The Okavango River Basin Commission (OKACOM) Week comes to a close today in Maun where water and environmental experts, policymakers, and government officials from three member states (Angola, Botswana, and Namibia) gathered to deliberate on the conservation, development, and sustainable utilisation of the Okavango River Basin’s water resources.
Hosted by Botswana, the week-long event aims to strengthen collaboration on sustainable management of the shared Okavango River Basin, which supports livelihoods, biodiversity, and economic development across the region. The event promotes regional cooperation on water governance and cross-border water resources.
In his address to the media, Phera Ramoeli, Executive Secretary of OKACOM said the meetings are designed to review critical technical documents that will guide ministers’ decision-making.
“The OKACOM platform allows for transparent planning, evaluation, and implementation of programs that benefit all riparian states,” he said, noting that the outcomes of this week will influence long-term strategies and cooperation among member states.
Dr. Kobamelo Dikgola, Deputy Director in Botswana’s Department of Water and Sanitation and co-chair of the Okavango Basin Steering Committee, emphasised the river’s national importance. “The Okavango Delta is central to Botswana’s economy through tourism and water provision. Sustainable management of this basin ensures that these vital benefits continue for future generations,” she said.
Also weighing in was Cynthia Ortmann, Deputy Director in Namibia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform. She highlighted the platform’s role in enabling joint planning and cross-border initiatives. “OKACOM Week provides an opportunity to explore strategic solutions to strengthen livelihoods and enhance resilience in communities across the basin,” she said.
Co Chair of Okavango Basin Steering Committee (Angola), Octavio Nani also highlighted the importance of sharing water resources by Angola, Botswana and Namibia despite being sovereign countries. He said the whole essence is to work together for the betterment of livelihoods of the communities in the three countries.
Throughout the week, technical meetings, commissioner sessions, and a Ministerial Council will be held to review OKACOM’s progress and set new priorities. The event will conclude on August 1 with a ministerial-level evaluation of agreements made during the previous session in Lubango, Angola. The outcomes of the week-long meeting will set future strategy and cooperation priorities among the member states.
OKACOM Week continues to serve as a vital instrument in fostering cooperation and shared responsibility for the protection and sustainable use of one of Southern Africa’s most treasured freshwater ecosystems. Namibia is scheduled to host a similar event in 2026.
OKACOM was established to advise the three member states on the coordinated and environmentally sustainable development of the basin’s water resources, while addressing the social and economic needs of each country.
