Consolidating transboundary cooperation in the Limpopo basin

Summary

Produced under the project, “Integrated Transboundary River Basin Management for the Sustainable Development of the Limpopo River Basin,” the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) report identifies seven key transboundary water-related environmental challenges affecting the Limpopo basin.

The four Riparian States that share the Limpopo River Basin (LRB) have initiated the process of developing a basin-wide Strategic Action Program (SAP) and country-specific National Action Plans (NAPs) to address pressing water-related environmental challenges affecting the basin.

The challenges are identified in the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) report for the LRB, which was technically approved by the riparian countries of Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe in June 2025.

Produced under the project, “Integrated Transboundary River Basin Management for the Sustainable Development of the Limpopo River Basin,” the TDA report identifies the following seven key transboundary environmental problems adversely affecting aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, livelihoods, and socio-economic conditions in the Limpopo:

• Land degradation,
• Sedimentation,
• Deteriorating water quality,
• Loss of biodiversity,
• Weak transboundary water resources management,
• Low resilience to climate variability, climate change and extreme events, and
• Declining availability of water resources.

The Limpopo Watercourse Commission (LIMCOM) is implementing this ambitious project in partnership with the Global Water Partnership Southern Africa (GWPSA), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

Strategic Action Program to unlock transboundary investments

LIMCOM Executive Secretary Mr. Sergio Sitoe said the development of a SAP will go a long way in unlocking transboundary investments in the LRB as the program seeks to outline basin-wide interventions to address the identified challenges.

“The Strategic Action Program is a policy document that requires high-level endorsement across relevant government sectors. It sets clear priorities for actions, including policy, legal and institutional reforms, as well as targeted investment projects to address the key transboundary issues identified in the TDA,” Mr. Sitoe said.

National Action Plans to align the program to the national context

On the other hand, NAPs for the LRB will enable riparian countries to tailor strategies to their unique contexts, addressing specific challenges that are more pronounced or distinct to each nation. The NAPs will also help governments to prioritise actions and mobilise resources from national budgets and development partners. LIMCOM Senior Technical Advisor, Dr. Ebenizáo Chonguiça, stated that the development of the SAP and NAPs is progressing in parallel, as both processes inform each other.

Riparian States commit support to the SAP/NAPs process

LIMCOM Member States have pledged full commitment to the success of the SAP/NAPs development process in addressing the prioritised challenges identified in the TDA and ensuring that the basin fully exploits and seizes its potential.

“We will take this cooperative spirit with us as we move forward and commit ourselves to making sure that we take care of the basin, not just for ourselves but for future generations.” said Dr. Kene Dick from Botswana.

Mozambique stated that the SAP/NAPs development process marks a turning point for the LRB, as it provides a structured approach to addressing transboundary challenges while fostering regional collaboration.

“We have been working on the TDA for a long time, and our commitment to developing and implementing the SAP and the NAPs to address the challenges is even stronger,” Commissioner Edgar Chongo from Mozambique said.

“Water is life, and sustainable management is key to our future. We remain committed to ensuring that the SAP and NAPs translate into tangible benefits for our communities.” Commissioner Mthembu Duduzile from South Africa said.

Commissioner Gilbert Mawere from Zimbabwe added: “We welcome this important step in transboundary cooperation in the Limpopo River Basin and look forward to its smooth implementation.”

Next Steps to turning analysis into action

With the SAP/NAPs development now underway, LIMCOM Member States will, over the next few months, engage various stakeholders and local communities to ensure that the basin-wide program and national plans are inclusive, actionable and sustainable.

Since both policy documents require high-level endorsement, Member States are ensuring that the engagement goes beyond the water sector to include other sectors such as agriculture, mining, tourism and industry, inclusive of cross-cutting areas such as GESI, academia, research and development to guarantee a more integrated approach to unlocking the potential of the LRB.

The SAP/NAPs development process will also involve technical assessments, policy alignment, and capacity-building initiatives to ensure effective implementation. As the LRB embarks on this transformative journey, the basin stands at the threshold of a more resilient and cooperative future—one where shared waters lead to shared prosperity.

Story was first published on IW:LEARN — the Global Environment Facility’s (GEF) International Waters Learning Exchange and Resources Network