The 7th SADC Groundwater Conference successfully concluded its insightful three-day program on Friday, November 21, 2025. Held under the overarching and timely theme, “Investing in Groundwater for Climate Action,” the conference served as a critical platform to explore the pivotal role of groundwater as a catalyst for mitigating the impacts of climate change and fostering a climate-resilient SADC Region.

Throughout the conference, a unanimous sentiment emerged from all speakers: groundwater, when managed effectively, has significant, often underestimated potential to mitigate the profound impacts of climate change across the SADC region. This understanding formed the bedrock of discussions structured around three crucial sub-themes: Groundwater and Mitigation of Climate Change; Adaptation Strategies for Groundwater Management; and Equity and Social Justice.

The opening session, graced by the Honourable Thembisile Simelane, acting Minister of Water and Sanitation (RSA), Ms. Mapolao Mokoena – Director, Infrastructure, SADC Secretariat, Ms. Patience Mukuyu – Lead Policy Analyst, WaterAid, Dr Muchaneta Munamati – National Programme Specialist at the UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa, and Eng. James Sauramba – SADC-GMI Executive Director set a strategic tone for the conference, underscoring several key messages vital to regional water security.

Ms. Patience Mukuyu, a distinguished Keynote Speaker at the conference, delivered a compelling address highlighting several critical challenges impeding sustainable groundwater management. She underscored key threats, including data limitations, inadequate water supply and sanitation services, and discernible gaps in policy frameworks and the enforcement of existing regulations. Ms. Mukuyu further elaborated that groundwater policies often receive less development and poorer enforcement than those governing surface water resources. This disparity, she noted, regrettably reinforces the perception that groundwater should remain an unregulated resource, thereby posing a significant challenge to its effective and sustainable governance. Her remarks emphasized the urgent need for a concerted effort to strengthen both policy development and enforcement mechanisms to safeguard this vital resource.

Beyond the opening statements, a consistent theme among speakers was the fundamental importance of groundwater for ensuring both water and food security. Another significant message that stood out from Eng. James Sauramba’s opening remark was “an ambition without financing is merely a hallucination,” underscoring the critical need for substantial investment in groundwater initiatives to translate strategic goals into tangible, impactful progress.

Discussions under this sub-theme focused on scientific and technological advancements to achieve climate-resilient groundwater management. Key insights included:

• Characterization of Groundwater Quality: This was identified as a paramount mitigation factor for climate change, enabling informed decision-making.
• Research-to-Policy Translation: The critical imperative for groundwater research to directly influence policy frameworks for sustainable groundwater management was highlighted.
• Technological Applications: The practical utility of geophysical tools for comprehensive groundwater aquifer characterization, data-driven approaches for robust climate resilience planning, and Earth observation methods for accurate recharge estimation were extensively showcased. The session collectively underscored how cutting-edge scientific and technological approaches are indispensable for navigating the complexities of climate change within groundwater systems.

This segment of the conference focused on proactive measures and innovative solutions for adapting to changing climatic conditions.

Core messages included:

• Bridging Research and Practice: The imperative to effectively transfer research findings into practical, on-the-ground applications was a recurring call.
• Emerging Threats: Significant attention was given to the threats posed by emerging contaminants and micro-pollutants in water, necessitating advanced monitoring and treatment strategies.
• Managed Aquifer Recharge: MAR was prominently featured as a key adaptive strategy, demonstrating its potential to enhance water availability and build resilience against water scarcity.

Addressing the human dimension of water resources, this sub-theme explored how climate solutions can be designed and implemented in fair, inclusive, and transformative ways. Key discussions pointed to:

• Legal and Institutional Independence: The necessity for clear legal and institutional separation from both policymakers and service provision was advocated to ensure unbiased governance.
• Capacity Building: An urgent call was made to capacitate officials working with water in local districts, empowering them with the knowledge and tools for effective management.
• Citizen Science: The encouragement and support of citizen science-based monitoring initiatives were emphasized, recognizing the value of local engagement and data collection in fostering sustainable practices and empowering communities.

The conference concluded with an inspiring address from Eng. James Sauramaba, who eloquently summarized the journey over the three days. He highlighted how the conference had thoroughly explored groundwater’s role in climate change mitigation and meticulously examined adaptation strategies such as Managed Aquifer Recharge and Conjunctive Water Management. Eng. Sauramaba emphasized that we must showcase “on-the-ground practical solutions that are building resilience in our region.” Crucially, he underscored the centrality of social justice in all discussions, reminding delegates that “our technical solutions must be inclusive, fair, and transformative.” Concluding on a powerful note, Sauramaba asserted that the special sessions had painted a clear picture: “We know we have the tools; the time for change is now.”

On behalf of the Conference Organizing Committee, Sauramba extended his profound gratitude to the Minister of Water and Sanitation of the Republic of South Africa, Ms. Pemmy Majodina. He acknowledged Minister Thembisile Simelane for graciously acting on behalf of Minister Majodina. Eng. Sauramba appreciated their support and presence.

The 7th SADC Groundwater Conference stands as a testament to the collective commitment towards securing a sustainable and equitable water future for the SADC region, armed with renewed knowledge, stronger partnerships, and a clear call to action.