The Chobe holds key to regional integration

The double-decker boat full of ministers, top government officials and journalists from Angola, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia kicked into gear as it took its passengers deep into the belly of the Chobe River. It was going to be an exciting afternoon.

With the ministers, including the German minister of economic development Dirk Niebel and the Executive Secretary of Southern African Development Community Dr Tomaz Salomao, we were in the company of raw power; men who had the ears of presidents. The waiters started passing beverages and snacks around, whilst our tour guide cleared his throat and to give us a detailed narration of the magnificent Chobe; how it weaves through five countries distributing its beauty and life and liberating populations from grinding poverty.