the economies of the region remain undiversified and as such they are unable to absorb shocks, including falling commodity prices. For Member States which have managed to record satisfactory growth rates within the range of the regional target of 7 per cent, such as DRC and Tanzania, issues of inclusive growth remain paramount. RECOMMENDATIONS • Immediate to short-term: The current socioeconomic situation in most Member States is such that some Governments may not have enough resources to support the huge humanitarian requirements of its vulnerable population. Hence the need to appeal for humanitarian assistance from cooperating partners. • Medium to long-term: While addressing the short-term humanitarian needs, Governments and partners should also consider implementing medium to long-term developmental programmes which would build resilience of the affected population and the economy. ENERGY Although there had already been challenges in electricity supply since 2007, when demand exceeded supply, the drought has exacerbated the situation with hydropower generation being most affected from low reservoir storage levels of water. For instance, Lake Kariba was reported to be 12 per cent in midMarch 2016 (ZINWA, 2016) with such low water levels adversely affecting hydro-power generation at Kariba Dam jointly owned and operated by Zambia and Zimbabwe. Lake Kariba Height Variation (m) 6 4 2 0 -2 January 2016 -5.41m -4 -6 1993 1995 1997 Source: TOPEX/Posideon 1999 2001 2003 This current situation was prevalent at Kariba in 2015, reducing hydropower generation by more than 50 per cent, from a potential total annual generation of 8,450 GWh to only 4,060 GWh (Kariba Hydropower Company, 2015). At a recommended regional energy tariff of US14 cents/kWh, this equates to a $615 million total loss in revenue to both ZESA and ZESCO, the two power utilities that generate hydropower at Kariba. Many parts of the region are similarly affected with others experiencing worse 22 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 conditions in terms of water supply and sanitation service provision. The drought has also exposed deep seated issues related to energy and water security, necessitating the serious need for a nexus approach going forward and incorporating climate change information and services in the medium and long term Regional water and energy planning.