SADC Ministers Conclude Joint Committee Meeting on Energy and Water in Luanda

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) recently wrapped up its Joint Committee meeting on Energy and Water in Luanda, Republic of Angola, on May 30th, 2024.

Hosted by Angola, the meeting brought together key stakeholders to review progress on regional programs and projects in the energy and water sectors.

Chaired by Honourable Diamantino Pedro Azevedo, Minister of Mineral Resources, Oil, and Gas of Angola, the meeting addressed critical issues facing the region, particularly challenges posed by El Niño-induced droughts and floods.

Minister Azevedo emphasized the importance of adapting and mitigating these challenges, proposing measures such as enhancing water management strategies and diversifying the energy sector to reduce dependence on hydropower.

Representing the SADC Executive Secretary, Ms. Angéle Makombo N`Tumba, SADC Deputy Executive Secretary responsible for Regional Integration, lauded stakeholders for their efforts in implementing previous ministerial decisions and ensuring effective coordination of programs and interventions in both sectors.

During the meeting, ministers evaluated the status of key initiatives adopted during the SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government in August 2023, focusing on energy power generation, transmission projects, and renewable energy programs.

They also addressed concerns regarding vandalism of energy infrastructure and reiterated support for gas-related projects.

In the water sector, ministers assessed efforts to increase access to clean water and sanitation, highlighting progress on regional flagship water supply projects and engagements with the World Bank to promote energy trading through the Regional Energy Transmission, Trade, and Decarbonisation (RETRADE) initiatives.

Preceding the ministerial meeting, senior officials responsible for energy and water met from May 27th to 29th, 2022, to discuss and clear documents, resulting in the approval of 38 decisions by the Joint Committee meeting of Ministers.