On the 10th to the 11th of November 2010, The NBD Chairperson, Dr. Emad Adly and the NBD Regional Manager, Ms. Abby Onencan, attended the NBI 5th Nile “ TAC and Development Partners’ Strategic Dialogue at the Commonwealth Resort, Munyonyo, Kampala.
The meeting was called to review and assess NBI’s progress, its institutional sustainability and to identify key issues for the forthcoming NBI mid-term review of the Institutional Strengthening Project (ISP).

Among the key messages of the meeting were:
Under Nile Basin Cooperation, it was mentioned that Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and the NBI development approach have large regional benefits which promote cooperation within and beyond water issues. There is now a need for quantification of benefits arising beyond the projects and demonstration of extra benefits which arise from cooperation in contrast to unilateral approaches. It was noted that the political concerns over CFA are beginning to affect NBI activities, especially at the SAP’s level.

On achievements and challenges, it came out clearly that the proposed NBI annual Corporate Report was favorably received amidst the challenge of:
1- Improving its alignment to national policies and plans;
2- Intensifying actions at country level to show value added and to increase delivery pace;
3- To urgently enhance its role and visibility as the Regional Knowledge Base; and
4- Enhancing capacity of focal points.

On Basin Development, it emerged that NBI is providing preparatory support in leveraging large investment requirements and has already demonstrated ability to mobilize financing for multi-country projects. It was reported that NBI SAPs are leveraging $1 of preparation into $10 of investment and that more sophistication is now needed for large projects where blends of public, private and loan financing are needed. NBI will provide a platform through SAPs for dialogue and negotiation to promote stakeholder involvement in preparation of bankable projects.

On NBI´s Institutional Strengthening, the Institutional Strengthening project (ISP) is the backbone of any future institutional arrangement with NBI and NBI partners need to prepare for the MTR of the ISP in order to review and re-prioritize options.

On Strategic Directions, NBI will focus on improved sustainability and on core functions together with clear roles, especially for NILE-SEC. A new coalition of partner support with focus on high value, on the ground investments oriented towards poverty alleviation, strong fiduciary capacity and cohesive, effective communications and management across all of NBI, its member countries and partners.}

On Strategic Dialogue, it emerged that the need for cooperation on the Nile is as strong as ever. NBI is now on the phase of getting real, impressive, on the ground outcomes for example: The Regional Power Trade Progress and the SAPs numerous investments.

The priorities that arose from the dialogue were: (1) the urgent need for NBI to prepare for the post – NBTF phase (2) to maintain operations and priority outcomes as dialogue on cooperation continues (3) using ISP and IDS to focus on getting the continued transitional arrangements right (4) concentrating on building management skills and processes at all levels and (5) concentrating on building rapid, effective communications to all with better dialogue between key actors.