Ouagadougou, 09-01-2026 – A new chapter is beginning for the Global Water Partnership in West Africa (GWP-WA). On Thursday, 8 January 2026, the official handover ceremony between Mr Sidi COULIBALY, Acting Executive Secretary, and Mr Amadou Lamine NDIAYE took place in the GWP-WA conference room, located at Avenue Bila Kaboré – Sector 15 Gate 1673- Ouaga 2000.
The event was attended by representatives from VBA, UEMOA, CILSS, Wetland Sahel and DGRE. Chaired by Mr Abdoulaye SENE, it took place in an atmosphere that was both solemn and convivial. In his introductory remarks, Mr. SENE, President of GWP-AO, first wished everyone good health and success before paying a glowing tribute to Mr. COULIBALY, Acting H.E., praising the remarkable work he has accomplished, particularly the finalisation of several major projects. He also recalled the challenges that await the new H.E.
Taking the floor, Mr COULIBALY reviewed the results of his few months as interim director, highlighting the achievements of the REWarD-Volta Basin and IREE-Mono projects despite the difficulties encountered. ‘We have ensured that the network has maintained its momentum despite its financial fragility, thanks to the commitment of the entire team and the constant support of our partners,’ he said. Finally, he wished the incoming Executive Secretary every success.
For his part, Mr NDIAYE, aware of the scale of the challenges ahead, has placed his mandate under the banner of continuity, with a clear desire to strengthen existing partnerships and make the Network strong enough. He has promised to revitalise the various National Water Partnerships (NWPs) and continue the work in progress, while transforming challenges into opportunities. He also affirmed his unwavering commitment to boosting the GWP-WA and making his modest contribution to the search for peace in the sub-region. Finally, he expressed his gratitude to the partners who had made the trip and to the GWP leaders for the trust they had placed in him, with a special mention for the DGRE, representing the State of Burkina Faso, the country where the GWP is based.
The ceremony ended with the signing of the handover report and the symbolic exchange of initials, officially marking the new Executive Secretary’s entry into office.
In closing, Mr Dibi MILLOGO, Deputy Executive Director of VBA, on behalf of the partners present, praised Mr COULIBALY’s determination and commitment and highlighted Mr NDIAYE’s technical expertise. He expressed his confidence that the objectives would be achieved and wished His Excellency every success in his new role. After these words, Mr Abdoulaye SENE brought the ceremony to a close by thanking the GWP-WA partners.
As a reminder, Mr NDIAYE holds a PhD in Geography (Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar) and is an expert in hydro-diplomacy, fundraising and regional project management. A Knight of the Order of Merit of Senegal, he has successfully led several projects funded by development partners.
