Lesotho leads regional water conversations

Lesotho is hosting the 11^th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Multi-Stakeholder Water Dialogue, a two-day event aimed at reinforcing regional commitment and stimulating action on water security.

The dialogue, which began today, is set for concluding tomorrow. Held under the theme “Water Security, Innovation and Nexus Action: Watering and Enabling Regional Economic Development Corridors for Transformation in SADC,” the event builds on the outcomes of the 44^th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, which called for sustained economic growth and development across the region.

The SADC region is home to significant river basins such as the Okavango, which spans Angola, Botswana and Namibia, and the Orange–Senqu, which traverses Lesotho, South Africa, Botswana and Namibia. These shared water resources highlight the importance of collaborative regional approaches to water management.

Mohlomi Moleko, the Minister of Natural Resources, told participants that water is indispensable to every link in the region’s value chain, from agriculture and energy to trade and industrial processing. He stressed that without water, inclusive growth, food and energy security, and sustainable industrial transformation cannot be achieved.

“Therefore application of adaptive and inclusive Water Energy Food Ecosystems WEFE Nexus approaches is key,” he said.

The dialogue has attracted a wide range of participants, including water experts, development partners, representatives of multilateral institutions, civil society actors, civil servants, and lawmakers from across the region.

Representing the SADC Secretariat Director of Infrastructure, Senior Programme Officer for Water Dr Patrice Kabeya explained that the outcomes of the dialogue are expected to inform the regional water programme in support of a new initiative on smart regional economic corridors.

This initiative was recently endorsed by the SADC Council of Ministers in August. He noted that it has been adopted within the SADC Vision 2050, the Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap 2015–2063, and the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030.

“The 11th Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue particularly seeks to explore how the water sector, functioning within the ambit of the Water, Energy, Food and Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus framework, can contribute effectively to support the delivery of the new regional initiative of smart regional economic corridors,” he said.

SADC recognises water as a key enabler of regional stability and shared growth, describing it as the lifeblood of communities, economies and ecosystems.

European Union Lesotho’s Head of Cooperation, Anna Renieri, emphasised that the restoration and protection of headwaters play a crucial role in climate adaptation and in supporting economic development corridors, which depend on secure and sustainable water resources. She stressed that sustainable water security in the region can only be achieved through coordinated action at all levels.

Andrew Takawira from the Global Water Partnership described water as an “entry point” for development.

 “Water is what makes energy generation possible. Water sustains agriculture and agro processing. Water supports industrial hubs, mining and manufacturing. Water secures ecosystems that underpin livelihoods.

“Without reliable and resilient water systems, our corridors cannot perform their role as engines of transformation.” Takawira said.

Thoboloko Ntšonyane

Thoboloko Ntšonyane is a dedicated journalist who has contributed to various publications. He focuses on parliament, climate change, human rights, sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), health, business and court reports. His work inspires change, triggers dialogue and also promote transparency in a society.