Strengthening collaborative governance and cooperation for transboundary water resources management in SADC through skills and capacity development.

Transboundary water resources management in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) faces numerous challenges due to competing water demands, climate variability, impact, lack of adaptive capacity and geopolitical dynamics. Effective governance and cooperation are essential for the sustainable management of shared water resources. This study examines how the Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management’s (SASSCAL) and Graduate Studies Programme in Integrated Water Resources Management (SGSP-IWRM) enhances collaborative governance and regional cooperation for transboundary water management in the SADC through targeted skills and capacity development. With financial support from Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the SGSP-IWRM Programme provides a strategic platform for strengthening the water sector’ human skills’ capacities and fostering collaboration among the five SASSCAL countries (Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia). The study identifies critical technical knowledge, skills, and competencies provided by the SGSP programme which has strengthened collaboration for managing transboundary waters within the SASSCAL member states. It further highlights the impact of customised short courses for capacity enhancement of water resources management professionals and policymakers. This was intended to contribute to bridging professional skill gaps. The study underscores the role of skills and capacity development in enhancing the effectiveness of regional cooperation, ensuring equitable water distribution, and advancing integrated water resources management in the region. Ultimately, it advocates for a comprehensive approach to capacity development that aligns with the strategic goals of the SADC Water Protocol, ensuring long-term sustainability and peace in shared water systems.