Strengthening networking, communication and collaboration between institutions that are involved in research and training in the SADC water sector. News on African Water Sector.
The University of Zambia Integrated Water Resources Management Centre graduated 14 post-graduates on 21st May, 2025.
This cohort represents the highest number of graduates since inception in 2006. The unit is not only a Centre of Excellence in Water Resources Management but also hosts the research chair in Water Conservation. Besides it’s national significance, the Centre is also a Centre of Excellence withing the AUDA NEPAD Southern African Network of Water Centres of Excellence (SANWATCE). The Centre is a flagship programme representing the University of Zambia’s strong research profile in Water related issues. The Unit is led by Prof. Kawawa Banda, who is also the focal point for the AUDA NEPAD SANWATCE.
The National Water Resources Institute (NWRI), Kaduna Nigeria, through the AUDA-NEPAD Centre of Excellence under its ACEWATER III Human Capacity Development Programme, successfully conducted a ten-day training programme on the theme “Groundwater Exploitation and Management” from 27th April to 8th May 2025. The training commenced with an opening ceremony graced by the Director General of the Institute. It was specifically designed to build and strengthen the capacity of participants in the critical area of groundwater exploitation and sustainable management.
From May 12-16 2025, the University of the Western Cape in collaboration with the University of Namibia, conducted a joint groundwater field school in the Western Cape of South Africa as part of the human capacity development component of ACEWATER III Project.
This blended training course focused on applications of groundwater modelling techniques in transboundary aquifer systems, providing participants with both theoretical understanding and practical skills needed for reliable interpretation of model outputs for decision support.
The programme targets junior professionals, technicians from river basin organisations, ACEWATER III project partners, postgraduate scholars, and other key stakeholders. Female participants were strongly encouraged to apply as part of efforts to promote gender equality in the field.
Participants are developing valuable expertise in conceptual, analytical, and numerical modelling approaches through hands-on activities. The collaboration between these academic institutions, along with the CSIR South Africa, demonstrates a strong regional commitment to sustainable groundwater management across shared aquifer systems.
This field school represents an important milestone in the implementation of the ACEWATER III project’s capacity development objectives for transboundary water resource management in Africa.
The research and capacity development activities are undertaken within the framework of the ACEWATER III project, which is funded by the European Commission.
On 8 May 2025, the Bulawayo City Council invited three emerging scholars from the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) to make presentations at a seminar to fellow researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and industry players.
Their research focuses on Acid mine drainage remediation and micro plastic pollution.
Between 21-25 July 2025, the Regional Water and Environmental Sanitation Centre, Kumasi (RWESCK), of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) is offering a 5-day residential short course on isotope hydrology in Accra, Ghana. This course aims to strengthen expertise in this specialised area of water resources management.
The short course titled Isotopes in environmental studies: basic principles, data analysis and analytical methods using laser spectrometry, incorporates the latest theoretical developments and practical exercises, and is designed to enhance the expertise of professionals, researchers, and students in isotope hydrology, focusing on the methods and techniques for processing and interpreting isotopic data.
The 24th WaterNet Physics and Chemistry of the Earth Special Issue article collection is now available on the journal webpage (https://www.sciencedirect.com/special-issue/10P416RCTD2). The publisher, Elservier, has granted Network members a one month complimentary access to this Special Issue with immediate effect.
Please note that we are still receiving submissions to the 25th WaterNet Special Issue up to 30th June 2025.
Kind Regards,
Prof. Cosmo Ngongondo Managing Executive Guest Editor
Biophysical surveys are systematic investigations that assess the biological and physical components of an environment. These surveys are crucial for understanding the current state of an area, monitoring changes over time, and evaluating the potential impacts of human activities or natural processes. They further provide essential data for environmental management, conservation efforts, and sustainable development planning.
Apart from strengthening the existing collaboration, the two institutions also planned for the upcoming Smart WEFE Innovation Model (SWIM) student mobility.
The mobility is scheduled for the last week of May 2025, with activities centred around the Flood Impact Assessment in the Lower Zambezi and Incomáti River Basins, Mozambique.
The mobility programme will focus on critical research areas including:
✅ The Identification of climate resilience indicators across the Water-Energy-Food-Environment (WEFE) nexus; ✅ Socio-economic impact assessments to measure resilience outcomes; ✅ Simulation modelling to strengthen scenario planning and research outputs;
