The governments of Malawi, Tanzania, and Mozambique signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the joint management and development of the Ruvuma/Rovuma River Basin, a transboundary river basin traversing across the three SADC member states. Ministers of Water from the three member states; Hon. Abida Mia from Malawi, Hon. Carlos Alberto Fortes Mesquita from Mozambique, and Hon. Jumas Hamidu Aweso from Tanzania, signed the MoU on behalf of their countries.

The governments of Angola and Namibia have officially endorsed and kickstarted the implementation of a joint transboundary water project titled "Enhanced Water Security and Community Resilience in the Adjacent Cuvelai and Kunene Transboundary River Basins." This initiative aims to address the pressing challenges of water scarcity, floods, and droughts in the Cuvelai and Kunene River Basins.

Moçambique e o Zimbabué estão a enfrentar corajosamente a escalada dos desafios sociais, económicos e ambientais nas bacias hidrográficas do Buzi, Pungwe e Save. Em 2023, os dois governos lançaram a Comissão dos Cursos de Água do Buzi, Pungwe e Save (BUPUSACOM) ao abrigo de acordos de cooperação alinhados com o Protocolo Revisto da SADC sobre o Curso de Águas Partilhadas de 2000, para liderar uma resposta unida aos desafios que foram intensificados pelas alterações climáticas e pela má gestão dos recursos.

The Pungwe River basin, shared by Zimbabwe and Mozambique, is rich in plant and animal diversity. However, the ecosystem is now under threat from human activities. In 2023, Global Water Partnership Southern Africa (GWPSA) commissioned an Environmental Flow (EFlows) assessment to understand how the Pungwe River Basin and its ecosystems work, the findings of which will help in managing the river and protecting its natural environment.

Last week, GWP – the only intergovernmental organisation solely focused on water – participated in a wide range of high-level and influential dialogues at the 10th World Water Forum, the world’s largest multi-stakeholder water conference, held once every three years.

The Pungwe River Basin originates in the eastern highlands of Zimbabwe and flows through Mozambique into the Indian Ocean. About 5 % of the basin area is in Zimbabwe, with the remainder in Mozambique. However, about 28% of basin flows are generated on the Zimbabwean side. The basin is rich in plant and animal diversity, which is constantly under threat from anthropogenic activities.

With technical support from the Global Water Partnership Southern Africa (GWPSA), the governments of Mozambique and Zimbabwe have developed a Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) for the Buzi, Pungwe, and Save (BUPUSA) River Basins. Upon finalization, the TDA is expected to inform the priorities for unlocking investments for reduction in environmental degradation, reduction in poverty, improved water quality, green and grey infrastructure development, flood control, and improved water governance of the BUPUSA Basins.

Water is not only essential for Africa's socio-economic development but also plays a crucial role in sustaining natural ecosystems. However, the continent faces significant challenges in ensuring water security, exacerbated by the impacts of climate change. Gender equality and inclusion are recognized as vital for addressing these challenges and building climate resilience.