the RBOs and led to the development of an initial strategic plan to address these gaps. The strategy focuses on enhancing data management capabilities through the adoption of RS data, open data products, and WRM analytical tools that leverage RS data. 12 The World Bank Water Data Revolution: Closing the data gap for transboundary water in Africa (P176348) The assessment was carried out through written surveys distributed to 15 RBOs 12 and 3 ROs to better understand their current data needs and usage. The surveys gathered information on the status of data usage, data products, and analytical tools; practices for collecting, storing, managing, and analyzing RS data; and the challenges RBOs and ROs face when utilizing RS data and related tools. On average, each RBO consists of 4 to 5 member states, representing a total of 37 countries across the region (Figure 3). These surveys were followed by a series of interviews with the organization's staff to enhance and complement the comprehensive assessment. Figure 3: Countries represented in the Assessment carried out in Pillar A The assessment findings revealed varying levels of familiarity and usage of RS data among organizations, with limitations primarily due to technical capacity and financial constraints (Figure 4). Key priorities for addressing these gaps include providing training on acquiring, managing, and utilizing RS data, data products, and analytical tools, with a focus on affordability and effectiveness. 12The Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) (including the NBI Secretariate (Nile-SEC), Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Program (NELSAP), and Eastern Nile Technical Regional Office (ENTRO)) 13 The World Bank Water Data Revolution: Closing the data gap for transboundary water in Africa (P176348) Additionally, the assessment highlighted a strong demand for training in the application of RS data and tools across three main topics: water accounting, drought monitoring, and flood management (Figure 5). While drought and flood management are critical topics, it is acknowledged that various initiatives are already supporting RBOs across Africa in these areas (e.g. NBI). Moreover, generating effective analytics for these topics—especially for flood management—faces several challenges. The spatial and temporal resolutions of public domain RS data may not adequately meet the specific needs of local flood management, particularly for addressing small-scale or flash floods. While some RS platforms provide near-real-time data, delays in data acquisition, processing, and interpretation can hinder timely and effective flood response. RBOs expressed an urgent need for RS and analytical tools that support decision-making related to transboundary water resources management (Figure 6). In this context, water accounting analytics is highly relevant and critical due to its potential to support RBOs fulfill their mandates and its broad applicability across various water management organizations. Furthermore, recent advancements in open-access remote sensing data and analytics have made it possible to develop water accounting tools at a lower cost—an important factor for ensuring the sustainability of these tools. Figure 4: Constraints identified by respondents that inhibit working with tools using RS data for WRM. 14 The World Bank Water Data Revolution: Closing the data gap for transboundary water in Africa (P176348) Figure 5: Level of interest by organizations to receive trainings on analytical tools using RS to perform monitoring of surface water quality, water accounting, quantification of water storage, drought monitoring, flood monitoring, and FEWS. Figure 6: Number of organizations interested in receiving trainings on various topics. 15 The World Bank Water Data Revolution: Closing the data gap for transboundary water in Africa (P176348) These findings have provided foundational input for the development of capacity-building activities on the priority topics identified by RBOs, as detailed in Pillar A’s report (Annex 1, Chapter 7). Additionally, Annex 1, Chapter 10.1 presents a summary of key free RS data products and their usability for water resource management. For a comprehensive overview of RS data tools and products that support improved water resource management, including a detailed summary of the assessment conducted, refer to the full report in Annex 1. 4. Pillar B – Inception Workshops and Capacity Building Pillar B focused on enhancing RS data utilization and building capacity for sustainable transboundary water management in Africa. Built on the findings of limitations and constraints identified in Pillar A’a assessment, Pillar B addressed identified gaps in data access, analytical capabilities, and technical knowledge. This pillar was specifically designed to support African water management bodies with the tools, technical skills, and methodologies necessary for data- driven decision-making in managing shared water resources across international boundaries. A series of capacity-building workshops were implemented to provide technical training on RS data collection, management, and analysis. Conducted online to maximize accessibility and participation across the continent, the workshops attracted technical professionals from numerous RBOs across Africa. The online format also promoted greater inclusivity, enabling higher number of female participations who might face barriers to attending in-person sessions. The sessions covered a wide range of topics, including data collection techniques, data analytics, and cloud-based platforms for real-time water resource monitoring. Tools and technologies were carefully selected based on their relevance to RBO operations, ability to address cross-border WRM challenges, cost-free accessibility, and alignment with the latest advancements in data analytics, as summarized below: Workshop title Dates Overview Introduction to a spectrum of technologies for data/analytics and knowledge Water Data Revolution: generation related to transboundary June 13th - 14th, 2023 Modernizing Transboundary waters. In-depth focus on modern cloud (2 days) Water Data and Analytics analytics, interactive dashboards, AI applications, and new open services for historical data insights. 