Reviewing and Updating of the SADC Human Capacity Development Plan WaterNet Open Special Session

Lead Convenor: WaterNet

The SADC Water Sector Strategic Human Capacity Development Plan (SHCDP) 2014 – 2020, served as the cornerstone for building a skilled and sustainable water workforce across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. Its primary purpose was to address critical skills gaps and ensure the region had the necessary expertise to manage its precious and often strained water resources effectively. The SADC Water Division, through its subsidiary institutions have been implementing the SHCDP since 2014.

The specific focus areas for the SHCDP 2014 – 2020 included human capacity building in areas such as Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), climate resilience, transboundary water governance, water supply and sanitation, irrigation engineering, and water policy and regulation. The objective of the plan was to train water professionals and technicians to enhance the capabilities of the different water institutions in member states and river basins organisations (RBOs).

WaterNet, in close collaboration with the SADC Secretariat, with support from the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) is currently in the process of reviewing and updating the SADC 2014 - 2020 SHCDP) taking into account what worked well and what did not well, developments in the regional policy setting and, practice and the implications thereof of human capacity needs of the sector in the SADC region. This will inform the development of a more effective and targeted SHCDP plan. 

The original SHCDP covered the period up to 2020. The world and the region's challenges have evolved significantly since its inception, necessitating a review and update. Notable developments include:

• The adoption of exclusive water Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), SDG 6, which is now almost at the end of its implementation period (2030).
• The SADC region has adopted new frameworks, such as the SADC Regional Strategic Action Plan on Integrated Water Resources Management (RSAP IV) and others, which have new priorities and directives that the human capacity plan must align with.
• The global water sector has advanced, with new technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence for water management, smart water systems), methodologies, and knowledge that need to be integrated into training and skills development.

The special session on the SHCDP plan at the 26^th WaterNet/GWP Symposium, is a pivotal step in the consultative process in the review of the plan. It is not merely an informational briefing but a critical stakeholder engagement activity designed to:

• Present the initial data, analysis, and conclusions gathered from the review. This includes identifying the most pressing current human capacity gaps and assessing the successes and shortcomings of the previous plan.
• Create a platform for key stakeholders-including member states, river basin organizations, water experts, academics, utility managers, and development partners-to provide feedback, challenge assumptions, and share their on-the-ground perspectives.
• Co-create the Updated Plan: The suggestions for the updated plan will be debated and refined during the session. This collaborative approach ensures the final document is relevant, practical, and has broad-based buy-in from key stakeholders.

The process represents a strategic and necessary effort to future-proof the SADC water sector. By updating the SHCDP, the region is proactively ensuring it has the skilled human capital required to achieve water security, sustainable development, and resilience against future challenges.

Programme