Strengthening Water Security in Southern Africa: Collaboration between Incomati and Maputo Watercourse Commission and Southern African Development Community

In Southern Africa, an important collaboration is taking place between two influential institutions, the Incomati and Maputo Watercourse Commission (INMACOM) and the Southern African Development Community – Groundwater Management Institute (SADC-GMI), to promote equitable and responsible use of the Incomati and Maputo Basins’ water resources. Through a Memorandum of Understanding, both parties plan to conduct academic research, design and implement joint projects, and investigate funding opportunities to enhance regional water security and alleviate poverty. This partnership sets a solid foundation for effective interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing to tackle complex issues such as water management and create a lasting impact for the people and ecosystems of Southern Africa.

A Promising Partnership for Water Resource Management

In Southern Africa, an essential collaboration is underway between two influential institutions. The Incomati and Maputo Watercourse Commission (INMACOM) and the Southern African Development Community – Groundwater Management Institute (SADC – GMI) have joined forces through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with the goal of promoting equitable and responsible use of the Incomati and Maputo Basins’ water resources.

This landmark event occurred on 4th October 2023, during the 10th SADC River Basin Organisations (RBOs) and Shared Watercourse Institutions (SWIs) workshop at the Joachim Chissano Conference Centre in Maputo. The workshop aimed to encourage an exchange of ideas to improve transboundary water resources planning, development, and management across the region. The overall objective was to enhance regional water security and alleviate poverty by promoting regional integration, economic productivity, and industrialization.

The MoU highlights several primary areas of collaboration. Firstly, both parties are dedicated to conducting academic research on the Incomati and Maputo Basins, specifically focusing on groundwater-related matters. By sharing information that broadens the understanding of transboundary aquifers, they plan to design and implement joint excursions and projects within the two basins. Additionally, they will investigate funding opportunities from various cooperating partners and funders to carry out joint activities in the region.

INMACOM and SADC-GMI: Complementary Objectives

INMACOM’s creation stems from the Incomati and Maputo Watercourse Commission Establishment Agreement, signed in November 2021 by the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Republic of Mozambique, and the Republic of South Africa. This agreement acts as a guiding principle for the Riparian states to promote regional cooperation concerning the use and development of shared water resources.

The Commission’s primary responsibility is to foster cooperation among the parties to ensure the protection, development, and sustainable use of the water resources shared by the Member States. The collaboration between South Africa’s Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), Eswatini’s Department of Water Resources, and Mozambique’s Department of Water and Natural Resources is anticipated to contribute positively to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Southern African region.

SADC-GMI, in contrast, is a regional Centre of Excellence dedicated to promoting equitable and sustainable groundwater management and providing solutions to groundwater challenges throughout the SADC region. This mission aligns with the SADC’s agenda of regional integration and poverty eradication. The Institute’s mandate comprises creating an enabling policy, legal and regulatory environment, capacity development, advancing research, supporting groundwater infrastructure development, and facilitating dialogue and accessibility of groundwater information in the SADC region.

Harnessing the Power of Collaborative Efforts

The alliance between INMACOM and SADC-GMI is a significant stride toward addressing the crucial concerns of water security and sanitation in the Southern African region. While the MoU sets a solid foundation for cooperation, its influence will rely on effective implementation, ongoing collaboration, and the dedication of all parties involved.

The partnership between these two organizations highlights the value of interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing when tackling complex issues such as water management. Through research, joint projects, and the pursuit of funding opportunities, INMACOM and SADC-GMI aim to develop innovative strategies and solutions for the sustainable management of the Incomati and Maputo Basins’ water resources.

As the world confronts escalating challenges due to climate change, population growth, and increased demand for water resources, this collaboration serves as a shining example of how institutions can work together to address these pressing concerns. By leveraging diverse expertise and resources, the partnership between INMACOM and SADC-GMI holds the potential to create a lasting impact for the people and ecosystems of the Incomati and Maputo Basins and beyond.

In conclusion, the collaboration between INMACOM and SADC-GMI is an exemplary instance of regional cooperation that addresses critical water resource challenges. The MoU not only reinforces cooperation between the two organizations but also reflects a broader commitment to sustainable development and poverty reduction in the Southern African region. As the partnership unfolds, it holds the potential to facilitate significant advancements in water resource management and contribute to enduring positive change for the communities it serves.

1. What is the goal of the collaboration between INMACOM and SADC-GMI?

The collaboration between INMACOM and SADC-GMI aims to promote equitable and responsible use of the Incomati and Maputo Basins’ water resources, enhance regional water security, and alleviate poverty in the Southern African region by conducting academic research, designing and implementing joint projects, and investigating funding opportunities.

2. When did the collaboration between INMACOM and SADC-GMI begin?

The collaboration between INMACOM and SADC-GMI began on 4th October 2023 during the 10th SADC River Basin Organisations (RBOs) and Shared Watercourse Institutions (SWIs) workshop at the Joachim Chissano Conference Centre in Maputo.

3. What is the primary responsibility of INMACOM?

INMACOM’s primary responsibility is to foster cooperation among the parties to ensure the protection, development, and sustainable use of the water resources shared by the Member States, namely the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Republic of Mozambique, and the Republic of South Africa.

4. What is the primary responsibility of SADC-GMI?

SADC-GMI’s primary responsibility is to promote equitable and sustainable groundwater management throughout the SADC region by providing solutions to groundwater challenges, creating an enabling policy, legal and regulatory environment, capacity development, advancing research, supporting groundwater infrastructure development, and facilitating dialogue and accessibility of groundwater information.

5. What are the areas of collaboration outlined in the MoU between INMACOM and SADC-GMI?

The areas of collaboration outlined in the MoU between INMACOM and SADC-GMI include conducting academic research on the Incomati and Maputo Basins, designing and implementing joint projects, investigating funding opportunities, and sharing information on transboundary aquifers.

6. Who are the Riparian states involved in the Incomati and Maputo Watercourse Commission Establishment Agreement?

The Riparian states involved in the Incomati and Maputo Watercourse Commission Establishment Agreement are the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Republic of Mozambique, and the Republic of South Africa.

7. How does the collaboration between INMACOM and SADC-GMI contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Southern African region?

The collaboration between INMACOM and SADC-GMI contributes to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Southern African region by fostering cooperation among the parties to ensure the protection, development, and sustainable use of the water resources shared by the Member States, as outlined in the Incomati and Maputo Watercourse Commission Establishment Agreement.

8. What is the potential impact of the partnership between INMACOM and SADC-GMI?

The partnership between INMACOM and SADC-GMI holds the potential to create a lasting impact for the people and ecosystems of the Incomati and Maputo Basins and beyond by developing innovative strategies and solutions for the sustainable management of water resources, leveraging diverse expertise and resources, and addressing critical water resource challenges in the Southern African region.