SONGWECOM Convenes High-Level Governance Meetings in Lilongwe, Malawi

Lilongwe, Malawi | 7–10 July 2026

The Governments of the Republic of Malawi and the United Republic of Tanzania will convene a series of high-level governance meetings of the Joint Songwe River Basin Commission (SONGWECOM) in Lilongwe, Malawi, from 7 to 10 July 2026. The meetings will bring together policymakers, technical experts and senior government officials from both Member States to review progress and advance strategic initiatives for the sustainable development and management of the Songwe River Basin.

The sessions will comprise the 11th Regular Session of the Joint Team of Experts (JTE) on 7 July 2026, the 8th Regular Session of the Joint Steering Committee (JSC) on 8–9 July 2026 and the 5th Regular Session of the Council of Ministers (CoM) on 10 July 2026. The meetings will be hosted by the Republic of Malawi under the framework of the Convention Establishing the Joint Songwe River Basin Commission.

Among the key agenda items, Member States will deliberate on the Commission’s operational and governance matters, review progress in implementation of transboundary programmes and consider Work Plan and Budget for the 2026/2027 Financial Year. The sessions will also focus on resource mobilisation efforts to advance the development of the Lower Songwe Dam, Hydropower Plant and Transmission Lines Project, a flagship regional investment expected to enhance water security, renewable energy generation, irrigation development, flood management and socio-economic growth in both countries.