I don't think economic growth and development have conflicting role, I believe that the economic growth and development of Nile basing countries will strengthen collaboration between countries and build confidence specially for the upstream countries.

Although the growth in the use of water as an input to agriculture and industry will have measurable effects on water quality if not appropriately planned and monitored, the lack of such development also poses other, different threats. Without economic growth and development, population growth in the area will aggravate existing problems of poverty and food insecurity resulting in watershed degradation, water pollution, and the loss of native forests, wetlands, wildlife habitat, and biodiversity. The rural poor will continue to have little choice but to cultivate the often unsuitable steep uplands and over exploitation of natural resources to meet food and energy needs. Thus, Nile basin countries must proceed by balancing resource development for human use against the needs of the ecosystem.