Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo
Herald Reporter
SADC has received another 12 million Euros from the European Union for transport upgrading, with the bloc increasing its backing of Phase 2 of the tripartite transport and transit facilitation programme by raising Sadc’s total allocation under the multiannual indicative programme for Sub-Saharan Africa to 175,9 million Euros.
In a communique after the Sadc Secretariat convened their second quarterly meeting for the 2025-2026 financial year on Monday, the regional bloc said the investment was enhancing regional connectivity, reducing trade barriers and improving transport infrastructure across member States.
The programme’s goal is to assist Sadc, EAC and Comesa member States to harmonise road transport laws, policies, regulations, standards and systems.
It is funded by the EU under the 11th European Development Fund and is coordinated by a programme management unit hosted by the SADC Secretariat on behalf of the Tripartite.
“A key highlight was the EU’s continued financial support, which is delivering measurable impact across the region,” said the Secretariat.
“The quarterly meeting reaffirmed the partnership between SADC and the EU, spotlighting shared priorities in regional integration, peacebuilding and sustainable development.
“The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat and the European union (EU) Delegation and SADC convened their second quarterly meeting for the 2025/26 financial year on 6 October 2025.”
Co-chaired by Deputy Executive Secretary of SADC responsible for Regional Integration Ms Angele Makombo N’tumba and Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation Mr Catalin Gherman, the meeting reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to advancing SADC’s regional development agenda.
SADC said further the EU support is anticipated under the 2025 annual action plan, with a strong focus on transboundary water management.
“A project formulation mission scheduled for October 2025 will help shape targeted interventions aimed at strengthening water governance and resilience in shared river basins,” said the Secretariat.
The meeting also assessed progress on the implementation of programmes under the SADC-EU partnership, which is anchored in regional integration, peace and security, economic competitiveness and sustainable development.
SADC said these efforts align with the bloc’s Vision 2050 and the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (2020–2030).
Serving as a strategic platform to deepen cooperation, the meeting also focused on preparations for the upcoming 2025 SADC International Cooperating Partners Dialogue Platform Meeting, scheduled for November 11, 2025.
