The schedule presents the main Water Week 2026 activities and clearly identifies parallel tracks. OMAC activities and the challenges take place in parallel rooms or off-site, with dedicated pages for full details.
BloChallenge at UniPod Benin
Welcome, challenge framing, Design Thinking workshop, presentation of water challenges in Benin, official launch and first prototyping session at UniPod Benin.
Opening & Keynotes
Digital Innovation and AI: New Drivers for Sustainable Water and Agriculture Management
Addresses by dignitaries · Cultural performance · Awareness sketch
After joining the opening ceremony, challenge teams continue prototyping and prepare the first version of their project sheet in a parallel room.
K1 Digital technology and innovation in education · K2 AI and data valorisation for water and the environment · K3 Digital innovation and precision agriculture in Africa
Thematic Areas 1 & 2
Scientific sessions, panels and side event
BloChallenge & PriMI teams continue prototyping, coaching and solution maturation at the Palais des Congrès.
Four OMAC panels take place in a parallel room. See the Side Event page for the detailed talks, moderators, discussions and official programme.
AI vs. Classical Approaches to Natural Phenomena Prediction
Responsibility, ethics and sustainable use of AI in African educational systems
Water diplomacy, transboundary governance and capacity building
WDPP-funded projects in the sub-region · Alumni experience-sharing
Innovation, Science & Closing
Departure from Cotonou to Bopa at 07:00 (by road via RNIE1), followed by the Bopa – Grand-Popo itinerary by fluvio-lagoon route.
Final prototyping day, project pitches, jury deliberation, award ceremony and closing remarks for the challenges.
Public presentations by 10 selected innovations
Thematic Areas 3 & 4
Closed session
Cultural performance · Recommendations · Closing address · Prize-giving
Concept notes, templates and useful documents to prepare your participation.
English version of the official concept note.
Download →Official template for preparing the scientific abstract.
Download →Template for presenting innovations applying for PriMI.
Download →Template for stand applicants.
Download →English version of the hotels summary table.
Download →Official concept note for BloChallenge 2026.
Download →The programme will now take place on the University of Abomey-Calavi campus.
For the official opening, go directly to Amphi Idriss Déby Itno. The following activities continue at the National Institute of Water (INE).