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LUANDA HOSTS THE JOINT MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE OF MINISTERS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ENERGY AND WATER SECTOR OF SADC FROM MAY 27 TO 30

Ministers Responsible for Energy and Water Sectors Convene on May 27

The Joint Meeting of the Committee of Ministers in charge of the Energy and Water Sectors officially began on May 27, 2024.

Led by Minister João Baptista Borges, the meeting emphasized the need to address key issues and prepare important topics for further review and approval by the respective Committees for Energy and Water.

In the Energy Sector, the ministers will evaluate progress made since the last meeting, focus on ensuring energy supply security, and assess advancements in SADC’s priority areas for the sustainable development of the regional energy sector. They will also consider a proposal to establish a Regional Transport Infrastructure Financing Mechanism (RTIFF).

The agenda will include discussions on the revision of the 1996 SADC Protocol on Energy, regional energy regulatory initiatives, and strengthening the role of national energy regulators and the Regional Electricity Regulators Association (RERA) as part of the development of a Regional Regulatory Authority. Additional topics will include the promotion of renewable and new energy sources, the establishment of SACREEE (SADC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency) as a legal entity, the signing and ratification of SACREEE IGMOA, and transitioning to cleaner fuels, such as low-sulfur diesel. A proposal for a Just Energy Transition in the SADC region will also be presented.

In the Water Sector, the ministers will review progress on regional initiatives aimed at enhancing water and sanitation services across SADC member states, as well as evaluate ongoing transboundary water projects led by basin organizations. They will also assess advancements in financing and developing regional water infrastructure, including cross-border water systems.

The second phase of the regional groundwater program, supported by the SADC Water Fund and other partners, will be discussed, as well as the implementation of the water-energy-food integration project in member states.

The ministers will also receive updates on the revision of regional water policies and the development of strategies to mobilize resources for the water sector.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC), founded in 1980 with sixteen (16) member states, was initially called the Southern Africa Development Coordination Conference before becoming the Southern African Development Community in August 1992.

The Joint Meeting of Ministers for Energy and Water will be preceded by a meeting of sector experts from May 27 to 31, 2024.

Information Technology, Institutional Communication, and Press Office of the Ministry of Energy and Water, Luanda, May 28, 2024 João Baptista Borges João Baptista Borges

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