The Zambezi Watercourse Commission (ZAMCOM) is a regional organization established to promote the sustainable management and development of the Zambezi River Basin. Formally created through the ZAMCOM Agreement signed in 2004 and operationalized in 2011, it brings together eight riparian countries: Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The Zambezi River is one of Africa’s largest and most important transboundary watercourses, supporting millions of people through agriculture, fisheries, hydropower, and domestic water supply. ZAMCOM’s main objective is to ensure the equitable and reasonable use of the river’s resources while preventing conflicts among member states. It provides a platform for cooperation, data sharing, and joint planning among the basin countries.

ZAMCOM’s key functions include developing basin-wide strategies, coordinating water resource management, and supporting infrastructure planning such as dams and irrigation systems. It also plays a crucial role in addressing challenges like climate change, floods, droughts, and environmental degradation. By promoting integrated water resources management (IWRM), ZAMCOM aims to balance economic development with environmental sustainability.

The organization operates through several structures, including the Council of Ministers, the Technical Committee, and the Secretariat, which is based in Harare, Zimbabwe. These bodies work together to implement policies and oversee projects within the basin.For more information visit the their website:https://zambezicommission.org/