Southern African energy and water ministers will gather in Harare next month for a pivotal meeting aimed at addressing the region’s most pressing resource challenges.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) announced the joint ministerial session scheduled for July 4, which will assess progress on key infrastructure projects and policy initiatives across both sectors.
The high-level discussions come at a crucial time as the region works to balance growing energy demands with sustainable development goals.
Ministers will examine current energy supply and demand patterns while evaluating major regional projects designed to enhance energy security.
The integration of renewable energy sources into the regional grid will feature prominently in talks, alongside preparations for implementing the ambitious Dar es Salaam Declaration on Mission 300, which aims to provide electricity access to 300 million Sub-Saharan Africans by 2030.
Water security will share equal priority during the meetings, with officials reviewing critical transboundary water projects and the delivery of water and sanitation services across member states.
The discussions will include updates on climate resilience initiatives such as the World Bank-supported Regional Climate Resilience Project and the SADC Hydrological Cycle Observation System.
Policy reviews, including an assessment of the SADC Water Policy, will help shape the region’s approach to managing its precious water resources.
The ministerial meeting will be preceded by technical discussions among senior officials from June 30 to July 2.
The event will also coincide with celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of the Southern African Power Pool, a landmark regional energy cooperation initiative established in 1995.
The Zimbabwean government will host special commemorations on July 3 to honour this milestone in regional energy integration.
This gathering underscores SADC’s ongoing commitment to fostering regional cooperation, sustainable development, and improved access to essential services for its 340 million citizens.
Share Your Comments