Story by John Nhandara
HARARE – THE Southern African Development Community (SADC) has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling energy and water insecurities in the region through transboundary infrastructure projects that include the Congo River Water Transfer and the Grand Inga Hydropower Project.
A high-level ministerial dialogue held this week placed the spotlight on these two transformative initiatives, regarded as central to regional energy integration and water security amid growing climate-related challenges.
“What we need is action. Africa is rich with natural resources, and we can trade power within Africa. With regional integration, we should reach the goals we want. SADC can trade its power through the North African power pool and the West African power pool to earn much-needed foreign currency. We need a roadmap, including legislative and non-legislative reforms,” Malawi’s Minister of Energy, Honourable Ibrahim Matola said.
The Congo River Water Transfer and Grand Inga projects are seen as critical in enhancing hydroelectric output at stations such as Kariba South, Kariba North, and Cahora Bassa, by securing water inflows and expanding generation capacity across the region.
“We support Inga in its formation. The next major challenge is going to be water. Let us find out how we can use the resources. On clean cooking, Tanzania is well ahead, and we must learn from what they are doing,” the Minister of Energy and Power Development, Honourable July Moyo said.
“The Congo water transfer hydropower project is clearly important in addressing water challenges. There is consensus that it is now time to move into action. We need these projects. There is also a need for the operationalisation of the SADC Regional Development Fund to leverage support from other partners,” SADC Director of Infrastructure, Mr Mapola Mokoena added.
Africa is home to 63 transboundary river basins, yet water distribution remains uneven, heightening the urgency of integrated development strategies.
The ministerial dialogue marks a renewed push by SADC to harness its abundant water and energy resources not only to power the region but to export clean energy to wider continental power pools, boosting forex and resilience.
With clear political will and technical cooperation, the Grand Inga and Congo Water Transfer Projects may soon shift from concept to construction, redefining Africa’s path toward sustainable development.
