Ministers Convene to Discuss Energy and Water Priorities in SADC
The Joint Meeting of the Committee of Ministers responsible for the Energy and Water sectors commenced on May 27, 2024.
Presided over by Minister João Baptista Borges, the meeting focuses on addressing key issues and preparing critical proposals for review and approval by the Committees overseeing Energy and Water within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Focus Areas in the Energy Sector
Key discussions in the Energy Sector include:
- Progress Evaluation: Reviewing achievements since the previous ministerial meeting.
- Energy Security: Addressing challenges in ensuring a stable energy supply.
- Sustainable Development: Advancing priority areas for regional energy development under SADC’s framework.
- Infrastructure Financing: Proposing a Regional Transport Infrastructure Financing Mechanism (RTIFF).
Other significant topics include:
- Updates on signing the amended 1996 SADC Protocol on Energy.
- Strengthening regulatory frameworks by bolstering national energy regulators and transitioning the RERA (Regional Electricity Regulators Association) into a Regional Regulatory Authority.
- Promoting renewable and cleaner energy sources.
- Progress on operationalizing SACREEE (SADC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency) as a legal entity, including the signing and ratification of SACREEE IGMOA.
- Transitioning to cleaner fuels, such as low-sulfur diesel, and exploring concepts for a Just Energy Transition within the region.
Focus Areas in the Water Sector
Ministers responsible for water management will assess:
- Regional Initiatives: Advancements in improving water and sanitation services in SADC member states.
- Transboundary Projects: Updates on water projects led by regional basin organizations.
- Infrastructure Development: Progress in financing and developing cross-border water infrastructure.
Additional agenda items include:
- Implementation of the second phase of the regional groundwater program, supported by the SADC Water Fund and partners.
- Integration of water, energy, and food projects across member states.
- Updates on revising regional water policies and developing a resource mobilization strategy for the water sector.
About SADC
The Southern African Development Community (SADC), established in 1980 as the Southern Africa Development Coordination Conference, was transformed into its current form in August 1992. It comprises 16 member states committed to fostering sustainable development and regional cooperation.
Looking Ahead
The meeting of Ministers will follow the groundwork laid by sector experts who convened from May 27 to 31, 2024, to provide technical insights and recommendations.
Information Technology, Institutional Communication, and Press Office
Ministry of Energy and Water, Luanda
May 28, 2024 João Baptista Borges João Baptista Borges
