Africa PPP 2025 Interview: The Orange-Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM)
Elita BANDA, Communication and Knowledge Management Specialist, Orange-Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM)
Responsible for managing the resources of the Orange-Senqu River basin, ORASECOM oversees this transboundary resource shared by Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho and South Africa providing a forum for consultation and coordination between the states to promote integrated water resources management and development within the basin.
In addition to promoting the equitable and sustainable development of the resources of the Orange-Senqu River, ORASECOM works to strengthen regional solidarity and enhance socio-economic cooperation within the region.
Elita Banda is a Communication and Knowledge Management Specialist with the Orange–Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM), where she leads strategic communication, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge management. She plays a key role in the Lesotho–Botswana Water Transfer Project, one of SADC’s priority multipurpose infrastructure projects, promoting inclusive participation, regional cooperation, and knowledge development to support sustained socio-economic growth in the project area. Her career spans work in communications across various sectors, including water, health, education, and agriculture. With a strong background in communications, policy advisory, and water diplomacy, Elita is passionate about leveraging transboundary water resources to drive economic development and shared regional benefits.
The Lesotho-Botswana Water Transfer Project presents opportunities for private sector involvement in financing, construction, operations, and value chains, including energy, irrigation, and technology solutions. Its regional impact extends beyond water supply. As a multipurpose transboundary project involving four riparian states, it is among the priority infrastructure projects in the SADC region. By strengthening cooperation through joint implementation, the project delivers mutually inclusive transboundary benefits in line with the long-term development goals of the Orange-Senqu River Basin. It will drive economic growth while promoting integrated transboundary water resources investment for poverty reduction and sustainable development.
We look forward to engaging with stakeholders on innovative financing models, risk-sharing mechanisms, and ways to structure partnerships that unlock private investment in large-scale water infrastructure. The conference also provides an opportunity to explore cross-sector collaboration that ensures both sustainability and shared regional benefits.
