SADC Backs US$2.18 Million Lesotho–Botswana Water Project
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Project Preparation and Development Facility (PPDF) has approved US$2.18 million in funding to advance the Lesotho–Botswana Water Transfer Project, a pioneering regional initiative aimed at addressing water scarcity and bolstering resilience across Southern Africa.
The funding will support two critical preparatory activities: a full Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the proposed dam and water conveyance infrastructure, and a comprehensive feasibility study covering financial, legal, and institutional frameworks to ensure the project’s long-term sustainability.
Stretching over 700 kilometres, the project will transfer water from Lesotho’s highlands through South Africa to meet Botswana’s growing demand. In addition to providing a reliable water supply for Botswana, the initiative is expected to deliver significant regional benefits, including economic growth, improved climate resilience, and strengthened energy and food security for Lesotho, South Africa, and the wider SADC region.
The PPDF operates under the SADC–German cooperation framework, funded by the German government and jointly implemented by KfW and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA). This partnership highlights the critical role of international collaboration in advancing sustainable infrastructure and promoting regional integration.
By financing these preparatory studies, SADC is laying the foundation for a transformative project that will secure vital water, energy, and food systems for generations to come, marking a milestone in regional cooperation and sustainable resource management.
