Nile Day 2026 in Juba: Regional Meeting Confirmed
Delegates from Nile Basin member states are expected in Juba in February 2026 for the annual Nile Day commemoration. The gathering is set to bring together representatives from across the basin to spotlight cooperation around the river’s shared resources.
What Nile Day Marks for Nile Basin Countries
Nile Day is observed every 22 February across Nile Basin countries and other riparian states. It commemorates the establishment of the Nile Basin Initiative, created to encourage coordinated approaches to how the river system is managed and used.
Nile Basin Initiative: Shared Vision Since 1999
Through the Nile Basin Initiative, countries agreed in 1999 to develop, manage, protect, conserve and utilize water resources under a commonly formulated shared vision. The date of establishment is 22 February 1999, which remains central to the annual commemoration.
20th Nile Day: Cooperation and Sustainable Water Management
The 20th Nile Day, organized by the Nile Basin Initiative, is intended to promote cooperation and sustainable management of Nile resources. The framework explicitly includes member states such as Kenya, Uganda, Sudan and Tanzania, among other basin countries.
All 11 NBI Member States Expected in South Sudan
Organizers expect the celebrations to draw delegates from all 11 member states of the Nile Basin Initiative. In practical terms, the event is positioned as a full-basin convening, with Juba serving as the host city for the 2026 edition.
South Sudan Cabinet Approves Nile Day Budget in Juba
Speaking after the weekly cabinet meeting in Juba on Friday, Deputy Information Minister David Yau Yau said the Cabinet approved the budget for the event. He said ministers endorsed South Sudan hosting the February celebrations as a step in regional participation.
“The Council of Ministers meeting on Friday endorsed South Sudan to host celebrations for Nile Basin Day in February, which will mark a major participation for South Sudan in regional affairs,” David Yau Yau said.
Water Resources Memo and Commitments to the NBI
David Yau Yau said the decision followed a memo presented by Water Resources and Irrigation Minister James Mawich. According to him, the document outlined South Sudan’s commitment to the Nile Basin Initiative and the broader regional agenda it represents.
Foreign Affairs and Finance Asked to Clear Outstanding Arrears
He added that the Cabinet instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Ministry of Finance and Planning to clear outstanding arrears owed to regional and international organizations. The instruction was presented as part of wider institutional coordination.
Why the Juba Event Matters for Shared Nile Benefits
Officials said the event will convene NBI countries with the stated aim of promoting cooperation, sustainable water management and shared benefits. The February 2026 meeting in Juba is framed as reinforcing the initiative established on 22 February 1999.