SADC Urged to Fast Track Energy Water Projects

Rutendo Mazhindu -ZimNow Reporter

Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states have been called to accelerate the implementation of regional energy and water projects amid rising climate challenges and power deficits.

Speaking during the Joint 43rd Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Energy and Water, held in Harare, Zimbabwe, SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, Ms. Angele Makombo N’Tumba, said the region risks falling behind on key targets if delays persist.

“It is critical that we fast-track outstanding decisions to meet our commitments and agreed timelines,” said N’Tumba.

“While we have made significant progress, challenges such as power shortages and water insecurity persist.”

She highlighted key milestones including the signing of the amended SADC Protocol on Energy by eight member states and the ratification of the SACREEE Intergovernmental Agreement by six countries.

The region also commissioned 2,885 megawatts (MW) of new power generation capacity since the last ministerial meeting in Angola in 2024.

The region faces a generation capacity shortfall of 792 MW, rising to 4,509 MW among countries interconnected through the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP).

“Four countries, namely Angola, Mozambique, South Africa, and Tanzania, have surplus power, but limited transmission infrastructure hampers distribution,” N’Tumba noted.

She said over 28,000 MW of new generation projects are expected to be commissioned between 2025 and 2027, but called for urgent action, especially as drought conditions worsen due to El Niño.

N’Tumba urged member states to expedite projects such as the Tanzania-Zambia Interconnector and the Malawi-Mozambique Interconnector, which are crucial to boosting regional power trade and grid stability.

She also reported declining electricity market activity, with competitive platform trading volumes dropping to seven percent in the 2024/25 financial year due to generation shortages and over-reliance on bilateral contracts.

“There is urgent need to operationalise the Regional Transmission Infrastructure Financing Facility (RTIFF) to unlock capital for critical projects,” she said.

N’Tumba said progress was being made through the SADC Water Fund and continental partnerships, including the recent commissioning of the Kazungula Water Supply project in June 2025.

“However, recurrent droughts and floods have exposed the vulnerability of our water infrastructure, reinforcing the need for enhanced resilience,” she added.

She said collective action is vital to transform SADC into an energy-secure, water-secure, and climate resilient region by 2050.