According to an official notification from the ECOWAS Water Resources Management Centre (WRMC), dated September 14, 2026, the honorary award recognises Taal’s “exceptional contribution, leadership and sustained commitment” to the implementation and consolidation of the regional IWRM process in West Africa between 1998 and 2026.
The award places particular recognition on his contribution to efforts aimed at strengthening sustainable and coordinated governance of the region’s shared water resources.
The ECOWAS centre said contributions from individuals such as Taal had helped West Africa establish important foundations for the sustainable and concerted management of water resources across the region.
The official presentation of the award is scheduled to take place during a gala dinner on Thursday, September 24, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Abidjan.
The ceremony is expected to bring together ministers responsible for water from the ECOWAS, West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) and Permanent Interstates Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS) spaces, alongside technical and financial partners and key stakeholders in the water sector.
Taal’s recognition comes against the backdrop of growing regional efforts to promote integrated approaches to water-resource management, particularly as West African countries seek stronger cooperation in managing shared water resources.
The ECOWAS Water Resources Management Centre invited Taal to confirm his attendance or, in the event of a major impediment, designate an authorised representative to receive the trophy on his behalf.
The confirmation was requested by September 21, 2026, ahead of the ceremony.
The notification was signed by Kouakou Alexis Kouassi, Director of the ECOWAS Water Resources Management Centre, who extended warm congratulations to Taal on the distinction.
Taal is a veteran water-sector professional whose career has included leadership at AMCOW and involvement in major international water-sector initiatives, including the 9th World Water Forum.
The inaugural FREAO is expected to provide a regional platform for governments, institutions, development partners and water-sector stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities surrounding water management and cooperation in West Africa.
The award ceremony will form part of the forum’s activities, providing an opportunity to recognise individuals whose work has contributed to the development of water governance and IWRM in the region.
