Joint Meeting of Ministers for the Energy and Water Sectors Held on May 27
The Joint Meeting of the Ministers responsible for the Energy and Water Sectors convened on May 27, 2024.
Chaired by Minister João Baptista Borges, the session emphasized the importance of tackling crucial issues and preparing vital topics for consideration and approval by the relevant Committees for Energy and Water.
In the Energy Sector, the ministers will evaluate progress since the last meeting, focus on ensuring energy security, and review advancements in SADC’s priority areas for sustainable regional energy sector growth. They will also consider a proposal to create a Regional Transport Infrastructure Financing Mechanism (RTIFF).
The discussions will cover updates on revising the SADC Protocol on Energy (1996), regional energy regulatory initiatives, and strengthening national energy regulators and the Regional Electricity Regulators Association (RERA) to support the establishment of a Regional Regulatory Authority. Further topics include the promotion of renewable energy sources, legal recognition of SACREEE (SADC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency), progress on SACREEE IGMOA, and the region’s shift toward cleaner fuels like low-sulfur diesel. A proposal for a Just Energy Transition for the SADC region will also be addressed.
In the Water Sector, the ministers will assess regional initiatives aimed at improving water and sanitation services across SADC member states and review ongoing transboundary water projects managed by basin organizations. They will also examine the financing and development of regional water infrastructure, including cross-border water systems.
The second phase of the regional groundwater program, supported by the SADC Water Fund and other partners, will be reviewed, as well as the implementation of the integrated water-energy-food project in member states.
Additionally, updates will be provided on the revision of regional water policies and strategies for mobilizing resources for the water sector.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC), founded in 1980 with sixteen (16) member states, was originally known as the Southern Africa Development Coordination Conference and was renamed the Southern African Development Community in August 1992.
The Joint Meeting of Ministers for Energy and Water will be preceded by a meeting of sector experts, taking place from May 27 to 31, 2024.
Information Technology, Institutional Communication, and Press Office of the Ministry of Energy and Water, Luanda, May 28, 2024 João Baptista Borges João Baptista Borges
