SADC Energy and Water Ministers to Convene in Harare for Critical Regional Meeting

Ministers responsible for Energy and Water from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) will gather in Harare on July 4, 2025, for a high-level Joint Ministerial Meeting aimed at reviewing progress, addressing challenges, and deepening cooperation on energy security and water resource management across the region.

The SADC Secretariat confirmed that the ministerial session will be preceded by a meeting of senior officials, scheduled for June 30 to July 2, 2025. These preliminary discussions are expected to shape the technical groundwork for ministerial deliberations.

According to the Secretariat, the upcoming meeting offers a vital opportunity to assess progress on regional integration goals, fast-track priority projects, and advance the shared vision of sustainable development and improved livelihoods in Southern Africa.

Key discussions in the energy sector will include the region’s current and projected energy supply-demand balance, as well as updates on major cross-border infrastructure projects. Ministers will also focus on the integration of renewable energy technologies and strategies to increase energy access and sustainability.

A major topic on the agenda will be SADC’s readiness to support the Dar es Salaam Declaration on Mission 300, a bold initiative that aims to connect 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa to electricity by the year 2030. The meeting will also address regulation of petroleum and gas markets, the role of green hydrogen in the region’s energy mix, and progress in implementing the Just Energy Transition Framework.

Water resource management will feature prominently as well. Ministers will evaluate ongoing transboundary water projects coordinated through River Basin Organisations, the provision of water and sanitation services, and the development of climate-resilient infrastructure across member states.

Particular attention will be given to updates on the SADC Hydrological Cycle Observation System (SADC-HYCOS), which supports water data collection and management across the region. Ministers will also be briefed on the Regional Climate Resilience Project, a key initiative funded by the World Bank to strengthen water security and climate adaptation efforts.

Adding historical significance to the gathering, the meeting will coincide with the 30th Anniversary of the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), which will be celebrated on July 3, 2025, in Harare. Established in 1995, SAPP plays a critical role in facilitating electricity trading and cooperation among Southern African utilities, promoting regional power integration and reliability.

As Southern Africa grapples with growing climate pressures and increasing demand for reliable energy and water services, the outcomes of this Joint Ministerial Meeting are expected to shape future policies and projects that are vital for sustainable development, economic growth, and climate resilience in the region.

The convening of energy and water ministers underscores the shared responsibility and unified commitment of SADC member states to build infrastructure, expand access, and ensure environmental sustainability through regional collaboration.