Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo-Herald Reporter
SADC has launched its Communication, Awareness and Visibility Strategy 2025-2030, which will see the Secretariat improving the visibility of regional programmes and achievements across all 16 member states.
In a communiqué yesterday, the regional bloc’s secretariat said the strategy signifies SADC’s renewed dedication to enhancing the visibility of regional programmes and accomplishments, boosting public awareness of its mission and fostering better engagement with stakeholders.
The strategy was launched by SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration Ms Angèle Makombo N’Tumba in Botswana.
“The SADC Secretariat has officially launched its Communication, Awareness and Visibility Strategy 2025-2030 in Gaborone, Botswana.
“The strategy was unveiled by Ms Makombo N’Tumba, SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, together with Ms Simone Goertz, Head of Economic and Development Cooperation at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Botswana, and Ms Barbara Lopi, Head of the Communications and Public Relations Unit at the Secretariat.
“This milestone marks a renewed commitment to strengthening public awareness of SADC’s mandate, enhancing stakeholder engagement, and improving visibility of regional programmes and achievements across the Southern African region,” said the SADC Secretariat after the launch.
The strategy outlines key objectives, defines target audiences and details the channels and platforms required to achieve communication priorities.
It recognises potential challenges and presents proactive, adaptable solutions to ensure resilience throughout implementation.
In the strategy’s foreword, SADC Executive Secretary Mr Elias Magosi said the regional bloc was fully committed to communication excellence.
“Communication is constantly evolving, shaped by shifting media consumption patterns and the growing expectations of diverse stakeholders.
“In today’s dynamic digital landscape, a forward-looking, agile and strategic approach is more essential than ever.
“By strengthening brand visibility, nurturing stakeholder relationships, and leveraging innovative communication tools, the strategy supports a cohesive and compelling regional narrative that resonates both within member states and on the global stage,” he said.
Mr Magosi said the overarching goal of the strategy is to reinforce SADC’s strategic communication capacity while increasing awareness and understanding of its value proposition, achievements, and impact across the region and beyond.
“In an increasingly complex digital landscape, SADC embraces the opportunity to lead with clarity, truth and trust.
“This strategy embeds fact-checking measures to ensure accuracy and credibility, promoting transparency and trust in SADC’s communication while reinforcing its leadership in regional integration, cooperation, and development.
“It aims to set the regional media agenda and reaffirm SADC’s role as a key driver of integration, stability, and sustainable development in Southern Africa,” he said.
The strategy builds on the solid foundation of previous milestones, including the SADC Communication and Promotional Strategy (2016–2020), and is informed by significant improvements in regional infrastructure that support modern communication.
“With 86 percent mobile network coverage, expected to reach 95 percent by 2030, and 54 percent internet penetration, more than half the SADC population is online, presenting a major opportunity for digital outreach,” said Mr Magosi.
