Category: Africa

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, August 14, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, August 14, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, August 14, 2025

Source: Government of South Africa

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo says South Africa needs at least R1 trillion in water sector investment to address growing challenges linked to climate change and population growth. 

Speaking to SAnews on the sidelines of the African Union–Africa Water Investment Programme (AU-AIP) Water Summit 2025, currently underway at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, Mahlobo warned that the world is falling behind in meeting the water and sanitation targets set for 2030.

Mahlobo said the world is lagging – with at least 2.2 billion people globally not having access to safe drinking water, and more than 3.6 billion people not having access to decent sanitation.

“For us to achieve these numbers, we have to scale up our investment five time more in terms of investment around access to clean water, and six times more around access to decent sanitation. But equally we are having challenges of climate change [as] more than 2.4 billion people are living in water stressed countries, and Africa, especially South Africa, are the most in need,” Mahlobo said.

“In the world, the backlog is estimated at US$7 trillion. In our continent, we are looking at about a US$30 billion gap per annum, [and] in our own country, we are looking at R1 trillion that we need to be investing in water,” Mahlobo said.

Mahlobo noted that while public investment remains critical, national budgets alone cannot meet demand.

“The fiscus in most African countries is not adequate to meet the new demand that is driven by economic and population growth.”

He emphasised the importance of private sector participation and support from development finance institutions.

While the banking institutions, including African Bank, the Development Bank of Southern Africa, and theWorld Bank have already started some work, Mahlobo stressed the need to scale up. 

He said South Africa will by the end of the year, share with communities what government is doing in terms of public investment. He said the richest countries and Heads of State and Government, will also meet to discuss the issue of water and sanitation. 

Mahlobo underscored that investment in water is fundamental to national prosperity, noting that “when there are problems of no access to water, you will have problems of many wars that could be created.”

“If there is no decent sanitation in the 21st century, you will have water borne diseases, [and] many people are going to perish on issues that we should have attended to. We cannot afford not to invest in water and sanitation because it is the right thing to do,” Mahlobo told SAnews.

He added that advances in scientific, technological, and engineering provide the tools needed to address these challenges, but political will and financing must align.

The three-day summit which kicks off on Tuesday, saw the Heads of State and Government committing to create an enabling environment for enhancing investment in water and sanitation.

The commitments align with national development plans, Sustainable Development Goal 6, and climate resilience priorities. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

President of the Republic of Botswana, Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, has emphasised the need to adopt a risk management approach in water planning and management to ensure long-term water availability and for better economic growth.

Speaking on Botswana’s vulnerability to climate change, President Boko noted that the country is among four Southern African nations projected to become “highly water stressed by 2040” under a “business-as-usual” scenario.

He stressed that adaptation to climate change will require tailor-made interventions that are thoughtfully integrated into existing development processes and activities.

He said the Government of Botswana is making deliberate efforts to change the trajectory of its developments by embracing investment by private investors and allowing them to do what they know best.

President Boko made the remarks when he was addressing the African Union – Africa Water Investment Programme (AU-AIP) Water Summit 2025, currently underway at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

He underscored that improving efficiency in water supply and sanitation services delivery will require significant infrastructure investment, including conveyance pipelines, network rehabilitation and expansion of reticulation network, construction of sewer network and service delivery throughout the whole onsite sanitation service chain.

“All these are capital intensive. It is, therefore imperative to efficiently manage the available water sources to effectively influence attainment of the Sustainable Development Goal 6 Target, as enshrined in our national aspirations, Botswana Vision 2036 and Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP),” President Boko said.

President Boko said the BETP represents a new chapter for Botswana, which aims to ensure that innovation, enterprise, and local ambition fuel the country’s journey to a new future of prosperity.

According to the President, through this, the country will build a political and economic posture which will open a door to those who are ready to build with the government.

“It is a call to action; for thinkers, investors, entrepreneurs, and institutions with bold ideas that can spark real economic progress. The BETP will in a nutshell engage projects or ideas that unlock new engines of growth across the country; bring fresh thinking to old challenges; create jobs and expand opportunities for Botswana; position Botswana competitively in the region and globally and support inclusive and sustainable development, not just growth,” the President said.

Every drop counts

Due to the arid to semi-arid climatic conditions in most parts of the country with inadequate water supply sources and services, the President said Botswana is a water scarce country and knows the sting of scarcity.

He said water shortage has in recent years persisted as a result of growing demand, exacerbated by the effects of climate change.

