Namibia Eyes Water Investment to Support Industrial Growth

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform will bring together approximately 250 government officials, private-sector representatives, researchers and development partners in Swakopmund this week to discuss water security, infrastructure investment and sustainable resource management.

The third Namibia Regional Water Symposium (NRWS), taking place from 10 to 13 November, comes as increasing demand from mining, fisheries, energy, tourism and manufacturing places additional pressure on the country's limited water resources.

In a media release issued on Monday, the ministry`s spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda said the symposium would provide a platform for stakeholders to develop a shared understanding of national and regional water security priorities.

"The Symposium provides a platform for government, industry, communities, researchers and development partners to build a shared understanding of national and regional water security priorities, strengthen coordination and develop actionable recommendations to inform policy, planning and the sustainable management of water resources," Muyunda said.

He said the country's water challenges were being intensified by climate change, unpredictable rainfall, recurring droughts and increasing dependence on groundwater.

"Climate change is further intensifying these pressures, while water demand continues to rise due to population growth, urbanisation and the expansion of economic sectors such as mining, fisheries, energy, tourism and manufacturing," he said.

The economic implications of water security will form part of the discussions, particularly the need to balance industrial expansion with sustainable water consumption.

The symposium will focus on three areas: water security challenges and sector perspectives; climate resilience, innovation and sustainable water solutions; and water governance, policy and integrated water resources management.

Discussions will explore alternative water sources, desalination, water reuse, groundwater management, climate-resilient infrastructure and digital technologies.

The meeting will also examine the implementation of the Water Resources Management Act of 2013, including water licensing, regulation, compliance and stakeholder participation.

The symposium is particularly significant as it is the first since the country became the host of the Global Water Partnership Organisation (GWPO) earlier this year.

The organisation's network spans 13 regions, more than 180 countries and approximately 2,800 institutional partners.

According to Muyunda, GWPO will participate in the symposium to introduce its mandate and work to the local water sector. It will also present the Continental Africa Water Investment Programme (AIP).

The programme includes a process through which countries develop National Water Investment Programmes to mobilise financing and accelerate water security and sustainable development.

Muyunda said hosting GWPO provides local institutions and stakeholders with opportunities for stronger engagement with international expertise, knowledge networks and strategic partnerships.

As water demand continues to grow alongside economic activity, discussions on financing, infrastructure and responsible water management will be important in determining how the country secures sufficient water to support future development.