The governments of Mozambique, Malawi and Tanzania have signed an agreement to establish a Rovuma River Basin Commission, aimed at strengthening water security and improving the sustainable management of resources shared by the three countries, according to reports from Lusa on Saturday, 1 August.
The accord, signed in the northern Mozambican province of Cabo Delgado by representatives of all three governments, provides for the creation of the Rovuma River Basin Commission with the objectives of reinforcing water security, promoting investment, and improving the sustainable management of water resources shared by Mozambique, Malawi and Tanzania.
"The Rovuma River basin is a lifeline for millions of people living in this region. It sustains agriculture, fisheries, energy development, ecosystems and tourism," said Faidess Mwale, the Malawi representative at the signing.
Tanzania's representative, Jumaa Hamido, said the establishment of the commission marks only the beginning of a broader process of cooperation between the three states. "This is just the first step. The road ahead is long and, for that reason, I call on all members of the Rovuma Basin Commission to accelerate this process," he declared.
The authorities also announced the mobilisation of an initial tranche of funding totalling 440 million meticais (approximately 5.9 million euros) to support the launch of the new organisation's activities.
According to Agostinho Vilanculos, the national director of Water Resource Management, the funds will allow the commission to initiate its priority actions and create the conditions necessary to mobilise additional financing for the implementation of an integrated basin management strategy.
Plácido Pereira, Secretary of State for Cabo Delgado, described the agreement as a "milestone of great patriotic value" and said it reflects the shared determination of the three countries to strengthen integrated water resource management within the framework of regional cooperation and for their mutual benefit.
Cabo Delgado Governor Valige Tauabo emphasised that the Rovuma River is a strategic resource for water supply to local communities, agriculture, biodiversity conservation and economic development. He argued that the new commission will help reinforce cross-border cooperation and ensure the sustainable use of water resources.
The Rovuma River basin covers approximately 155,000 square kilometres across the territories of Mozambique, Tanzania and Malawi. It is one of the most significant freshwater reserves in the region and a source of livelihood for millions of people.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/2026/08/01/trends/sustentabilidade/governos-de-mocambique-malaui-e-tanzania-criam-comissao-para-gestao-conjunta-da-bacia-do-rovuma/
