Celebrating the growth, 30 years of OKACOM- Botswana Insights

As we mark the significant milestone of 30 years of existence of the Permanent Okavango River Basin Water Commission (OKACOM), it is essential to reflect on its journey, achievements, and future prospects. Established in 1994, OKACOM has played a crucial role in fostering cooperation among the Member States of Angola, Botswana and Namibia, and in the sustainable management of the Cubango-Okavango River Basin. In an interview with Elizabeth Bonolo Khumotaka, the Co-Chair Commissioner for Botswana and  the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water and Human Settlement of the Republic of Botswana, we gained valuable insights into the benefits and progress evolution over the past three decades.

What role has OKACOM played in managing the Basin over the past 30 years and how successful has this been thus far?

OKACOM has played a crucial role in managing the Cubango-Okavango River Basin effectively, efficiently and sustainably over the past 30 years . OKACOM created a good platform and frameworks for common understanding of the Basin and the needs of each riparian state. This was achieved through several studies and mainly through the development of the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis and ultimately the Strategic Action Programme. Most significantly, the 30th OKACOM Celebration is marked by the signing of the Revised OKACOM Agreement which will allow us to better manage and sustainably utilise the CORB in line with international and Regional SADC frameworks.

What are some of the benefits for Botswana which have come about by the joint management of the Basin?

Through OKACOM implemented projects,  communities have managed to benefit and improve their livelihoods under the Climate Smart Horticulture initiative. These communities learnt to achieve better yield of their horticulture products which they can sell and generate income. Additionally, through the Joint Monitoring programme and instrumentation, Botswana is able to have information and data about the Basin even upstream and therefore make informed decisions. The OKACOM platform also creates an opportunity to learn from other Member States on better management of our shared water resources. OKACOM also creates trust between Member States and  we are now able to even collaborate on other aspects beyond the Cubango-Okavango River Basin.

What does Botswana hope for the future in terms of the joint management, and opportunities to strengthen the collaboration amongst Member States? What could be the main focus?

Continued cooperation is very important and  Botswana looks forward to optimal and sustainable utilization of the Basin for the benefit of local people. More resource mobilisation and collaboration with International Cooperating Partners is important for further implementation of the Strategic Action Programme. More initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of communities needs to be prioritized.