SADC-GMI Continues to make a difference in sustainable Groundwater management in the SADC region through the implementation of Phase 2 of the Sustainable Groundwater Management in SADC Member States Project

To support its mandate to promote sustainable groundwater management and provide solutions to groundwater challenges across the SADC region to improve livelihoods, SADC-GMI is implementing phase 2 of the Sustainable Groundwater Management in the SADC Member States Project.

The project commenced in November 2021 and is closely aligned with the SADC Regional Strategic Action Plans (RSAPs) on Integrated Water Resources Development and Management, Phases IV (2016-2020) and V (2021-2025). The project builds on the achievements of the Sustainable Groundwater Management in SADC Member States Project that was implemented from 2015 to 2021. The project addresses the findings of the regional Policy, Legal, and Institutional Gap Analysis conducted by SADC-GMI in 2019, which revealed gaps that exist in Capacity development, Knowledge management, and the use of groundwater to build resilient livelihoods across the region. The second Phase project addresses the identified gaps through three main components:

• Capacity Building for Sustainable Groundwater Management,
• Knowledge Development, Dissemination and Advocacy, and
• Building Resilient Livelihoods and Inclusive Groundwater Management.

The 4-year project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Cooperation in International Water in Africa (CIWA) through the World Bank Group.

Progress towards implementation:

Since its launch in November 2021, this project has made significant, steady progress. A variety of strategic initiatives are currently advancing through different phases of execution, all well-positioned for successful completion before the conclusion of the project contract in June 2027. This dedicated effort highlights our dedication to achieving meaningful outcomes and fulfilling our shared vision.

Achievements to Date:

Under Component three of the project, 24 sub-grant (pilot) projects are being implemented in the following countries: Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mauritius, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. These pilot projects are at various stages of implementation; some have been completed. Additionally, other projects have been implemented under this project, including Determining the Dependency and Vulnerability of Groundwater in Megacities (Kinshasa, Johannesburg, and Luanda) and Determining Groundwater Dependency and Vulnerability in Coastal Cities of Cape Town and Dar Es Salaam, Development of the Zambezi Groundwater Strategy, Groundwater Information Portal, Groundwater Literature Archive, and InaCom Hydrocensus, The Development of Groundwater Monitoring Systems in Strategic Aquifers in Southern Africa, Establishment of the National Focal Groups in SADC Member States.

Furthermore, this overarching project has encompassed the successful execution of several other key undertakings, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to groundwater management in the region. These include:

• Determining the Dependency and Vulnerability of Groundwater in Megacities: Focusing on Kinshasa, Johannesburg, and Luanda.
• Determining Groundwater Dependency and Vulnerability in Coastal Cities: in Cape Town and Dar Es Salaam.
• Development of the Zambezi Groundwater Strategy
• Establishment of a Groundwater Information Portal
• Development of a Groundwater Literature Archive
• Implementation of the INMACOM Hydrocensus
• Development of Groundwater Monitoring Systems
• Establishment of National Focal Groups in SADC Member States.

Project Closure

The project was originally scheduled to conclude on November 30, 2025; however, the World Bank has extended the project’s implementation timeline by 18 months, beginning in December 2025. The new completion date for the project is now June 30, 2027.