This publication launched on February 22, 2019 at the 20th anniversary of the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI), outlines the evolution and development of the organization in the last 20 years (February 1999 – February 2019) and what lessons can be drawn to feed into future cooperation. It shows the range and complexity of the programmers and activities undertaken over the years as well as some of the major outcomes. It points out that whilst much has been achieved, the NBI still has a long journey ahead.
The publication also attempts to show why the NBI is critical for the Nile to survive as one system that can benefit all; and what real collective action can and does achieve. Looking back over 20 years, this paper identifies successes and challenges along the way.
Has the NBI succeeded in its mission?
What has been accomplished and what still needs to be done?
Expectation levels at its launch were very high and there was the anticipation of major investment flows into the basin. Some 20 years later, much has changed both within and beyond the basin. Whilst much has been achieved, the NBI still has a long journey ahead.