16 The World Bank Water Data Revolution: Closing the data gap for transboundary water in Africa (P176348) Demonstration of selected tools with Water Data Revolution: Data applications for empowering water November 29th, planners in decision-making for WRM, and analytics for Water 2023 (1 day) with a focus on allocation planning and Resources Management irrigation productivity. The Water GP, through its global unit, has conducted several training sessions focused on modern data and analytical Complementary trainings led by tools for water resources management. Water GP. These sessions were designed for a broad audience of water specialists and included participation from the RBOs as part of the support provided by the WDR program. Key tools included Google Earth Engine, the World Bank’s geospatial platform, and Hydrosheds, which offer robust capabilities for satellite data visualization, real-time analysis, and access to global hydrological data layers. Participants explored data collection methodologies, including in- situ and Earth observation techniques, complemented by cloud-based tools like Sentinel imagery and Climate Engine for data processing, and interactive dashboards for real-time insights. Topics included AI-driven data analysis and innovative visualization technologies to support informed decision-making. Additionally, frameworks like WA+ and the WaPOR platform were introduced to support water accounting and water productivity tracking for irrigation, both critical for sustainable WRM. These activities generated critical outcomes, enhancing access to essential tools that lead to strengthening sustainable water management. Participants acquired practical skills in RS data collection and analysis, gaining hands-on experience with platforms like Google Earth Engine and the World Bank’s geospatial tools, which enable organizations to monitor water availability, predict hazards, and make data-informed decisions. The workshops prioritized accessible, cost- free RS tools, removing financial barriers for organizations and ensuring that limited resources to not impede capacity-building efforts. To ensure capacity remains within each organization, training materials were shared with participants, supporting ongoing skill reinforcement and knowledge retention. Further, the “training of trainers” approach was encouraged, equipping key participants to pass on their expertise within their respective organization. Finally, continuous engagement with RBOs and their technical staff is recommended to keep participants updated on evolving technologies and to tailor future sessions to their specific needs and constraints. 17 The World Bank Water Data Revolution: Closing the data gap for transboundary water in Africa (P176348) Tools related to water accounting emerged as an important focus in the capacity building program under Pillar B, given their important role in quantifying water availability, usage, and allocation. This process is essential for the cooperative management of transboundary water resources, enabling organizations to make informed and equitable decisions on water distribution. The knowledge gained in these sessions laid the groundwork for the next phase, Pillar C, where analytical tools in the form of dashboards were developed to demonstrate the practical application of RS data and tools. These dashboards, in alignment with the RBOs needs outlined in Pillar A, were designed particularly to support water accounting and promote equitable water resource management practices in selected pilot river basins. For a detailed description and outcome of Pillar B, please refer to Annex 2, where the methods, structure, and key results are comprehensively outlined. 5. Pillar C – Adapting Innovative Tools for WRM Pillar C focused on adoption of RS data and data platforms for decision making by: (i) supporting end to end sustainable demand-driven services in selected RBOs; and (ii) testing and adopting efficient and free/low-cost hydro-informatics data, tools, and services. Responding to the interests and requests from RBOs, this pillar provided access to a tailored analytical tool that supports decision-making related to transboundary water resources management. In this context, water accounting has emerged as a crucial tool for promoting sustainable water resource management in transboundary basins. In the context of this initiative, the goal of this tool was to serve as a starting point for broader, long-term discussions and engagements and to enhance water resource management (WRM) assessments by leveraging remote sensing (RS) data to bridge the gap between data and decision-making. While the tool was not initially designed as a comprehensive application with definitive decision-making outcomes, it holds the potential to evolve into one over time. 5.1. Understanding Water Accounting (WA): Benefits and Methodology Given the expected increase in water demand, ensuring sustainable and efficient water availability will require a shift toward investment strategies that enhance the productive use of water. This necessitates a clear understanding of the multifaceted challenges to be addressed, such as inefficient water usage in agriculture, land use practices that lead to excessive water consumption, and a lack of awareness regarding environmental water needs. Overcoming these challenges requires a comprehensive