Tanzania’s Minister for Water, Jumaa Aweso, has been elected Chairperson of the Council of Ministers of the Zambezi Watercourse Commission (ZAMCOM) for the 2025/2026 term.
The election took place on May 15, 2025, during the 12th ZAMCOM Council of Ministers meeting held in Windhoek, Namibia. Tanzania was represented at the meeting by Ambassador Caesar Chacha Waitara.
Accepting the role, Aweso expressed gratitude and reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to sustainable water management across the region.
“I am deeply honored by the trust placed in me and in Tanzania,” he said. “This appointment is not just a recognition of our efforts, but a call to action for all member states to strengthen collaboration and ensure the Zambezi River continues to be a lifeline for millions.”he added
ZAMCOM is made up of eight member countries Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe all sharing the Zambezi River Basin.
The Commission’s mission is to promote equitable and sustainable management of the basin’s water resources, which are vital to the region’s socio-economic development.
Speaking at the event, outgoing Chairperson and Namibian Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Calle Schlettwein, highlighted the importance of unity in addressing regional water challenges.
“We must work together to balance development needs with environmental stewardship. The future of our shared water resources depends on it.”he added
Ambassador Waitara, who led Tanzania’s delegation, added:“Tanzania is ready to take on this leadership role and contribute actively to ZAMCOM’s vision of integrated and sustainable river basin management.”
Aweso’s election underscores growing confidence in Tanzania’s leadership in regional water governance and its dedication to long-term solutions for shared water resource challenges.
Source Daily News