The Permanent Okavango-Cubango River Basin Commission (OKACOM) officially opened the 8th Ordinary Meeting of its Forum of Ministers today in Huíla Province, Angola. This landmark event gathered ministers, high-ranking officials, and representatives from the three member states—Angola, Botswana, and Namibia—reinforcing a shared commitment to regional collaboration and sustainable water resource management in one of Southern Africa’s most vital river basins.
The meeting was inaugurated with an address by the Governor of Huíla Province, Nuno Mahapi, who warmly welcomed the delegates. In his speech, he underscored the strategic importance of the Okavango River Basin and called for deeper cooperation among member states to safeguard its future. “This gathering is not just a formal occasion,” Mahapi stated. “It is a celebration of unity, a reaffirmation of our shared responsibilities, and a clear demonstration of our collective will to preserve this vital ecosystem for future generations.”
Angola Reaffirms Commitment to SDGs and Transboundary Cooperation
João Baptista Borges, Angola’s Minister of Energy and Water, opened his remarks with a moment of silence to honour the late Namibian President Sam Nujoma, acknowledging his legacy as a founding figure in regional peacebuilding. Minister Borges reflected on OKACOM’s achievements over the past three decades, celebrating its role in promoting peace, environmental protection, and transboundary collaboration.
“This anniversary is not only a time to reflect on what has been achieved,” Borges declared, “but also to look forward with renewed energy and vision.” He reaffirmed Angola’s dedication to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), climate resilience, and the responsible stewardship of natural resources.
The Minister highlighted current initiatives under OKACOM’s umbrella, such as the Strategic Action Programme, backed by the UNDP-GEF, and an advanced Decision Support System developed in partnership with the European Union. These initiatives aim to empower policymakers with the data and tools needed for sustainable planning and implementation across the basin.
Regional Leaders Call for Stronger Environmental Integration
Hon. Honneetse Ramogapi, Minister of Water and Human Settlement of Botswana, emphasized the urgency of adopting integrated and sustainable responses to mounting environmental challenges. She praised Angola’s leadership and called for enhanced cross-border coordination, especially in the face of climate change and increasing pressure on shared water resources.
Namibia’s National Planning Commission Director General, Obeth Kandjoze, highlighted the need to align OKACOM’s strategic direction with the aspirations of local communities. “This meeting will pave the way for a new chapter in our cooperation—one that places people at the centre of our decisions,” Kandjoze said, reaffirming Namibia’s commitment to inclusive development.
New Agreements and Programs Reinforce Joint Action
Over the two-day event in Lubango, delegates celebrated not only OKACOM’s 30th anniversary but also the signing of a revised legal agreement that modernizes the Commission’s institutional framework. This updated accord reaffirms the political will of Angola, Botswana, and Namibia to deepen transboundary cooperation, strengthen joint planning mechanisms, and enhance conflict prevention strategies.
Minister João Baptista Borges of Angola highlighted new developments such as the implementation of a microcredit program to support local livelihoods and the establishment of a regional fund to attract long-term investments. He also underscored the collaborative efforts with the European Union in developing a state-of-the-art Decision Support System to aid basin-wide water governance. Namibia’s Obeth Kandjoze called attention to the increasing effects of climate change, advocating for urgent regional strategies. Meanwhile, Botswana reaffirmed its full commitment to sustainable resource use and praised Angola’s leadership during its term as OKACOM chair.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening OKACOM’s Institutional Framework
One of the key moments of the session was the announcement of the upcoming inauguration of OKACOM’s new permanent headquarters in Gaborone, Botswana, signaling a new era for institutional strengthening and regional integration. Minister Borges, as the outgoing chair of OKACOM, urged technical and working committees to remain steadfast in their mission, advancing a long-term, coordinated vision that benefits all member states.
The meeting also featured a ceremonial component marking OKACOM’s 30th anniversary, paying tribute to decades of progress in managing one of Africa’s most ecologically diverse and economically significant river systems. Over the years, OKACOM has grown from a consultative body into a leading model of transboundary cooperation, offering valuable insights into collaborative natural resource governance.
Participants echoed a shared hope that the outcomes of the 8th Ordinary Meeting would translate into concrete commitments and actionable strategies. The event concluded with a collective reaffirmation of OKACOM’s role in fostering economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable development across the Okavango-Cubango basin.
As the region continues to grapple with the complex realities of water scarcity, climate unpredictability, and community development, OKACOM remains a beacon of multilateral cooperation and a catalyst for shared prosperity.
 officially opened the 8th Ordinary Meeting of its Forum of Ministers today in Huíla Province, Angola.){kind=link}