Circular economy and water innovation expert Dr Henry Roman has been appointed as the International Water Management Institute’s (IWMI’s) regional representative for Southern Africa and country representative for South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Roman, as the regional representative for Southern Africa, will lead IWMI's initiatives in the region, focusing on innovative water management strategies, sustainable development and enhancing agricultural productivity.

He will play a pivotal role in coordinating regional efforts to address pressing water challenges, ensuring the effective implementation of IWMI's mission across borders and repositioning the region as a circular economy hub within Africa.

The United Nations (UN) predicts that by 2025, two-thirds of the global population could be living in water-stressed regions, with sub-Saharan Africa being particularly vulnerable to water scarcity, and circular economy practices offer a transformative solution.

“Circular economy is not just a concept but a lifeline for Southern Africa, where the pressing need for responsible resource management has never been more critical. With over 300-million people facing water scarcity by 2030 in the region, embracing circular economy principles is not just a choice – it is an urgent necessity for ensuring the survival and prosperity of our communities,” Roman said.

“By embracing circular principles in water management, removing inefficiencies, designing out waste and implementing the 9Rs [framework], we can transform our water management systems, safeguarding our most precious resource and creating a sustainable future for Southern Africa,” he continues, noting that Africa can address water scarcity, as well as build resilience, protect ecosystems and create a foundation for sustainable development through the circular economy.

The 9R framework refers to refuse, rethink, reduce, reuse, repair, refurbish, remanufacture, repurpose, recycle and recover.

Roman, who has PhD in Biotechnology and an MSc in Biochemistry, along with extensive industry experience in the public sector, private sector and non-governmental organisation spaces, is currently serving as a trustee for the Sustainable Seas Trust, which strives to reduce and remove plastic in the ocean.

He is also a board member of the Institute for Water Research at Rhodes University, a member of the research advisory panel to the Water Centre at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, a member of the advisory committee of the Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability at the University of South Africa, and a professional associate of the Biotechnology Innovation Centre at Rhodes University.

Further, the IWMI appointed two deputy country representatives, senior researcher Dr Greenwell Matchaya and project coordinator Nora Hauke-Louw, who will work closely with Roman in their respective capacities and further strengthen IWMI's capabilities to address the multifaceted challenges of water management.

“These strategic appointments underscore IWMI's dedication to assembling a team of experts capable of driving positive change in water management practices. The combined leadership of Roman, Matchaya and Hauke-Louw reflects IWMI's commitment to pioneering sustainable solutions for water-related issues in Southern Africa,” the institute said in a statement issued on Monday.