understanding of the unique water context in each region, 18 The World Bank Water Data Revolution: Closing the data gap for transboundary water in Africa (P176348) enabling the development of tailored strategies that account for varying biophysical, societal, and developmental conditions. Water Accounting provides such critical information, facilitating the identification of investment strategies to improve overall water productivity within a river basin, in such a way that contributes to the accomplishment of targeted development goals in the basin context, which is usually associated to different aspects such as improved and extended water supply, enhancement of food security, environmental preservation which in turn is usually key for sustaining income generating activities across Africa13. Water accounting in transboundary river basins provides several key advantages by offering a consistent framework for managing water resources across different scales. This is especially important as it helps in managing shared water systems across countries with varying policies, priorities, and water use patterns. It tracks all sources of water (e.g., rainfall, groundwater, wastewater, desalination) and how it is used (e.g., evaporation, irrigation, industrial use), along with changes in storage (e.g., soil moisture, groundwater reserves). WA promotes transparent decision-making and enables equitable water distribution, which is critical in mitigating disputes among riparian countries. It also facilitates the identification of opportunities for joint investment projects and supports the long-term sustainability of water resources. By creating a common understanding of water availability and demand, it contributes to more informed and cooperative resource management across different scales, helping to prevent over-exploitation and ensuring that water is used efficiently for economic and environmental benefits. . From a basin perspective, it supports the identification of measures that ensure water resources are managed effectively and equitably, maximizing societal value while accounting for synergies and trade-offs in land and water management. As water scarcity and interdependencies grow, water accounting becomes essential for understanding the consequences of changes in water use and for adjusting water allocations, management strategies, and investment decisions accordingly. Water accounting in transboundary river basins offers significant advantages by providing a standardized framework for managing water resources. This is especially important as it helps in managing shared water systems across countries with varying policies, priorities, and water use 13FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization). Water Accounting Plus (WA+) Framework: A tool for improving water productivity in agriculture. FAO, 2018 19 The World Bank Water Data Revolution: Closing the data gap for transboundary water in Africa (P176348) patterns.14,15 It promotes transparent decision-making and enables equitable water distribution, which is critical in mitigating disputes among riparian countries. Water accounting also facilitates the identification of opportunities for joint investment projects and supports the long-term sustainability of water resources. By creating a common understanding of water availability and demand, it contributes to more informed and cooperative resource management across different scales, helping to prevent over-exploitation and ensuring that water is used efficiently for economic and environmental benefits A water accounting system is implemented using a standardized methodology and nomenclature. In recent years, Water Accounting Plus (WA+), developed by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), has become one of the most widely used approaches. WA+ addresses the limitations of traditional methods by relying on remote sensing technology, open- source hydrological models, and global datasets, rather than relying solely on national-level hydro-meteorological data. This approach offers a significant advantage by enabling consistent and accurate water accounts at different scales, even in regions with limited ground-based data, thanks to the use of satellite-derived information. This is especially beneficial in the context of transboundary river basins, where data access can be challenging due to the participation of multiple countries. In such cases, remote sensing eliminates the need for extensive data collection, which can be resource-intensive and often hinders cross-border collaboration by creating logistical barriers. WA+ uses satellite-derived data for key meteorological variables (e.g., evapotranspiration and precipitation) to calculate water balances without requiring direct measurements of water withdrawals or return flows. By leveraging advancements in earth observation technology, WA+ provides reliable, continuous, and gridded data on water resources from field to basin scales, ensuring consistency across regions and transboundary basins. This approach offers a comprehensive understanding of water availability, use, and sustainability and is increasingly used to support water resource management and policy decisions, especially in areas where local data is scarce. Another key advantage of using the WA+ is that it provides a replicable framework. This means that Water Accounting dashboards can be implemented across different basins, creating a common foundation for analytics among RBOs. This approach offers significant benefits, particularly by enabling the future scalability of the CIWA initiative to support additional RBOs, 14 GWP (Global Water Partnership). (2014). Water Accounting in Transboundary Basins: A Tool for Ensuring Equitable and Sustainable Water Management. Global Water Partnership. 