Thirteen countries in Southern Africa could have improve access to reliable climate information, hydrological services, impact-based multi-hazard early warning systems and investments in water security.
This is if the regional funding proposal for a Climate Resilient Water Investment Programme(SADC AIP) to the Green Climate Fund is successful.
The programme is implemented by the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and the SADC Secretariat, in collaboration with Global Water Partnership Southern Africa, and aims to provide at least USD 117 million.
The thirteen countries are Angola, Botswana, eSwatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Dr. Patrice Kabeya, Senior Programme Officer – Water at the SADC Secretariat, said “the urgency of the SADC-AIP is underscored by the increasing frequency and severity of climate hazards, which threaten existing investments in water, energy, food security, human health, and socio-economic development. Many African countries suffer from inadequate access to functional climate information and early warning systems.”
SADC-AIP forms a part of the AIP, which was adopted by African Union Heads of State in February 2021. The AIP aims to mobilize an additional USD 30 billion annually by 2030 to close Africa’s water investment gap, estimated at USD 45-54 billion per year.
Picture: Global Water Partnership