Staff Reporter
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has renewed its commitment to tackling regional energy and water insecurities by advancing two major transboundary infrastructure projects, the Grand Inga Hydropower Project and the Congo River Water Transfer Initiative.
This comes after a high-level ministerial dialogue, held earlier this week, which highlighted the strategic importance of both initiatives, amid mounting climate pressures and rising demand for clean, reliable energy and water.
“These projects are not just desirable, they are necessary. Africa is rich in resources, and with regional integration, we can achieve energy self-sufficiency and even trade power with North and West Africa. What we need is action, a roadmap, and the necessary reforms to unlock our potential,” said Malawi’s Minister of Energy, Ibrahim Matola.
The Grand Inga Dam, located on the Congo River, is touted as one of the most ambitious hydropower projects globally, with the capacity to transform Africa’s energy landscape. Complementing it, the Congo River Water Transfer aims to enhance water flows to existing hydro stations, such as Kariba South (Zimbabwe), Kariba North (Zambia), and Cahora Bassa (Mozambique), securing regional water and energy supply.
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Energy and Power Development, July Moyo, stressed the urgency of moving from planning to implementation.
“The next major challenge is going to be water. We support Inga in its formation, but we must now explore how to best utilise these shared resources for regional benefit,” he said.
SADC Director of Infrastructure, Mapola Mokoena, echoed this sentiment, noting, “There is consensus, we must move into action. The Congo Water Transfer Hydropower Project is essential in addressing both energy and water challenges. Operationalising the SADC Regional Development Fund is crucial to attracting broader investment.”
The region is home to 63 transboundary river basins, yet water scarcity continues to affect millions. With political will and technical collaboration, experts say these mega-projects could mark a turning point for sustainable development and economic integration.
SADC’s renewed infrastructure push could see Southern Africa not only securing its own energy future, but also emerging as a net exporter of clean power, generating critical foreign currency and climate resilience in the process.