15 FAO. (2018). Water Accounting: Framework for Improving Water Productivity and Sustainability in Agriculture. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. 20 The World Bank Water Data Revolution: Closing the data gap for transboundary water in Africa (P176348) while also extending capacity-building activities that will benefit not only the RBOs currently involved but also those that may participate in the future. Moreover, the use of a common platform fosters greater collaboration among RBOs. It can facilitate knowledge sharing and best practices, allowing RBOs to learn from one another and adopt successful strategies used in other regions. Given the characteristics of the WA+ methodology and its alignment with the objectives of Pillar C, it was selected as the methodology for developing the Water Accounting tools under this pillar. 5.2. Selection of participating RBOs To implement Pillar C, the initial step involved identifying key RBOs from those that participated in Pillar A, to determine where pilot projects for Water Accounting Dashboards could be implemented. This pre-identification process was initiated based on an assessment of each RBO, considering multiple key criteria such as capacity, current mandates/activities, potential for taking on the initiative, current and past engagements with the World Bank, and the existence of similar initiatives to avoid duplication and foster synergies. A significant portion of this process was informed by the findings and analyses from Pillar A. Priority was given to RBOs where this initiative could either initiate or strengthen engagement, acting as a catalyst for further dialogue and collaboration. The pre-identification exercise resulted in the selection of three RBOs: Volta Basin Authority (VBA), Incomati and Maputo Watercourse Commission (INMACOM), and Zambezi Watercourse Commission (ZAMCOM). Following this, conversations were initiated with these RBOs to introduce them to the purpose of the initiative, outline the potential benefits, and clarify the commitment required from them to carry it out. An important aspect of these engagements was the mutual learning between the task team and the RBOs, particularly in understanding the unique characteristics and specific data needs of each RBO to support their day-to-day operations and engagements, which was a building block for strategizing the further development of the dashboards and activities associated. VBA, INMACOM, and ZAMCOM expressed strong interest in participating in this initiative, emphasizing the value of having a sophisticated analytical tool that could deliver critical information for planning measures to enhance efficient water resource management, particularly in the absence of reliable ground-based data. This is particularly important given the limited availability of such data. Consequently, these three RBOs formalized their interest in participating in the initiative by submitting a request note to the World Bank. The spatial distribution and location of the selected RBOs can be seen in Figure 7. 21 The World Bank Water Data Revolution: Closing the data gap for transboundary water in Africa (P176348) 5.3. Characteristics of selected RBOs Volta Basin Authority: The Volta River Basin, spanning approximately 400,000 km² across six West African countries—Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, and Togo—supports nearly 23 million people whose livelihoods and economic development are closely tied to its natural resources. Water is critical for agriculture, hydropower generation, livestock, fisheries, and tourism, with agriculture alone accounting for 40% of the basin’s economic output. To ensure sustainable management of these shared resources, the riparian countries established the VBA in 2007. The VBA promotes Integrated Water Resources Management and seeks to ensure equitable water use, the development of key infrastructure, and the alleviation of poverty, while fostering socio- economic integration in the region. Figure 7: Volta River Basin 22 The World Bank Water Data Revolution: Closing the data gap for transboundary water in Africa (P176348) Incomati Maputo Watercourse commission: The Incomati and Maputo River Basins, shared by Eswatini, Mozambique, and South Africa, are vital to the socio-economic development of the region, with water resources supporting agriculture, hydropower, industry, and conservation. The Incomati Basin, covering 49,000 km² and home to 2.3 million people, is crucial for irrigation, especially for cash crops like sugarcane, which fuels the regional economy, while hydropower dams meet growing energy needs. The Maputo Basin, spanning 30,000 km², relies on irrigation and afforestation, with expanding commercial agriculture and forestry. To ensure sustainable and equitable water sharing, the governments of the three countries established the Incomati and Figure 8: Incomati and Maputo River basins Maputo Water Commission (INMACOM) in 2021, building on the Tripartite Permanent Technical Committee (TPTC) formed in 1983. INMACOM promotes Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), supports environmental and socio-economic benefits, and strengthens water resource management through innovative approaches like Water Accounting and the use of remote sensing data to overcome data gaps. 23 The World Bank Water Data Revolution: Closing the data gap for transboundary water in Africa (P176348) Zambezi Watercourse Commission: The Zambezi River Basin, spanning 1.397 million km² across eight Southern African countries— Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe—supports nearly 30 million people whose livelihoods depend on its water resources. Agriculture, particularly irrigation for both small-scale and commercial farming, is the primary economic activity, while Figure 1: Zambezi River basin hydropower