Angola, August 15, 2025
In a significant step towards enhancing cooperation on climate action, the Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS) met with His Excellency Nascimento Soares, Secretary of State for Climate Action and Sustainable Development, to advance joint initiatives in Angola and align priorities in the lead-up to COP30. This first meeting since His Excellency’s appointment provided an opportunity to present OSS’s mandate, its role as an accredited regional implementing entity, and its work in supporting Angola’s climate and water sector priorities.
Led by Ms. Khaoula Jaoui, Technical Programmes Coordinator, Climate Department Director, and Head of Mission, the OSS delegation presented progress under the Adaptation to Climate Change through Integrated Water Resources Management in the Transboundary Region between Angola and Namibia (ADSWAC) project, along with the recently approved CREW Angola project. Taking place as Angola prepares its new National Adaptation Plan (NAP), the meeting underscored the importance of integrating OSS projects into national strategies to ensure lasting impact.
The OSS team shared the preliminary conclusions of the ongoing ADSWAC mid-term review, highlighting recommendations to ensure the project remains responsive to current realities, particularly in the drought-prone Cubango and Cuando Provinces. Discussions also explored collaboration with the Ecological Centre in Menongue to leverage its technical capacity in support of project activities.
His Excellency addressed key aspects of ADSWAC, including sustainable water management solutions, the prevention of transboundary conflicts, the involvement of local authorities, the project’s operational structure, and its community-based approach. The Green School Programme and land management challenges were also examined as part of broader climate resilience efforts. He emphasized the need for necessary adjustments to ensure the project’s alignment with national priorities and the maximization of its benefits.
Looking ahead to COP30 in Brazil this November, both parties agreed on the opportunity to jointly present the 2 projects as complementary initiatives funded by the Adaptation Fund and the Green Climate Fund that together demonstrate the value of coordinated climate finance in strengthening resilience and empowering vulnerable communities, particularly women and youth.
The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of OSS and the Government of Angola who in its part reaffirmed its willingness toto reinforce institutional cooperation, promote sustainable water management, and advance climate adaptation efforts that are nationally anchored, regionally coordinated, and designed to deliver tangible benefits to those most affected by climate change.
On this occasion, Angola also renewed its expression of interest in joining the Sahara and Sahel Observatory as a member country, underscoring its readiness to strengthen collaboration within the regional framework and contribute actively to shared environmental and climate objectives.