Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo-Herald Reporter
SADC is advocating for formalised engagements between the bloc’s executives and the African Development Bank (AfDB)’s executive directors, as the regional body continues to reinforce regional partnership with the multilateral development finance institution.
The AfDB has three executive directors representing Southern Africa, each overseeing development initiatives and financial strategies for their respective constituencies.
The Southern Africa region is represented by Mr João Luis Ngimbi (Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique, Angola), Mr Gerard Pascal Bussier (Botswana, Malawi, Mauritius, Zambia), and Dr Nomfundo Xenia Ngwenya (Eswatini, Lesotho, South Africa).
In a communiqué yesterday, the SADC Secretariat said that in addition to the formalised engagements, the regional bloc had lobbied for expedited funding for critical infrastructure projects, the establishment of AfDB country offices in Botswana and Namibia to strengthen coordination, and the consistent exchange of information on funding opportunities to enhance regional development efforts.
The SADC Secretariat deepened its collaboration with the AfDB during a series of strategic engagements on the sidelines of the 2025 AfDB Annual Meetings held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
“In a continued effort to strengthen collaboration between the SADC Secretariat, HE Magosi and his delegation also engaged with AfDB executive directors representing Southern Africa Groups 1, 2 and 3 constituencies.
“The series of engagements reaffirmed SADC and AfDB’s shared vision for accelerating infrastructure investments, expanding financial assistance, and deepening regional integration, driving Africa’s development forward.
“The SADC Secretariat advocated for formalised engagements between SADC executives and technical teams with the AfDB Executive Directors, expedited funding for critical infrastructure projects, the establishment of AfDB country offices in Botswana and Namibia to strengthen coordination, and the consistent exchange of information on funding opportunities to enhance regional development efforts,” said SADC.
During the meetings, Mr Magosi also advocated for the fast-tracking of key infrastructure projects, including the Angola-Namibia Power Transmission, Mozambique-Zambia Interconnector and Kolwezi-Solwezi Power Interconnection, all under the energy sector.
Under transport and logistics and renewable energy, the fast-tracking of the Lobito Railway Corridor, Lesotho-Botswana Water Transfer project and the mega solar development in Botswana and Namibia were discussed.
“This engagement aligns with the commitments made by the AfDB president upon assuming office, following recommendations from SADC Ministers of Finance, who serve as governors of the bank.
“The SADC executive secretary (Elias Magosi) was accompanied by director for finance, investment and customs Mr Sadwick Mtonakutha, director for infrastructure Ms Mapolao Mokoena, head of communications and public relations Ms Barbara Lopi, resource mobilisation officer Mr Nations Msowoya and executive assistant to the executive secretary at the SADC Secretariat Ms Kelejwang Moichubedi.”
Mr Magosi also met with AfDB vice president for Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery, Ms Nnenna Nwabufo, to explore new avenues for collaboration.
Their discussions focused on four key projects valued at US$22.6 million under the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030, aimed at enhancing fisheries governance, trade and transit facilitation, macroeconomic convergence, and regional financial integration.
“The SADC Executive Secretary expressed appreciation for AfDB’s support in advancing the SADC Regional Development Fund (RDF), a financial mechanism designed to boost infrastructure, industrialisation and regional integration.
“Discussions also covered critical integration priorities such as streamlining customs processes across corridors, coordinated border management to enhance trade facilitation, developing cross-border value chains in agro-processing, minerals, and pharmaceuticals, and strengthening industrial skills and intellectual property management.
“Ms Nwabufo reaffirmed AfDB’s commitment to scaling up cooperation on strategic initiatives aligned with Africa’s broader development goals,” said SADC.