production from major reservoirs like Lake Kariba and Lake Cahora Bassa plays a crucial role in the region’s energy supply, contributing 24% of the Southern African Power Pool’s electricity. To promote equitable and sustainable water use, the Zambezi Watercourse Commission (ZAMCOM) was established in 2014 to oversee the management and development of the Zambezi River Basin. ZAMCOM's mandate includes data collection, harmonizing resource management, advising member states on sustainable development and conflict resolution, and raising public awareness. The initiative also supports ZAMCOM's work by advocating for advanced Water Accounting techniques and the use of remote sensing data to enhance water resource management, especially in areas with limited ground data. 5.4. Developing a Water Accounting Dashboard: The Process The development process of the WA dashboard initiated with an online inception workshop led by WB and IWMI. The workshop targeted technical specialists from the RBOs with the main objective of introducing the initiative, explaining the role of the RBO, and gathering insights into the specific information and data needs of the RBO to support its work in water resources management within its jurisdiction. These insights provided critical inputs to shape the dashboard's development to align with the RBO's requirements and needs. Building on the insights gained from the inception workshop, the development process of the dashboard began. Once the first prototype was completed, a workshop was organized to present the prototype to the RBO, provide hands-on training on its use and functionalities, and gather 24 The World Bank Water Data Revolution: Closing the data gap for transboundary water in Africa (P176348) feedback to identify necessary improvements for the final version. The workshop also included a capacity-building component focused on more advanced topics in remote-sensing data and its applications in water resources management within a transboundary context, both in relation to the WA dashboard and beyond. The workshops saw active participation from a significant number of RBO members, which facilitated valuable discussions and resulted in strong feedback on the further improvements needed for the dashboard's final development. Moreover, participants expressed high satisfaction with the capacity-building sessions, which allowed them to deepen their technical knowledge and/or acquire new skills. A key outcome of the workshops was their role in fostering a sense of ownership among the RBOs for the dashboard, strengthening their commitment to continue this collaboration. Building on the feedback obtained during the workshop the WA Dashboard was finalized. A final workshop was carried out to launch the final WA Dashboard and share the outcomes with the RBO. In parallel, complementary capacity building sessions were provided to enhance technical skills in the RBOs for effective dashboard management. Post-capacity building evaluations revealed a highly positive impact of the training sessions, demonstrating significant enhancement of participants' knowledge across various water accounting topics. These improvements reflect both the effectiveness of the training and the participants' increased engagement with complex concepts. A key highlight was the transformation in participants' understanding of water accounting. Before the training, many had limited knowledge of the subject. By the end, all participants were able to answer fundamental questions, showcasing a remarkable improvement in their grasp of key concepts. The training also met participants' expectations, with 93% expressing that their knowledge had been greatly enhanced. The structure and clarity of the sessions were widely praised, with participants finding the content well-organized and easy to follow. Furthermore, the practical relevance of the WA+ tool was emphasized, with 67% of participants rating it as highly valuable for both current and future projects. This underscores the lasting impact of the training on participants' professional development. 5.5. Technical aspects of the WA Dashboard The WA Dashboards were developed as web-based tools designed to provide detailed, multi-year water accounts for the basins water resources. They offer insights into water balance components, water usage patterns, water availability and climate change impact, to support informed decision-making for enhanced management of transboundary water resources. A key characteristic of the dashboard is that it facilitates the visualization of complex water data, making it accessible to a range of stakeholders, including policymakers, scientists, and the general public. 25 The World Bank Water Data Revolution: Closing the data gap for transboundary water in Africa (P176348) Tableau Desktop Public Edition was chosen as the backend architecture for the development of the WA Dashboard given its advanced data visualization capabilities, which allow for the creation of highly interactive and visually engaging dashboards. Its flexibility in handling large and complex datasets, as well as its robust integration with diverse data sources, makes it ideal for the purposes of the WA Dashboard, where data needs to be analyzed and displayed in a clear, insightful manner. Tableau also offers powerful customization options, enabling users to drill down into specific data points, and provides scalability. Figure 8 provides a schematic view of the Tableau architecture of the WA Dashboard. Satellite imagery and remote sensing data served as the primary sources of input for the WA Dashboards. The spatial resolution of the remote sensing data was resampled to 1 km, and the data were aggregated to monthly time intervals for the water account analysis. Some of the key input parameters derived from RS include dynamic