Incomati and Maputo Watercourse Commission

25/08/2026

19/08/2026

Call for Proposals: Environmental Flows Consultancy for the Incomati & Maputo Watercourses

The Incomati and Maputo Watercourse Commission (INMACOM), through the Global Water Partnership Southern Africa (GWPSA), with support from UNDP and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), is seeking qualified consulting firms or consortia to undertake the determination of Environmental Flows (E-Flows) in the transboundary Incomati and Maputo River Basins.

This strategic assignment will support sustainable water allocation, ecosystem protection, climate resilience, and transboundary water governance across Eswatini, Mozambique, and South Africa. We invite applications from multidisciplinary consulting firms with the right expertise to apply before 17 September 2026 (Midnight SAST).

Help shape the future of sustainable water management and environmental protection in Southern Africa by applying for this opportunity here: https://lnkd.in/dMS4d6CR

https://gwpo-gwp.org/southern-africa/about/keep-updated/jobs-and-vacancies/

06/08/2026

INMACOM and the ARA-Sul,IP Administração Regional de guas do Sul (ARA-Sul) are convening in Macaneta, Maputo, from 6-7 August 2026 to officially kick-start the implementation of the project, “Strengthening Integrated Transboundary Management of the Incomati and Maputo River Basins.”

The meeting serves as a key milestone in operationalizing the Responsible Party Agreement and jointly developing a work plan to guide project implementation through 2028.

The meeting follows the recent signing of a grant agreement between ARA-Sul,IP and Global Water Partnership Southern Africa (GWPSA), marking an important milestone in advancing sustainable transboundary water management across the shared river basins of Mozambique, South Africa, and Eswatini. Under the agreement, GWPSA will provide up to US$138,000 to support implementation activities led by ARA-Sul.

The partnership marks an important step towards improving transboundary water governance, fostering regional cooperation, and enhancing water security, ecosystem health, and climate resilience across the shared river basins.

Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), implemented by UNDP Eswatini, and executed by Global Water Partnership Southern Africa, the project supports basin-wide planning, climate and disaster risk preparedness, improved data and information systems, and source-to-sea management approaches that enhance water security, ecosystem resilience, and sustainable development.

Over the two-day meeting, participants will focus on:
·Official onboarding of the Responsible Party Agreement implementation
·Launching the Joint Work Planning process
·Clarifying institutional roles, responsibilities, and governance arrangements
·Aligning on project objectives, implementation approaches, and expected results
·Strengthening coordination between ARA-Sul and the GEF Project Management Unit
·Establishing implementation timelines, reporting, fiduciary, and compliance requirements

The meeting is expected to deliver a shared understanding of implementation expectations, an agreed roadmap for project delivery, enhanced coordination mechanisms, and a clear timeline for the completion of the Joint Work Plan.

Together, we are strengthening regional cooperation and laying the foundation for sustainable and resilient management of the Incomati and Maputo River Basins.

06/08/2026

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 PartnershipSouthern 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:
o Strengthen transboundary water governance
o Enhance basin-wide planning and coordination
o Improve data and information systems
o Build climate and disaster risk resilience
o Promote source-to-sea management
o 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.

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03/08/2026

On 30 July 2026, INMACOM's Gender and Social Safeguards and Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist's joined the INMACOM Groundwater Task Team on a monitoring and supervision mission to the Catuane Groundwater Project in Matutuine District, Mozambique.

The visit was part of ongoing oversight of Phase 2 water-supply infrastructure works, including reticulation and pipeline installation, to assess implementation progress, compliance, and overall project performance.

The Project is a regional water security initiative being implemented by INMACOM with funding support from the SADC Groundwater Management Institute through World Bank. The project will address long-standing water supply challenges faced by communities in Catuane.

The project will transform water security in Catuane through development of a sustainable groundwater-based water supply system, providing reliable access to safe drinking water for more than 7,500 residents, the initiative will strengthen community health and well-being, support agricultural production and livestock development, enhance resilience to climate variability, and foster stronger transboundary cooperation among Mozambique, Eswatini, and South Africa. Furthermore, the project is expected to improve livelihoods and more sustainable management of shared water resources across the region. The project is implemented within the framework of transboundary water cooperation between three Member States.

As the project approaches its final stages, the team reviewed construction progress, compliance with approved designs, and the quality, safety and functionality of the infrastructure being developed. The monitoring process included attention to borehole development, trenching, pipe installation, water-quality requirements, occupational health and safety, and preparations for testing, commissioning and handover.

The Monitoring and Evaluation, as well as the Gender and Social Safeguards Specialists strengthened project oversight by assessing implementation progress, contractor performance, safeguards compliance, and results documentation, while promoting safe labour practices, inclusive stakeholder engagement, gender-based violence prevention, and the protection of vulnerable groups.

