The Southern African Development Community (SADC), in partnership with the Government of Lesotho and supported by the German Development Agency (GIZ), is set to convene the 11th SADC Multi-Stakeholder Water Dialogue in Maseru from September 29 to 30, 2025. This biennial gathering serves as a vital platform for regional cooperation, bringing together policymakers, water experts, and representatives from key sectors such as agriculture, energy, environment, tourism, and finance. The dialogue aims to explore how water can be leveraged as a strategic resource to drive regional integration, industrialisation, and poverty reduction across Southern Africa.
Held under the theme “Water Security, Innovation, and Nexus Action: Watering and Enabling Regional Economic Development Corridors for Transformation in SADC,” the event builds on commitments made during the 44th SADC Summit. That summit emphasized the importance of agricultural transformation and a just energy transition, setting the stage for this year’s dialogue to delve deeper into actionable strategies that align water management with broader development goals. Lesotho’s Minister of Natural Resources, Honourable Mohlomi Moleko, is expected to deliver the keynote address, underscoring the country’s leadership in regional water governance.
Central to the discussions will be the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus approach, which promotes integrated planning and sustainable resource use across interconnected sectors. Participants will examine climate-resilient development corridors, innovative financing tools, and governance models that can support inclusive growth and environmental sustainability. The dialogue also aims to highlight technological innovations that enhance water security and efficiency, particularly in the face of climate change and increasing demand.
By convening a diverse array of stakeholders, the 11th SADC Water Dialogue seeks to foster collaboration, share best practices, and generate policy recommendations that position water as a cornerstone of regional development. The outcomes of this forum are expected to inform future strategies and investments, reinforcing SADC’s commitment to sustainable development and regional solidarity. As Lesotho hosts this critical event, it reaffirms its role as a key player in shaping the future of water governance in Southern Africa.