parameters such as precipitation, evapotranspiration and saturated soil moisture, and static parameters such as landcover and reservoir data. More details on the input data and sources can be found in Annex 3. The WA Dashboard is structured in five tabs, each one providing different sets of information. A description of each tab is provided in the paragraphs below. Figure 8: Tableau architecture of the WA Dashboard Basin Overview Tab: The Basin Overview section of the dashboard provides essential baseline statistics on the river basin, offering a detailed look at the basin’s hydrology and key challenges (Figure 9). It includes a brief description of the basin, along with insights like area, population, 26 The World Bank Water Data Revolution: Closing the data gap for transboundary water in Africa (P176348) per-capita water availability, environmental stress, and future water availability. An interactive map allows users to explore the basin’s geography, while a double pie chart visualizes land use distribution across categories such as utilized land, managed water, modified land, and protected land. Users can also toggle between years to compare changes in water balance and yield over time. Figure 9 Basin overview Tab Water Availability Tab: The Water Availability section of the dashboard highlights key indicators for assessing water resources in a river basin. It includes metrics such as water availability per capita (m³), water available for future use (MCM), fractions of evapotranspiration (ET) from agriculture, irrigation, and land management, and the basing closure indicator (Figure 10). These indicators help evaluate the basin's ability to meet demands and how much of the available water is being used. Further technical details can be found in Annex 3. 27 The World Bank Water Data Revolution: Closing the data gap for transboundary water in Africa (P176348) Figure 10 Water Availability tab WA Indicators Tab: The spatial variation of WA indicator tab on the dashboard presents the key indicators and variables. Visualization is offered in two data types: spatial and linear. Spatial visualization (Figure 11) is provided disaggregated at the sub-catchment level and at a monthly time scale for the following data: Rainfall, Rainfall ET, Blue ET, Total ET and water yield. In the linear visualization (Figure 12) are provided the following parameters/indicators: Rainfall, total ET, Basin Outflow, Utilized Outflow, and Utilizable Outflow (i.e. the water that can be reallocated for further uses after accounting for reserved flows and utilized flows). Moreover, a standardized anomaly analysis for these indicators is provided. Further details on the indicators and technical aspects can be found in Annex 3. 28 The World Bank Water Data Revolution: Closing the data gap for transboundary water in Africa (P176348) Figure 11. Spatial visualization of indicators Figure 12: Linear visualization of indicators 29 The World Bank Water Data Revolution: Closing the data gap for transboundary water in Africa (P176348) Water Balance Tab: The water balance figure shows modeled estimates of key water balance terms. Each figure is specific to the year selected on the year selection tab. It includes annual precipitation received by the basin, total evapotranspiration (ET), and its two sources: Blue ET from blue water sources (e.g., surface water bodies and groundwater) and Rainfall ET (or Green ET) from soil moisture replenished by rainfall. The figure also provides information on basin outflow and changes in basin storage due to groundwater abstraction or recharge. Moreover, the different water uses are considering, including for environmental purposes. Figure 13 presents the water balance diagrams for the Volta and Incomati river basins. The thickness of each component represents the volume of water flow, with thicker sections corresponding to greater quantities. Notable differences between the two basins include the proportion of water used for natural pastures (represented under the "utilized land" component in the diagram). The Incomati basin shows a higher share of water allocated for this purpose compared to the Volta Basin, which aligns with the fact that the Incomati basin is characterized by extensive savannahs and natural reserves. 30 The World Bank Water Data Revolution: Closing the data gap for transboundary water in Africa (P176348) Figure 13Water Balance diagram for the Volta Basin (top) and Incomati Basin (bottom). A water balance Sankey diagram illustrates the inflows and outflows of water from the Volta Basin. Typically read from left to right, the thickness of each component is proportional to the quantity of water flow. 31 The World Bank Water Data Revolution: Closing the data gap for transboundary water in Africa (P176348) Climate change Tab: The "Climate Change" tab offers an overview of projected future trends and potential impacts of climate change on key indicators of water availability (Figure 14). Figure 14 Climate Impact tab All information generated by the WA Dashboards is publicly available and can be accessed through the following links. Making these outcomes accessible to the public ensures transparency and promotes informed decision-making by providing equal access to critical data. By offering input data, outputs, and final analytical products openly, this approach encourages collaboration, facilitates accountability, and empowers a wide range of stakeholders—from policymakers to researchers and community groups—to leverage the information for sustainable and equitable water management. 