SADC and Germany Strengthen Ties with Signing of Development Cooperation Framework Agreement

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Federal Republic of Germany signed the SADC-German Framework Agreement on Development Cooperation in Gaborone, Botswana, on the 8th November 2023. 

The Framework Agreement was signed by His Excellency Mr. Elias Mpedi Magosi, the Executive Secretary of SADC and Her Excellency, Margit Hellwig-Bötte, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Botswana and Special Representative to SADC.

The Development Cooperation under the Agreement aims to achieve sustainable development reflected equally in economic efficiency, social justice, environmental viability and political stability, within the framework of the respective laws and regulations of the two parties and for the benefit of the people in the SADC region.

SADC Executive Secretary expressed his appreciation for the continued support offered by the Federal Republic of Germany towards the implementation of the SADC regional integration agenda. 

He underlined that, through the Framework Agreement, there will be enhanced collaboration, partnership and impactful cooperation that will deepen existing relations, whilst also improving the economy and livelihoods of the people in the region.

This Framework Agreement embraces dialogue, a critical political mechanism that offers an opportunity for the Parties to frankly engage and discuss issues of mutual interest, with a view to strengthen and deepen their cooperation, H.E Magosi said.

For her part, Ambassador Hellwig-Bötte reiterated her country’s commitment to broaden existing cooperation with SADC to advance regional integration, poverty alleviation and sustainable development. 

His Excellency Mr. Elias Mpedi Magosi was accompanied by Dr Luwabelwa Mubita, Director for Policy, Planning and Resources Mobilisation and Dr Phineas Matto, Legal Counsel at SADC Secretariat while Ambassador H.E Margit Hellwig-Bötte was with Mr. Marcel Grella and Ms. Annelene Bremer who are both Heads of Economic and Development Cooperation in the German Embassy in Botswana. 

the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Federal Republic of Germany inked the SADC-German Framework Agreement on Development Cooperation on November 8, 2023, in Gaborone, Botswana.

The bilateral agreement was signed by His Excellency Mr. Elias Mpedi Magosi, the Executive Secretary of SADC, and Her Excellency Margit Hellwig-Bötte, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Botswana and Special Representative to SADC.

The overarching objective of the Development Cooperation under this Agreement is to achieve sustainable development, encompassing economic efficiency, social justice, environmental viability, and political stability. 

These objectives will be pursued within the legal frameworks of both parties and for the benefit of the people in the SADC region.

Expressing gratitude for Germany’s continued support towards the implementation of the SADC regional integration agenda, Executive Secretary Mr. Elias Mpedi Magosi highlighted that the Framework Agreement signifies a commitment to enhanced collaboration, partnership, and impactful cooperation. 

This, he believes, will deepen existing relations while contributing to the economic improvement and livelihoods of the people in the region.

H.E Magosi emphasized the significance of dialogue within the Framework Agreement, considering it a critical political mechanism. 

It provides an opportunity for the Parties to engage openly and discuss matters of mutual interest, ultimately strengthening and deepening their cooperation.

Ambassador Hellwig-Bötte reaffirmed Germany’s dedication to expanding cooperation with SADC to advance regional integration, alleviate poverty, and promote sustainable development.

The signing ceremony witnessed the presence of key representatives. His Excellency Mr. Elias Mpedi Magosi was accompanied by Dr. Luwabelwa Mubita, Director for Policy, Planning, and Resources Mobilization, and Dr. Phineas Matto, Legal Counsel at the SADC Secretariat. 

Ambassador H.E Margit Hellwig-Bötte was joined by Mr. Marcel Grella and Ms. Annelene Bremer, both Heads of Economic and Development Cooperation in the German Embassy in Botswana.

The Framework Agreement marks a new chapter in the collaboration between SADC and Germany, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering sustainable development and addressing the diverse challenges facing the region. 

This partnership is expected to catalyze positive changes in economic, social, and environmental domains, contributing to the prosperity of the SADC community. 

 This story has been adopted from SADC, Botswana.