The 9th China-Africa Water Association International Conference, organized by the China-Africa Water Association (CAWA) and hosted by the University of Rwanda and University of the Westen Cape, was successfully concluded in Kigali, Rwanda from 21st to 26th July of 2025. This prestigious event brought together distinguished experts and scholars from 20 renowned universities, research institutions, and water-related enterprises across 8 countries, including China, Rwanda, Switzerland, UK and South Africa and so on. The conference focused on sustainable development of water resources.
The conference yielded fruitful outcomes with the signing of several significant cooperation agreements. Notably, the Chinese Hydraulic Engineering Society (CHES) and the China-Africa Water Association (CAWA) formally entered into a strategic cooperation agreement, committing to jointly provide professional technical support for the “Belt and Road” Water Resources Cooperation Alliance.
Meanwhile, the Sino-Africa Joint Research Center (SAJOREC-Nairobi), CAWA, and the State Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Hydropower Engineering Science at Wuhan University formed a three-party strategic collaboration. This collaboration marks the advancement of China-Africa water resource cooperation into a new phase characterized by institutionalization and platform-based development.
The conference received strong support from multiple parties from key institutions including the University of Rwanda, University of the Western Cape, UNESCO, the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda, the Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA), the African Groundwater Center, Rwanda Water Resources Board, South Africa’s Department of Science and Innovation, and the Rwanda Chinese Community Association. Their collective efforts held on the successful organization of this event.
The representatives from UNESCO and the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Rwanda, and Prof. Yongxin Xu, Secretary-General of the China-Africa Water Association (CAWA) gave the opening ceremony addresses. In their remarks, they expressed confidence that CAWA’s platform would significantly contribute to capacity building, scientific collaboration, and technological innovation in water-related fields among Belt and Road Initiative partner countries.
During the ceremony, Merit Certificate of China Africa Water Association was presented to Dr. Xiaochi Li in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Geoscience Education & Public Awareness. In the conference, participants engaged in in-depth discussions and knowledge sharing on critical topics including sustainable water resources management, applications of AI technologies, climate change, and carbon emission reduction techniques, showcasing cutting-edge research findings and practical solutions.
After the conference, a wonderful field trip was conducted. Participants visited the western branch of the East African Rift Valley for on-site research, conducting experiences of the area’s unique geographical features, geological structures, and ecosystems.
The experts noted that the western side of the Rift Valley, with its abundant precipitation, has developed dense primary tropical rainforests and numerous freshwater lakes, forming natural landscapes of significant scientific value. Through the field investigation, participants gained a more systematic understanding of the spatial distribution characteristics and ecological significance of Africa’s water resources.
As an important platform for China-Africa water resource academic exchanges, the conference has not only facilitated intellectual exchanges among water experts and entrepreneurs from both sides, but also enabled participants to witness firsthand innovative vitality and development potential in Africa’s water resource management.
The China-Africa Water Association will persevere to serve as a bridge, working with all partners to deepen cooperation in water-related scientific research and technological exchanges. We are committed to supporting Chinese enterprises in implementing sustainable development projects in Africa, and jointly writing a new chapter in China-Africa water resource cooperation.