Study region: The Abbay River Basin, a representative Blue Nile basin in Ethiopia, Africa. Study focus: We conducted a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis on the basis of analyzing over 100 stream gauging stations collected over five decades. The study aims to understand the existing state of hydrometric monitoring system, and provide a new approach for strengthening hydrometric monitoring in data-scarce regions. The study uses a collaborative approach, involving statistical analysis, spatial data generation, participatory workshops and key informant interviews to inform the analysis. New hydrological insight for the region: Our research makes several significant contributions. First, we employed a collaborative methodology, involving participatory workshops and key informant interviews to inform the analysis. Second, we derived precise catchment boundaries and stream networks for over 100 monitoring stations, revealing errors in the existing hydrometric system. Third, we performed rigorous quality checks through statistical analysis, including outlier analysis and homogeneity tests on daily streamflow data from more than 100 stations, ensuring data reliability and integrity. Finally, this study presents a collaborative framework for enhancing hydrometric monitoring in data-scarce regions of Africa, with a focus on addressing financial and operational challenges.