Harare, Zimbabwe – On Monday, 28 July 2025, the SADC Groundwater Management Institute (SADC-GMI) in collaboration with University of Zimbabwe proudly launched the inaugural SADC Groundwater Management Institute Young Professionals Winter School. The winter school, which took place over two weeks from August 1 to August 8, 2025, was a culmination of SADC-GMI’s ongoing Young Professionals Programme, which has a membership of over 1,000 young groundwater professionals across the SADC region. The inaugural launch of the winter school attracted 31 young professionals (15 male, 16 female) from 8 SADC Member States, namely Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe

The winter school aimed to equip a generation of groundwater professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective groundwater governance in the SADC Region. The region, whose collective dependence on groundwater is estimated to range between 60-80% does not have enough data to allow for efficient planning, development, management, and decision making of its groundwater resources. Moreover, in the face of increasing droughts and other devastating impacts of climate change, groundwater has become the go-to resource for the region, making its sustainable governance more imperative. While the SADC region has over 30 Transboundary aquifers and approximately 15 surface water river systems, a glaring groundwater data gap exists, along with a weak policy, legal, and institutional framework, limited technical capacity, and inadequate joint monitoring mechanisms, collectively compromising the effective governance of the region’s groundwater resources. It is against this background that SADC-GMI has taken this strategic step towards cultivating the next generation of water leaders, equipping them with the essential skills for the sustainable management of groundwater resources across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

This programme provided YPs with hands-on experience and exposure to groundwater management practices across the SADC region. Over the two weeks, the winter school focused on capacity building, technical knowledge transfer, and professional development in groundwater management while fostering cross-border collaboration. The winter school aimed to inspire and equip YPs to lead the way in sustainable groundwater management. The Programmes specific objectives were to i) Establish a flagship annual technical and leadership training program to develop and mentor the next generation of leaders in groundwater management ii) Provide hands-on experience with real-world groundwater challenges and translate research findings into policy recommendations for regional water governance and iii) Build a sustainable network of YPs for regional collaboration through multi-country research projects and increase female professionals in the groundwater sector.

In his opening address during the launch of the inaugural winter school, Eng. James Sauramba, Executive Director of SADC-GMI, highlighted the remarkable evolution of the SADC-GMI Young Professionals Programme. He highlighted that the program has been nurturing talent for several years through multifaceted initiatives, including a robust internship program, specialized training workshops, a comprehensive Bursary scheme supporting MSc and PhD candidates in groundwater-related disciplines at regional universities, and now, the groundbreaking inaugural Winter School. Eng. Sauramba further emphasized SADC-GMI’s significant collaboration with UNESCO in the Adaptation Fund initiative, which was instrumental in establishing the National Groundwater Research and Training Centre hosted at the University of Zimbabwe. He affirmed, “We firmly believe this Centre serves as an ideal setting for effectively disseminating crucial skills and amplifying advocacy for the robust governance of groundwater in Zimbabwe. By proudly hosting this inaugural Winter School here, we are unequivocally extending our steadfast solidarity with our partners in establishing such a pivotal institution.”

Echoing the same sentiments Professor Attwell Mamvuto Pro Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs at the University of Zimbabwe. Professor Mamvuto warmly welcomed the delegates, acknowledging the Winter School as a testament to regional collaboration and SADC-GMI’s unwavering commitment to fostering inter-state cooperation. He eloquently articulated that “it is through this collaborative convergence that we are strategically planting the seeds of a cohesive regional community of groundwater professionals. This community will be distinguished not only by its shared knowledge and expertise but also by an enduring bond rooted in common values and a collective commitment to a shared destiny.”

Further emphasizing the national significance of the initiative, Eng. Percy Mugwangwavari, representing the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, articulated that the Winter School transcends a mere academic exercise. He emphasized its role as a strategic intervention, meticulously aligned with the Ministry’s overarching efforts to reposition groundwater as a foundational pillar of national water security. This initiative, he noted, directly supports the objectives of the Zimbabwe National Water Policy and makes a critical contribution to the nation’s ambitious roadmap towards achieving Vision 2030. Concluding his remarks, Eng. Mugwangwavari powerfully affirmed that events such as this Winter School represent a vital investment in strengthening national resilience.

SADC-GMI firmly believes in cultivating groundwater skills, knowledge and expertise in young professionals, as without data, expertise and knowledge, the region cannot effectively and sustainably develop and manage is groundwater resources. This winter school is therefore testament to this commitment.

Congratulations to all the brilliant young professionals participating in this invaluable initiative! We extend our warmest wishes that this experience will serve as a transformative journey, fostering significant growth and empowering each of our young professionals to become influential leaders in your respective fields.

Our amazing Young Professionals are fully immersed in learning, soaking up invaluable knowledge from our key experts! What a dedicated group!