Grant agreement signed to support the implementation of the Global Environment Facility-funded project

The Administração Regional de Águas do Sul, Instituto Público ARA-Sul,IP (ARA-Sul) and the Global Water Partnership Southern Africa have signed a grant agreement to support the implementation of the Global Environment Facility-funded project, “Strengthening Integrated Transboundary Management of the Incomati and Maputo River Basins.”

The agreement represents an important milestone in advancing sustainable and cooperative management of shared water resources across the Incomati and Maputo River Basins. Through this partnership, Global Water Partnership Southern Africa will provide up to US$138,000 to support implementation activities led by ARA-Sul through December 2028.

Implemented by UNDP Eswatini, executed by GWPSA, and supporting INMACOM and its Member States of Eswatini, Mozambique, and South Africa, the project aims to:

• Strengthen transboundary water governance
• Enhance basin-wide planning and coordination
• Improve data and information systems
• Build climate and disaster risk resilience
• Promote source-to-sea management
• Support sustainable livelihoods and ecosystem health

INMACOM Executive Secretary Sindy Mthimkhulu said that the agreement marks the transition from planning to implementation and reflects the collective commitment of basin states and partners to achieving lasting benefits for communities and ecosystems that depend on these shared water resources.

ARA-Sul, Senior Technical Advisor, Lizete Dias said ARA-Sul remains committed to working closely with GWPSA, INMACOM, and all project stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of project activities and to deliver meaningful benefits for the people and ecosystems that depend on the Incomati and Maputo River Basins.

Together, we are taking another step toward greater water security, climate resilience, and sustainable development across Southern Africa.