32 The World Bank Water Data Revolution: Closing the data gap for transboundary water in Africa (P176348) Volta Basin: https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/iwmi.wa/viz/Voltabasinvertical/Merged Incomati Basin: https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/iwmi.wa/viz/IWMIIncomatiRiver/Landing Maputo Basin: https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/iwmi.wa/viz/IWMIMaputo/Landing Zambezi Basin: https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/resmun/viz/IWMIZambeziBasinWaterAccountingDa shboard2025/Overview 6. Insights and Strategic Pathways from the Water Data Revolution Project The WDR project has made substantial strides in addressing critical gaps in transboundary water data management. Through targeted capacity-building initiatives, specialized training programs, and development and adoption of advanced technologies such as WA dashboard, the project has established a robust foundation for the sustainable management of shared water resources. The following consolidated insights and recommendations provide a technical overview of the key achievements and findings under Pillars A, B, and C, highlighting the progress made in enhancing data accessibility, analytical capabilities, and regional cooperation. 1. Leveraging public domain data for enhancing regional collaboration and cooperation for improved decision-making The use of public domain data offers substantial advantages, particularly for resource-limited RBOs. Public domain data is typically free to access, eliminating the financial barriers that often restrict organizations with limited resources from acquiring necessary information. This opens opportunities for RBOs to access critical data on water resources, climate patterns, land use, and other critical data without the high costs typically associated with proprietary data sources. For RBOs, this brings on the opportunity to carry out critical analytics (i.e. water accounting, flood forecasting, drought management, etc.) vital for sustainable water resource management. 33 The World Bank Water Data Revolution: Closing the data gap for transboundary water in Africa (P176348) However, a caveat to consider is that RBOs may still face challenges in terms of data quality due to the inherent limitations of open-data sources. This makes it essential for RBOs to implement robust validation processes to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data. Recent advances of cloud-based analytical tools and services enables RBOs to proceed with real- time storage, processing, and analysis of data on a global scale. These services, often available at little or no cost, allow RBOs to monitor key parameters more effectively and scale their operations to meet growing data demands. By leveraging cloud-based tools, RBOs can improve data-sharing transparency, streamline workflows, and enhance operational efficiency. This, in turn, strengthens their overall capacity to manage transboundary water resources more sustainably, fostering better decision-making and collaboration across borders. The public domain model allows RBOs to make uniform decisions and can foster more consistent and transparent collaboration. Providing open access to data enables River Basin Organizations (RBOs) to establish a shared platform that uses a common data source and standardized format, facilitating seamless data access for all stakeholders. This ensures consistency in the information being utilized, eliminating discrepancies and enhancing decision-making. Furthermore, this approach fosters transparency by allowing any user to track, verify, and validate information; building trust among member countries. By ensuring that all parties work from a common data set, this process strengthens the collective capacity of RBOs to address transboundary water management challenges in a coordinated and informed manner. 2. Empowering RBOs through capacity building and data accessibility RBOs are typically established by member states or countries to coordinate the management of shared water resources across borders, with the goal of promoting sustainable and equitable water use. These organizations are expected to have a comprehensive overview of the entire basin, considering both the water resources and the environmental, economic, and social factors that affect the basin. However, RBOs often face challenges in fulfilling this mandate due to limited resources, insufficient data, and limited technical capacity. In many cases, data gaps, such as the lack of consistent monitoring or limited access to reliable water quality and quantity data, hinder their ability to make fully informed, data-driven decisions. This often results in constraints on the RBOs' capacity to effectively coordinate management efforts and address the complex, multi- dimensional challenges of managing shared water resources across countries. 34 The World Bank Water Data Revolution: Closing the data gap for transboundary water in Africa (P176348) To overcome these limitations and support them in accomplishing their mandate, a key first step is providing RBOs with access to relevant data, starting with public domain data, which is cost- effective and can serve as a foundational resource for understanding the dynamics of shared water systems. In this context, the provision of WA systems becomes highly relevant as it provides a framework for assessing water availability, usage, and efficiency, helping RBOs plan for future demands, identify potential risks, and prioritize investments. In the RBO’s empowering process, capacity building is essential. Workshops and training sessions expose participants to accessible data products and analytical tools, equipping technical staff with the skills to conduct cost-effective water resource analysis. Particularly, hands-on sessions show effective results on build confidence, foster data ownership, and ensure that the knowledge gained is practical and applicable to real-world scenarios. To ensure the long-term sustainability of capacity-building efforts, it is essential to