“Climate variability and uncertainty brings about extreme events such as droughts and unpredictable rainfall patterns, challenging the conventional way of food production by our people and potable water supply which relies mostly on annual rainfall.

“Our groundwater resources have also been significantly impacted by climate change variables. The sparse population distribution of the country creates major engineering and financial challenges pertaining to water infrastructure development,” President Boko said.

Ensuring clean water for all 

President Boko reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the United Nation’s International Decade of Action on “Water for sustainable development.”

“Efforts have to be made towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 of ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030. It is, therefore, the responsibility of government to ensure that every designated settlement is provided with potable water, irrespective of proximity to the nearest water source. Water is a basic right, and without water there is no life.

“Many settlements in Botswana are located where there is either little or no water source. Thus, the need to reticulate, store and distribute clean water to the settlements,” President Boko said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa

His Majesty, King Mswati III of Eswatini, has called for an urgent need for collective action to address persistent water challenges affecting most  countries on the African continent.

King Mswati made the call at the African Union – Africa Water Investment Programme (AU-AIP) Water Summit 2025, currently underway at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

The King stressed that water is central to Eswatini’s national development goals, noting that it fuels the country’s agriculture sector, which accounts for more than 90% of national water use, drives industrial growth, safeguards public health, and strengthens defences against climate vulnerability.

However, like many African nations, he said Eswatini faces significant challenges from aging infrastructure, increasing water needs, and the impacts of climate change.

He said the country’s major rivers, shared with neighbouring South Africa and Mozambique, highlight that “water security transcends borders” and requires regional cooperation, integrated planning, and bold investment in sustainable infrastructure.

“This is why Eswatini wholeheartedly endorses the continental Africa water investment Programme (AIP). The AIP is not merely a framework – it is a transformation to mobilise the estimated US$30 billion needed annually to close Africa’ water investment gap.

“It aligns seamlessly with our national development plan, climate adaptation priorities, and the country’s commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 – ‘Ensuring access to water and sanitation for all by 20230.’ Moreover, it advances Agenda 2063: The Africa we want, envisioning a prosperous and united continent,” King Mswati said.

Major projects underway

The King highlighted national water projects, which are already in progress, and these include the Lubovane and Luphohlo Dams, which provide irrigation and clean water to the communities.

He said Eswatini is also engaging with financial institutions to construct the Mpakeni Dam, which is expected to be one of the largest in the country to support agriculture and water supply.

With support from the African Union, the Global Water Partnership Southern Africa, and the Green Climate Fund, the King said Eswatini is currently developing the Eswatini Water Investment Programme, which is scheduled for completion by 2035.

“This programme will serve as a blueprint for mobilising resources and implementing high-impact water projects. We are pleased to highlight two bankable initiatives: the Nondvo Multipurpose Dam and the Raising of the Hawane Dam, and the estimated funding required is about US$115 million.

“Alongside our national potable water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) Master Plan, and the preliminary investment required for it, is estimated to be at US$2 billion. The project is designed to enhance access to clean water, improve sanitation, strengthen climate resilience, and unlock economic opportunities across multiple sectors,” the King said.

Regional cooperation and achievements

King Mswati underscored the importance of collaboration with South Africa and Mozambique in managing shared water resources.

Joint projects include the Maguga and Driekoppies Dams with South Africa, which have significantly boosted agriculture, and a cross-border initiative with Mozambique to ensure equitable use of the Incomati and Maputo rivers.

Through the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Regional Fund, he said Eswatini has also commenced the Lomahasha–Namaacha Project, which will provide clean water to communities in both Eswatini and Mozambique.

“Eswatini has also been developing a number of dam water supply projects with the assistance of our development partners to improve water security. Some of these projects are at a bankable stage, having completed the technical feasibility studies,” the King highlighted.

Call to development partners

The King urged development partners, including financial institutions, private investors, and multilateral organisations to join Eswatini in advancing the water security ambitions.

He reaffirmed the country’s commitment to transparency and accountability, pledging support for the Africa Water Investment Scorecard to enhance performance tracking and ensure “our collective efforts deliver measurable results.” –

President Cyril Ramaphosa held a bilateral meeting with King Mswati on the sidelines of the 2025 AU-AIP Water Investment Summit, where the two leaders affirmed their commitment to strong bonds between the two countries, including growing political and trade ties. –SAnews.gov.za