This conference aims to bring together all of the African River and Lake Basin organizations to discuss alternatives on how best they can relate with each other and build synergy among their institutions. Some of these organizations have accumulated practical scientific knowledge and expertise regarding transboundary water management in Africa; they offer an ideal platform for practical know-how exchange and can serve as competence centres. Through effective networking among these organizations and through partnerships and collaboration with related international organizations, relevant issues can be discussed, know-how ‘exchanged and ‘good practices’ developed and put to good use widely.