adopt financially viable training models that are both cost-effective and scalable. A key strategy for this is the "train-the-trainer" approach, which empowers selected staff to train others, creating an internal, self-sustaining system of ongoing education that reduces reliance on external providers. Additionally, sharing training materials ensures that knowledge is retained within the organization, even amid staff turnover, allowing new staff to quickly acquire the necessary skills. These strategies help maintain and strengthen technical capacity over time. Moreover, this initiative underscored the importance of Tailoring training to meet specific organizational needs maximizes limited resources, while continuous engagement with RBO staff ensures training evolves with organizational demands. Accessible formats, like online sessions, further broaden access, particularly for underrepresented groups and those facing logistical barriers. 3. Leveraging basin-wide analytical tools for practical and integrated applications of data in decision-making While data access is a critical aspect for supporting RBOs in accomplishing their mandates, data alone is not useful until it is analyzed and transformed into actionable insights. Analytical tools help convert data into meaningful information that ultimately supports decision-making on transboundary water resource management (Figure 2). In this context, the selection of analytical tools is crucial, as these tools must be tailored to the specific context of each RBO, considering factors such as data availability, the technical capacity of staff, and information needs. A poorly chosen tool can actually contribute to create significant gaps in information or even worse, misleading information. The right analytical tool is one that aligns with the RBO's capacity, the 35 The World Bank Water Data Revolution: Closing the data gap for transboundary water in Africa (P176348) data it has access to, and the specific management objectives it seeks to achieve, ensuring that the data can be harnessed to drive informed, effective decisions. Water accounting tools, or similar frameworks, serve as powerful instruments for connecting data to real-world applications, offering an integrated approach to managing water resources. These tools aggregate and analyze data from multiple sources, such as satellite imagery, climate models, and in-situ measurements, to provide a comprehensive overview of water availability and usage at the basin level. By stepping beyond sub-national level analysis, water accounting tools offer a broader perspective that allows decision-makers to assess the balance between water resources and demand across the entire basin, rather than isolated regions, which makes them ideal for a transboundary context. This holistic view enables users to track trends, identify potential water stress points, and assess the long-term sustainability of water use. By linking data directly to actionable insights, water accounting tools help stakeholders make informed decisions regarding resource allocation, conservation strategies, and investment planning, ensuring that water resources are managed effectively and equitably at the basin scale. The work developed under this initiative establishes a foundation for the future implementation of basin-wide analytical tools, enabling the practical and integrated use of data in decision- making. Moving forward, a more focused approach will be required to address the specific and unique needs of each RBO, necessitating detailed assessments of their requirements. Additionally, future efforts must consider the significant variations in existing capacities among RBOs, ensuring that tools are developed with these differences in mind. This approach will facilitate the design of capacity-building programs that align with the tools' requirements, promoting effective implementation and use. 4. Promoting Cooperation and Collaboration Through Shared Data Practices and Joint Training One of the most valuable lessons of this initiative is that by aligning data sharing, joint decision- making, and collaborative training efforts, RBOs can foster mutual understanding and strengthen regional partnerships and cooperation. Joint training sessions help bring together technical staff from different member states, enabling the exchange of expertise, building trust, and enhancing technical capacity within country members of RBOs and beyond across the African region. Additionally, unifying data sources and embracing open-access platforms, as highlighted in Pillar C, enhance transparency, facilitate evidence-based decision-making, and break down political and 36 The World Bank Water Data Revolution: Closing the data gap for transboundary water in Africa (P176348) technical barriers. The shared use of open-access data further fosters cross-border collaboration by providing reliable insights that reduce the need for formalized agreements and build trust16. One key challenge identified through the initiative, however, is the frequent mismatch between the individual needs of RBO member countries and the services provided by the RBOs. This gap often stems from a lack of understanding of these disparities. It is recommended that future work involve selecting a few national governments as case studies to better understand this gap and develop targeted solutions. Together, these initiatives lay the groundwork for sustained cooperation, ensuring equitable and effective management of transboundary water resources. 16Christina Leb, “Data Innovations for Transboundary Freshwater Resources Management: Are Obligations Related to Information Exchange Still Needed?” in Data Innovations for Transboundary Freshwater Resources Management (2020): 3–78, https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004429000_002. 37