South Africa and Botswana are set to sign a new agreement aimed at jointly managing water quality and controlling aquatic invasive species in the Upper Limpopo River Basin, authorities said on Thursday.
The Memorandum of Agreement will be concluded during a working visit by South African Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina to Gaborone for the sixth session of the South Africa-Botswana Bi-National Commission.
Officials say the pact reflects growing concern over the spread of invasive aquatic plants that are increasingly threatening water security, biodiversity and livelihoods across the shared river system.
The two countries share several transboundary rivers within the Upper Limpopo Basin, where invasive species such as water hyacinth have expanded rapidly in recent years.
Environmental authorities warn that the fast-spreading plants are clogging waterways, disrupting irrigation systems, affecting domestic water supply and damaging fragile aquatic ecosystems.
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As upstream states in the Limpopo system, South Africa and Botswana are under pressure to contain the spread of invasive species before they affect downstream countries including and.
The broader Limpopo River Basin supports an estimated 14 million people across four southern African countries and plays a critical role in agriculture, mining, industry and domestic water supply.
Regional water governance within the basin is coordinated through the, which promotes cooperation over shared water resources.
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The Upper Limpopo system includes major South African catchments such as the Crocodile West, Marico, Mokolo and Mogalakwena rivers, alongside Botswana’s Notwane, Lotsane, Motloutse, Mahalapye, Tswapong, Bonwapitse and Tuti river systems.
Experts say invasive aquatic species have become an increasing challenge across southern Africa due to climate variability, pollution, nutrient build-up in waterways and expanding human activity around river systems.
Water hyacinth in particular has emerged as a major environmental threat in several African countries because of its ability to spread quickly and reduce oxygen levels in water bodies.
Beyond environmental damage, dense plant growth can also hinder transport, fishing and hydroelectric operations while increasing water loss through evaporation.
Officials say the new agreement is expected to strengthen joint surveillance, coordinated management and early intervention measures between the two countries.
Majodina also participated in ministerial discussions ahead of the Bi-National Commission session, where talks included progress on the proposed Lesotho-Botswana Water Transfer Project.
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The planned project involves a 700-kilometre pipeline intended to transport water from a proposed dam on to support domestic, agricultural and industrial water needs in Botswana, Lesotho and South Africa.
The project reflects broader regional efforts to improve long-term water security in southern Africa, where recurring droughts, population growth and industrial demand are increasing pressure on already stressed water systems.
Analysts say stronger cross-border cooperation will become increasingly important as southern African countries confront the combined effects of climate change, water scarcity and environmental degradation across shared river basins.
