By Wongel Tamene
In the heart of Africa’s diverse landscapes, a quiet revolution is underway, powered by satellites, data, and the ambitions of young professionals. The International Water Management Institute’s (IWMI) Digital Innovations for Water Secure Africa (DIWASA) Fellowship is helping to launch the continent’s next generation of problem-solvers.
As climate change tightens its grip and ensuring water security becomes increasingly challenging, IWMI equips early-career geospatial and water experts with the skills, tools, and networks to create solutions tailored to Africa’s unique water security challenges. Through this fellowship, innovation meets impact, and dreams of a water-secure Africa transform into tangible progress.
From vision to reality
A flagship initiative, DIWASA is integral to the IWMI 2024–2030 strategy, which places youth empowerment at its core. According to the strategy “The fellowship isn’t just about addressing today’s challenges; it’s about building resilience for the future.”
Initially launched in 2020, DIWASA focused on developing Earth observation data products to address water security issues. Now in its second phase, extending until 2027, IWMI has expanded its scope to emphasize capacity building, stakeholder collaboration, and mentorship.
Kirubel Gebreyesus, a mentor in the program, underscores the fellowship’s unique approach: “We want fellows to be part of a growing community tackling Africa’s water challenges. These relationships foster innovation and long-term impact.”
Life-changing experiences: Stories from the Fellows
For Ethiopian geospatial expert Eden Seifu, the fellowship was transformative. Eden utilized cutting-edge tools like the Digital Earth Africa sandbox to map the Awash River Basin, producing high-resolution land use and land cover maps critical for addressing water stress. The maps provide essential inputs to the water accounting model, enabling the estimation of utilized water, stored water, and water available for future use. These findings will play a critical role in guiding informed decision-making.
“The experience changed my approach to Python programming and geospatial analysis,” Seifu shares. “It’s fulfilling to know that my work contributes to something so vital.”
Benjamin Wullobayi Dekongmen, a PhD candidate and lecturer from Ghana, echoes this sentiment. His work focuses on hydrological discharge and land-use dynamics in flood-prone terrains of Ghana’s Upper West Region. Reflecting on his fellowship, Benjamin notes, “This opportunity has equipped me with innovative skills in spatial data manipulation and visualization, essential for addressing agricultural water management challenges under climate change.”
Where innovation meets collaboration
The fellowship stands out for its emphasis on mentorship and networking. Fellows like Seifu and Dekongmen don’t just gain technical skills — they build lifelong connections with researchers, policymakers, and other young professionals across Africa.
Seifu recounts how the fellowship expanded her horizons: “The connections I’ve made will last a lifetime. Being part of the Water Accounting Network has opened doors to incredible opportunities.”
Dekongmen adds, “The mentorship and networks I’ve gained through DIWASA will leave a lasting impact on my career path, enabling me to guide my students and contribute to future research.”
Beyond the data: Addressing real-world challenges
Africa faces daunting water security challenges compounded by climate extremes and inefficient resource management. IWMI, through DIWASA, tackles these issues head-on by equipping its fellows with advanced technologies to develop actionable solutions.
For instance, Seifu’s land use and land cover maps of the Awash Basin serve as critical inputs for water accounting frameworks, aiding in irrigation planning and climate change mitigation. Meanwhile, Dekongmen’s work enhances understanding of hydrological discharge in flood-risk areas, offering insights vital for agricultural resilience.
Shaping the future, one Fellow at a time
IWMI’s broader vision extends beyond tools and data. It’s about cultivating a new generation of water experts who can lead transformative change. The program’s reach, initially focused on Ethiopia, Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Zambia, aims to expand across the continent.
Gebreyesus aptly summarizes the program’s impact: “Through DIWASA, we’re building not just solutions but leaders capable of shaping Africa’s water future.”
For Seifu, Dekongmen, and their peers, the journey doesn’t end with the fellowship. As members of the Water Accounting Network, they’re part of a growing movement that connects experts across Africa, fostering collaboration and shared learning.