By 
Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Collins Nzovu, has called for strengthened regional cooperation in the management of shared water resources, describing water as a strategic asset essential for livelihoods, peace, integration, and sustainable development.
Speaking during the Council of Ministers meeting of the Zambezi Watercourse Commission (ZAMCOM) in Dar es Salaam on Friday, Nzovu urged member states to deepen collaboration across the Zambezi Basin.
The high-level gathering brought together ministers, technical experts, and cooperating partners from across the region.
Nzovu paid tribute to outgoing chair Jumaa Hamidu Aweso of the Tanzania, praising his leadership during the past tenure.
He noted that Zambia had now assumed the Chairmanship of the Council of Ministers for the 2026–2027 term, marking an important transition within ZAMCOM.
He reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to advancing the Commission’s mandate during its leadership period.
Nzovu further announced that Zambia will co-chair the “Water for Cooperation” dialogue at the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, alongside Finland. The event will take place in Abu Dhabi.
He explained that the dialogue would focus on three pillars: Transboundary water cooperation, scientific collaboration, and inclusive governance.
The Minister emphasized that these themes were vital for addressing shared challenges in river basins such as the Zambezi Basin, stressing that cooperation among riparian states is “essential, not optional.”
He added that joint action enabled countries to mobilize resources for climate resilience and strengthen institutions responsible for managing shared water systems.
Read More: Zambia pushes water security as economic growth driver
Nzovu acknowledged progress by countries including Zambia, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana in acceding to the 1992 UN Water Convention, while noting that Tanzania and Malawi are in the process of joining.
He encouraged all Zambezi Basin states to become parties to the Convention ahead of the 2026 conference, saying it complemented existing agreements and strengthened cooperation without overriding national or regional mechanisms.
Nzovu outlined key basin priorities including equitable water use, climate adaptation, environmental sustainability, and inclusive governance.
“Use ZAMCOM as a platform to amplify regional voices on global water issues,” he urged.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), along with technical partners and institutions supporting water management initiatives across the basin.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments