This case study illustrates how neighbouring countries (Angola and Namibia) can collaborate on an EIA for a project on a shared river (the Cunene), which is also their common boundary. The case study was also highly controversial, and thus illustrates the tensions that can result from a process that is charged with emotion and where stakeholders adopt entrenched positions from the start. Although the project has not been implemented, the EIA had a considerable and fundamental role in the decision-making process with regard to which dam site to pursue.