Water insecurity in Africa’s IDZs under spotlight in East London

Water insecurity in Africa’s industrial development zones took centre stage in East London as industry leaders andwaterexperts met to explore practical solutions for climate-resilient growth. Delegates from SA, Ethiopia, Zambia and Tanzania attended the three-day NatuReS II regional learning exchange last week. ELIDZspokesperson Siphosethu Tikana said the gathering came at a critical time, as water security was increasingly becoming a defining challenge for economic growth and industrial sustainability across Africa.

The event brought together government officials, private sector representatives, water managers, academics and civil society groups to share practical approaches aimed at strengthening water stewardship while sustaining industrial competitiveness and economic resilience. Water stewardship refers to the responsible and collaborative management of water resources in ways that are socially equitable, environmentally sustainable and economically viable. The programme was themed: “From source to industry: stewardship multi-stakeholder partnerships for socio-ecological transformation and water-smart industrial futures.” Tikana said this guided intensive dialogue, hands-on learning and regional collaboration focused on strengthening water stewardship in Africa’s industrial regions.

It speaks to our long-standing commitment to environmentally responsible industrialisation and our intentional transition towards a water-smart, eco-industrial model grounded in science, governance and partnership ELIDZ chief operations officer Ayanda Ramncwana said the theme reflected the zone’s long-term direction. “This theme is not aspirational for us. It reflects who we are today and the future we are deliberately building. “It speaks to our long-standing commitment to environmentally responsible industrialisation and our intentional transition towards a water-smart, eco-industrial model grounded in science, governance and partnership.”