The project's overall objective is to support the transformation required to meet increasing water, energy, and food security demand in the context of climate change in the SADC region by developing an integrated nexus approach. The project's specific objectives are to create an enabling environment that will drive cross-sectoral engagement and implement nexus investment projects that enhance water, food, and energy security in the SADC region. The project began in 2017 and is being implemented in two phases.
The project is being implemented in a phased approach. Phase I of the Nexus Dialogues Programme ran from 2017 to 2019 and aimed at helping regional organisations and their member states apply a nexus approach in formulating multi-sector policy recommendations, strategies, action plans and investment programmes.
Key outcomes from the first phase include:
a) Establishment of the SADC Regional WEF Nexus Framework and its validation by the SADC Member States
b) Development of 15 Investment Projects that have potential for applying WEF Nexus approach
c) Development of a WEF nexus investment project screening and appraisal tool
Phase II is building on the achievements of Phase I, with the overall objective being to institutionalise the WEF Nexus approach at regional and national governance structures and to support investment decisions for water, energy and food security in the SADC region. Phase II of the project has a duration of 3 years, commencing in 2020 until 2023.
The specific objectives of Phase II are to:
a) Increase application of the Nexus approach in planning, policymaking, and implementation and,
b) Increase interest from the public and private investors for projects applying the Nexus approach.