The EKK-TBA is significant in anchoring Gross Domestic Product growth and development in both countries is heavily reliant on groundwater. Recently a transboundary diagnostic analysis (TDA) and a strategic action plan (SAP) for the EKK-TBA was completed. The analysis resulted in a three-fold expansion of the EKK-TBA boundary. The new EKK-TBA boundary overlaps part of the Okavango and Zambezi River Basins and now also includes major wellfields in Botswana and Zimbabwe (Nyamandlovu and Epping Forest) as well as the Makgadikgadi Pans which act as the surface water and groundwater discharge zone.
An analysis of institutional arrangements was carried out to enhance effective and efficient management of the EKK-TBA. Noting the complexity of the EKK-TBA. the initial institutional response could potentially be the development of a bilateral agreement between Botswana and Zimbabwe for cooperation and coordination to support the management of the TBA. This agreement would seek to establish a Joint Permanent Technical Committee (JPTC) that would also co-opt in members from the two shared watercourse commissions. Such a JPTC would enable improved coordination across the varying transboundary dimensions and would align with the precepts of the Revised Protocol on Shared Watercourses. This would include such principles including sustainable utilization, equitable and reasonable utilisation and participation, prevention, and co-operation, as well as aspects of data and information exchange and prior notification.