The ministers warned that worsening electricity shortages and deteriorating water resources could derail the region’s development and stability.

The call was made on Friday at the conclusion of the Joint Meeting of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Committee of Ministers Responsible for Energy and Water, following a week of deliberations by senior officials from across SADC.

Discussions focused on electricity shortfalls and prolonged water scarcity, both of which have been compounded by rapid population growth, increased industrial demand, and intensifying climate change impacts, including frequent and severe droughts.

“The region is facing a serious threat from ongoing droughts and water insecurity, coupled with insufficient and ageing energy infrastructure,” said a joint communiqué issued after the meeting. “A co-ordinated regional approach is essential to ensure energy security, improve water management, and protect livelihoods.”

The ministers emphasised the urgent need to invest in renewable energy and modernise electricity transmission systems to reduce dependency on outdated fossil fuel-based power plants. They also called for improved cross-border co-operation in water resource management, noting that many river basins in Southern Africa are shared among multiple countries.

SADC is currently implementing regional frameworks such as the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan and the Regional Infrastructure Development Master Plan, but ministers stressed that greater political will, technical capacity, and financing are needed to meet rising demand and build resilience against climate shocks.

--John Cassim/ChannelAfrica--