On 1 January 2016, implementation of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was officially started. Meeting the 2030 targets in southern Africa – a region where common development challenges result in shared risks and common future prospects – is not without its challenges. Analysing the goals in terms of the food, energy and water nexus may be a useful tool to identifying a holistic approach towards sustainability and meeting the SDG targets. This briefing paper does not propose a concrete way forward on linking the SDGs and the FEW nexus. In reality, the way forward would differ from country to country based on resource endowment and constraints. This briefing paper only aims to develop a better understanding of the complex relationships between different SDGs and to identify approaches that allow for greater integration and a holistic approach towards development and sustainability in a region where common development challenges result in shared risks and common future prospects. This publication is one in a series examining issues of relevance in the transition to a low-carbon, sustainable economy which delivers South Africa’s developmental goals.