New Directions for EU Action on the Implementation of the WEFE Nexus in Transboundary River Basins

This policy brief explores efforts by the European Union (EU) to support the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus in African transboundary river basins, with a focus on River Basin Organisations (RBOs) as key actors in operationalising cross-sectoral approaches. It evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of current policies, institutional frameworks, stakeholder engagement, and research support, while identifying opportunities for future improvements in these areas. Drawing on insights from the EU Horizon 2020 project GoNEXUS, interviews and a literature review, this policy brief focuses on the EU’s WEFE Nexus activities in Africa with a particular emphasis on the Zambezi and Senegal River Basins. Recommendations are directed at EU policymakers, global organisations, donors, NGOs, and academia.