Southern Africa Development Community-Groundwater Management Institute once again brought the region together in South Africa from 19–21 November 2025 by hosting the 7th SADC-GMI Conference under the theme “Investing in Groundwater for Climate Action.” The space was engaging, as groundwater practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and development partners shared ideas and innovations while exploring sustainable ways to strengthen groundwater management across the SADC region.
Being surrounded by people who care deeply about groundwater reaffirmed the importance of the work we do. It reminded me that although groundwater is hidden, it plays a central role in our region’s development, water security, and climate resilience. The discussions highlighted the importance of planning with groundwater in mind by drawing on existing regional and national groundwater strategies, available data, and known climate vulnerabilities. Discussions also emphasised the importance of conjunctive groundwater management in building resilience to climate change.
One of the highlights for me was presenting BASEflow’s SADC-GMI sub-grant project titled “Revitalisation of the Groundwater Monitoring Network.” We shared the progress that Malawi has made in improving groundwater monitoring, including our work with communities and the improvements we have made in data collection. Speaking to such a knowledgeable and diverse audience was both exciting and humbling, and it reminded me of the value of participating in regional conversations on groundwater governance, as these spaces offer opportunities for shared learning, stronger collaboration, and a broader understanding of the challenges and solutions shaping our region.
Another memorable moment was the innovation presentation delivered by young professionals. It was a powerful reminder of the talent emerging across the region. They introduced the SADC HydroTwin IoT Groundwater Data Sharing Platform, a system designed to bring together outdated, fragmented groundwater information and turn it into real-time data and integrate modelling for the SADC region. Their presentation showed how technology, curiosity, and collaboration can open the door to a new era of data-driven decision making in groundwater management.
Throughout the conference, I kept reflecting on the people I met and the ideas we shared. Each person came with their own story and their own contribution to the groundwater puzzle. Listening to their research, learning from their experiences, and hearing how different countries are working to strengthen groundwater management broadened my understanding of both our shared challenges and our connected solutions.
As I left the conference, what stayed with me most was not just the technical discussions or the presentations, but the people. Being in a space filled with individuals who care deeply about groundwater, often working quietly, with limited visibility, yet with enormous impact, was grounding and energising. It reminded me why this work matters, and why staying connected across borders is so important. The conversations, ideas, and shared experiences reinforced my belief that groundwater security will be shaped as much by relationships and trust as by data and infrastructure. As climate pressures continue to grow, these regional spaces give me hope that, together, we can move from insight to action and ensure groundwater remains a reliable foundation for resilient livelihoods across the SADC region.
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