Environmental and social safeguards remain a key priority, ensuring safe construction practices and worker protection. The project is improving access to reliable, groundwater-based water supplies to strengthen community resilience and support livelihoods in Catuane.

As the project enters its final phase, INMACOM will maintain oversight of construction standards, safeguards implementation, and project results to ensure the water supply system is fully operational and ready for commissioning and handover.

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03/08/2026

From 28–30 July 2026, 35 participants from UNDP Eswatini @, the Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA), and the Global Environment Facility (GEF-8) IncoMaputo Project Management Unit came together at Sibane Sami Hotel, Ezulwini, for an intensive training on Social and Environmental Standards (SES), Stakeholder Response Mechanisms, Gender Mainstreaming, and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH).

The UNDP/GEF-8 INMACOM Project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by UNDP Eswatini with the ex*****on by the Global Water Partnership Southern Africa (GWPSA). The project supports the Incomati and Maputo Watercourse Commission (INMACOM) and its three Member States, Republic of South Africa, the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Republic of Mozambique, to strengthen basin‑wide planning, data and information systems, climate and disaster risk preparedness, and source‑to‑sea management, so that shared water resources can better sustain livelihoods, ecosystems and economic development across the region.

The training strengthened participants' capacity to manage social and environmental risks, enhance stakeholder engagement, strengthen grievance redress mechanisms, and promote gender-responsive and inclusive project implementation.

During the programme, the INMACOM GEF-8 Regional Project Coordinator presented the project's vision of strengthening integrated transboundary management of the Incomati and Maputo River Basins, while the Regional Gender and Social Safeguards Expert highlighted key social and environmental risks identified during project preparation and demonstrated their alignment with UNDP Social and Environmental Standards.

A key outcome of the training was the strengthened capacity of the GEF-8 IncoMaputo Project Management Unit and partner institutions to integrate social and environmental safeguards into every stage of project implementation. Also, the training is expected to improve the following:
· Stronger safeguards and risk management
· Improved stakeholder engagement and accountability
· Enhanced gender mainstreaming and PSEAH prevention
· Better integration of safeguards across project planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting

These enhanced capacities will help ensure that the GEF-8 IncoMaputo Project delivers sustainable, inclusive and accountable results while safeguarding communities, ecosystems and vulnerable groups across the basin.

03/08/2026

As part of the Mandela Day 2026 "Clean Rivers, Bright Futures" Initiative, the INMACOM VUNWE Programme (2026-2029), an initiative established and funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Maputo, proudly donated two 5,000-litre water harvesting tanks to Sitfokotile Secondary School, in Matsulu, Mpumalanga, strengthening water security and improving access to safe and reliable water for 1,360 learners.

This investment supports climate resilience, enhances sanitation and hygiene, and contributes to creating a healthier and more conducive learning environment for the school community.

Access to safe, reliable, and sustainable water remains one of the most significant challenges facing many schools and communities across the Inkomati River Basin. In a region increasingly affected by drought, water scarcity, and climate change, this investment provides a practical climate adaptation solution that will support sanitation, hygiene, environmental activities, and uninterrupted learning.
Impact of the donation:
· 10,000 litres of additional water storage capacity
· 1,360 learners benefiting from improved access to water
· Better sanitation and hygiene facilities
· Enhanced climate resilience and drought preparedness
· Awareness of sustainable water management and environmental stewardship.

Implemented in partnership with the Inkomati-Usuthu CMA - IUCMA-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency (IUCMA) and the Department of Water and Sanitation, Mpumalanga, the initiative also featured a river clean-up campaign, highlighting the importance of protecting and conserving our water resources.

The event further included an interactive exhibition where various water sector organizations showcased their work and engaged learners on critical issues related to water security, climate resilience, sustainable water management, and the role of young people in safeguarding water resources for future generations.

Beyond improving access to water, the initiative serves as a powerful demonstration of climate adaptation and sustainable water management. It also raises awareness of the potential impacts of predicted El Niño conditions, including drought and water scarcity, while encouraging environmental stewardship and resilience among learners, educators, and the wider community.

Every drop stored today helps secure a brighter tomorrow.

27/07/2026

REPOST: Please see link to a consulting opportunity on Stakeholder Mapping & Capacity Needs Assessment Consultant

DEADLINE: Submission should be no later than the 29 July 2026.

https://gwpo-gwp.org/southern-africa/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/2026/07/Stakeholder-Mapping-Consultant_TOR_07.01.pdf - stakeholder mapping consultancy

27/07/2026

Freshwater biodiversity is essential for sustaining ecosystem health, water security, climate resilience, and the livelihoods of millions of people across South Africa, Eswatini, and Mozambique. Protecting these shared resources requires strong partnerships, coordinated action, and the effective exchange of knowledge across borders.

From 23-24 July 2026, biodiversity practitioners, government representatives, researchers, and river basin managers gathered at ANEW Resort White River, Mpumalanga, under the Transboundary Biodiversity Learning Network (TBLN) to strengthen regional collaboration and advance the conservation and sustainable management of freshwater biodiversity in the Incomati River Basin.

