SADC eyes power and water gains

SADC Senior Officials responsible for energy and water met in Johannesburg from 14 to 15 July for the 44th Joint Meeting, held in a hybrid format.

Namibia is one of 16 member states in the regional bloc, which is reviewing documents ahead of a Joint Meeting of SADC Ministers Responsible for Energy and Water on 17 July.

Elizabeth Marabwa, Chief Director in South Africa's Department of Electricity and Energy, and Duduzile Mtembu, Chief Director in the Department of Water and Sanitation, co-chaired the meeting.

SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration Angéle Makombo N'Tumba said the region held vast energy potential across hydropower, coal, solar, wind and natural gas, but continued to face challenges in supply and access.

More than 70% of the region's freshwater resources crossed national borders, she said, making transboundary cooperation essential to industrial growth, food security and climate resilience.

On energy, senior officials are reviewing the state of demand and supply across the region, including major projects, and assessing progress on raising the share of renewable energy in the regional mix. They are also considering reform of energy sector regulation, regional progress on Mission 300, an initiative to expand electricity access, and developments in the petroleum and gas sector, including infrastructure and regulatory frameworks. Work towards a SADC Just Energy Transition Framework is also on the agenda.

On water, the meeting is reviewing regional and transboundary projects aimed at improving water and sanitation services, along with the SADC Groundwater Programme and plans for a third phase of the SADC Groundwater Management Institute. Officials are also assessing implementation of SADC Water Fund projects and climate-resilient infrastructure initiatives, including the Regional Climate Resilience Project and the SADC Hydrological Cycle Observation System. A proposal to extend the SADC Regional Strategic Action Plan V to 2030 is also under discussion.

Ministers are due to consider the outcomes of the officials' meeting on 17 July.