By Dr Manessah Alagbaoso*
As Africa increasingly contends with severe water scarcity, there is growing recognition that water, not just energy, will dominate the sustainability conversation in the years ahead. South Africa, which has long grappled with the challenges of electricity load shedding, is now facing an additional, compounding crisis: water shedding. This reality, once unimaginable, has begun to impact South Africans’ daily lives, bringing new urgency to discussions around water management and sustainability.
As the world shifts its focus towards energy transitions, South Africa’s experience underscores how water scarcity is rapidly becoming the next major crisis demanding attention. While South Africa is at the forefront of this issue, the conversation about water management extends far beyond its borders, impacting various African countries. Water scarcity isn’t just about the absence of water – it’s about the accessibility and potability of this vital resource.
Over $28 billion in annual productivity lost in Africa is due to poor access to clean drinking water and approximately $1,600 is spent over a 5-year period by the average African household to boil water and treat water-borne diseases. Floods and droughts exemplify the extremes of our relationship with water, underscoring the need for effective management. For instance, the recent drought conditions in Zambia and Zimbabwe have led to dangerously low water levels in the Kariba Dam, critically impacting hydroelectric power generation. This resulted in over 24 hours of loadshedding daily in Zambia, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable solutions.
To address this challenge, Standard Bank is implementing comprehensive educational interventions – developing a sustainability learning module focused on water and wastewater management, targeting both internal staff and business banking clients. By equipping clients with the knowledge needed to manage water resources effectively, we aim to foster a culture of sustainability that transcends the financial sector.
Our efforts also extend to innovative solutions for customers already facing water scarcity challenges. For instance, we are collaborating with a Cape Town-based client that specialises in smart water metering technology, which not only tracks water usage but also detects leaks—helping to reduce wastage significantly. Such initiatives illustrate how technology can drive efficiency and promote sustainable practices in agriculture and industry.
Moreover, we are actively engaging with clients in Zimbabwe and Malawi, assisting them in moving away from heavy reliance on groundwater by promoting the recycling of wastewater for agricultural purposes. This not only conserves precious resources but also enhances food security in regions facing severe water stress.
In South Africa, the emphasis on water management is still in its nascent stages compared to energy concerns, yet there is a growing awareness among stakeholders. Both public and private sectors recognise the critical role water plays in the broader sustainability narrative. Our partnerships with local and global agencies highlight the collaborative approach necessary to tackle these pressing issues effectively.
As we move forward, it’s crucial to understand that sustainability is not solely about mitigating risks or addressing challenges – it is also about seizing the opportunities that arise from these transitions. Standard Bank’s Positive Impact is anchored on four pillars: financial inclusion, enterprise growth and job creation, infrastructure development and the just energy transition, and climate change and resilience. Each of these pillars aims to ensure that the social aspects of our initiatives are given equal weight alongside economic and environmental considerations.
Addressing water scarcity in South Africa and across Africa is not just a challenge – it is a call to action. Through education, innovative solutions and collaboration, we can make meaningful strides toward sustainable water management. By empowering communities and businesses alike, we can build a resilient future that secures this essential resource for generations to come.
*Dr Manessah Alagbaoso is Head of Business Ecosystems and Sustainability at Business & Commercial Banking ,Standard Bank Group