The Learning Exchange provided an important platform for participants to share experiences, review lessons and progress from the BIO-SMART2 Project, the UNDP EswatiniUNDP/GEF-8 INMACOM Project, eBioNet, and other biodiversity monitoring initiatives. Discussions focused on strengthening freshwater biodiversity monitoring, improving data sharing, supporting evidence-based decision-making, and enhancing transboundary cooperation.

A key highlight was the growing collaboration between the BIO-SMART2 Project and the UNDP/GEF-8 INMACOM Project, which is supporting integrated transboundary management of the Incomati and Maputo River Basins. As the river basin organisation mandated to facilitate cooperation among South Africa, Eswatini, and Mozambique, INMACOM continues to play a vital role in strengthening collaborative governance, knowledge systems, and the sustainable management of shared water resources.

The knowledge, partnerships, and biodiversity information generated through the TBLN directly contribute to the GEF-8 INMACOM Project by strengthening biodiversity data systems, promoting evidence-based planning, enhancing transboundary cooperation, improving freshwater biodiversity monitoring, supporting integrated source-to-sea management, and building institutional capacity across the basin.

Speaking during the exchange, INMACOM Executive Secretary, Sindy Mthimkhulu, highlighted the importance of leveraging existing datasets, knowledge products, and technical expertise generated through BIO-SMART2 and its partners to avoid duplication, improve efficiency, reduce costs, and accelerate implementation. She also emphasized the value of strengthening multi-stakeholder partnerships among governments, academia, development partners, civil society, and the private sector, while promoting data sharing, coordinated implementation, and innovative resource mobilization.

Expected outcomes from the Learning Exchange include stronger coordination among partners, enhanced communication within the TBLN, practical contributions to the eBioNet platform, and agreed priority actions to support future freshwater biodiversity conservation and integrated river basin management.

This initiative was made possible through the BIO-SMART2 Project (Biodiversity Systems Management and Analytics for the Restoration of Transboundary Rivers), funded by the JRS Biodiversity Foundation and led by AWARD in partnership with WWF Mozambique, the Freshwater Research Centre, Charles Sturt University, and Rivers of Life.

The Learning Exchange was further supported by the UNDP/GEF-8 INMACOM Project, funded by the Global Environment Facility, implemented by UNDP EswatiniUNDP, and executed by the Global Water Partnership (GWPSA). The project supports INMACOM and its three Member States in strengthening basin-wide planning, information systems, climate and disaster risk preparedness, and source-to-sea management to ensure that shared water resources continue to sustain livelihoods, ecosystems, and economic development across the region.

Together, we are building stronger partnerships, better knowledge systems, and a shared vision for resilient rivers, thriving biodiversity, and sustainable transboundary water management.

21/07/2026

Strengthening Regional Collaboration for Integrated Freshwater Management

On 17 July 2026, representatives from INMACOM, Peace Parks Foundation, Global Water Partnership Southern Africa (GWPSA), and the GEF-8 IncoMaputo Project Management Unit met in Maputo, Mozambique, to advance regional collaboration on integrated freshwater management within the Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA).

The engagement forms part of the GEF-8 IncoMaputo Project, "Strengthening Integrated Transboundary Management of the Incomati and Maputo River Basins," funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented through a partnership between INMACOM, GWPSA, and the Governments of Eswatini, Mozambique, and South Africa. The project aims to strengthen transboundary water governance, enhance ecosystem health and resilience, improve scientific knowledge and data sharing, support sustainable livelihoods, and promote integrated Source-to-Sea management across the basin.

The meeting brought together stakeholders from the water, biodiversity, and conservation sectors to review and refine a proposed collaboration framework between INMACOM and Lubombo TFCA partners. Discussions focused on strengthening institutional coordination, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and identifying practical mechanisms for joint planning and implementation.

A key highlight was the recognition of the strong links between freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity conservation, and the need for enhanced collaboration to address shared challenges such as climate change, ecosystem degradation, and water security. Participants also explored opportunities to apply the Source-to-Sea approach to strengthen ecological connectivity and protect critical freshwater and coastal ecosystems throughout the Incomati and Maputo River Basins.

Discussions further focused on strengthening transboundary water governance, advancing climate resilience, improving knowledge sharing and data exchange, and identifying opportunities for joint implementation that deliver environmental, social, and economic benefits.

The meeting concluded with agreement on next steps to formalize collaboration, refine the proposed Terms of Reference, and develop a roadmap for future joint action in research, capacity development, ecosystem restoration, knowledge management, and policy engagement.

Together, the partners reaffirmed their commitment to strengthened regional cooperation, sustainable water and ecosystem management, and building a resilient future for communities, ecosystems, and economies across the Incomati and Maputo River Basins.