Zikhali-Nyoni, Thobekile2025-03-142025-01Zikhali-Nyoni, T. (2025) ‘Assessing the value of third parties in transboundary water governance: a constructivist institutionalism perspective on the Incomati River Basin’, Water International, 50(1), pp. 48–69. doi: 10.1080/02508060.2025.2451015.0250-8060 (print)1941-1707 (online)10.1080/02508060.2025.2451015https://hdl.handle.net/10539/44300This paper examines the role of third parties in shaping transboundary water governance in the Incomati River Basin, focusing on the Southern African Development Community, the World Bank, China, and Brazil. The analysis explores how these actors shape power dynamics, foster cooperation, and balance regional interests with local needs. Using Constructivist Institutionalism, the paper reveal show prioritizing shared goals over individual interests fosters effective cooperation. The findings underscore the dual nature of third-party involvement; balancing power while advancing their own agendas, and demonstrate how these actors’ help states navigate complex challenges, bridge gaps and facilitate cooperation in the river basin.en© 2025 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License.Transboundary water governanceThird partiesAgencyPowerInstitutionsConstructivist institutionalismIncomati River BasinSouthern AfricaSDG-6: Clean water and sanitationSDG-17: Partnerships for the goalsArticle