Project Summary
What is the Limpopo Digital Twin? The Limpopo River Basin Digital Twin (DT) is a groundbreaking innovation that strengthens science-based, … Continued
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“Enabling science-based, transboundary decision making in the Limpopo River Basin”
What is the Limpopo Digital Twin?
The Limpopo River Basin Digital Twin (DT) is a groundbreaking innovation that strengthens science-based, cross-border decision-making in the Limpopo River Basin (LRB).
Developed by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) in collaboration with LIMCOM, this tool combines data, insight and foresight to empower both decision-makers and communities. The system integrates:
- 3D modelling for a complete virtual representation of the basin
- Near real-time monitoring of water resources and conditions
- Seasonal forecasting to anticipate changes and risks
- Scenario modelling to test development and management strategies
- Interactive visualizations that make complex information accessible
Supported by an AI Water Agent, the Digital Twin democratizes information, allowing people from diverse backgrounds and disciplines to query, understand and act on real-time data and forecasts with ease.
Explore the Limpopo Digital Twin HERE
👉 You can also read more about the Digital Twin and Water Copilot HERE
Capacitating End-User
Several capacity-building sessions have been conducted to equip end-users with the skills to effectively operate and manage the Limpopo Digital Twin. These sessions ensured that water managers, policymakers, and community representatives can confidently use the system’s tools and insights in their daily work.
Participants have hailed the Digital Twin as an innovative breakthrough in water resource management, highlighting its ability to make complex data accessible, actionable, and relevant for decision-making across the Limpopo River Basin.
👉 Click HERE to hear what some of the end-users think of the tool.
A pivotal workshop on the “AI-driven Digital Twin for Water Management in the Limpopo River Basin and Inclusive Integration with Citizen Science” was held from 9–11 June 2025 in Gaborone, Botswana.
The workshop maximized a unique opportunity for collaboration, fostering innovative solutions for transboundary water management through active stakeholder engagement. Participants explored how AI-driven digital tools and citizen science can be integrated to strengthen basin-wide decision-making and resilience.
More information, including presentations and tutorials from the workshop, is available HERE for those interested in learning more about the outcomes and resources shared.
Complementing the Limpopo Management Information System
The Limpopo Digital Twin complements the Limpopo Management Information System (LIMIS), an interactive, web‑based platform designed to collect, organize and transform relevant data into actionable knowledge products, thereby providing knowledge‑based support to LIMCOM Member States.
To strengthen this synergy, a back‑to‑back capacity building training workshop on the LIMIS and the Digital Twin is scheduled for 13-16 April 2026 in Maputo, Mozambique, with the aim of aligning and enhancing the use of these two important systems.
Funders
Development of the Limpopo Digital Twin programme is implemented with funding from CGIAR under the Accelerator on Digital Transformation, the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, UNDP through the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Belgian agency for international cooperation Enabel, and Microsoft Corporation.
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