The use of transboundary waters holds potential for conflict. Industrialisation and population growth aggravate conflicts over distribution, in which riparian states situated downstream feel disadvantaged. GIZ supports national and regional water authorities in Africa in managing their water resources for the population’s benefit.

Therefore, in 2000, the 14 member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) signed a protocol, on the basis of which commissions for all transboundary river basins will be set up. The commission for the Orange-Senqu Basin has been working for three years. In 2004, the committee for the Limpopo Basin developed into an international institution. Both river basins are the lifelines for some 27 million people.

However, this has not solved all problems of distribution and use. In the past, the Republic of South Africa, whose gross domestic product is three times that of all the other SADC countries together, regulated the supply of water in both river basins largely in accordance with its own needs. The country is now seeking dialogue with the other riparian states.

GIZ contributed to the founding and development of the commissions, whose staff receive advanced training in integrated water resources management. Reliable data on water resources are now used as a basis for decision-making. GIZ experts work to upgrade the institutions to ensure sustainable, regional water resources management.