Zambia Enhances Capacity for SADC Regional Integration with New Training Programmes
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, led by Ms. Etambuyu Anamela Gundersen, Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation and SADC National Contact Point, today officiated at the Capacity Building Training on SADC Regional Integration Project Management and Resource Mobilization.
The event, held in Lusaka, marks the first of two training sessions aimed at strengthening Zambia’s participation in regional integration efforts.
The training programme, part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Strengthening National Regional Linkages Programme (SNRL), is supported by GIZ. It is designed to enhance Zambia’s capacity in managing and coordinating regional projects, a critical element of the country’s role in advancing the SADC agenda. Participants include representatives from various government ministries, academia, civil society, and the private sector.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Gundersen emphasized the Zambian government’s dedication to the successful implementation of the SADC regional integration agenda. She highlighted the importance of the initiative in improving living standards for the people of Zambia and called for strengthened collaboration between stakeholders to meet the project’s milestones.
“The support we are receiving from GIZ and SADC is invaluable, but it is for a limited time. Therefore, we must ensure that we meet the milestones of the project,” said Ms. Gundersen. She pledged the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of regional projects that align with Zambia’s Eighth National Development Plan.
Ms. Gundersen also commended the SADC National Committee and the support of GIZ and SADC, which has been instrumental in improving the tracking of regional projects and raising awareness about SADC’s successes in Zambia. She expressed confidence that the new programme will further enhance Zambia’s capacity in key areas such as project management, coordination, and resource mobilization.
The training focuses on critical sectors, including agriculture, industrialization, mining, regional infrastructure, intra-regional trade, and regional collaboration in gender, education, health, and climate resilience. These areas align with Zambia’s national development priorities, which seek to improve economic growth and regional integration.
Dr. Mubita Luwabelwa, Director of Planning and Policy at SADC, also attended the training and underscored the importance of capacity building for the success of the regional integration agenda. He commended Zambia’s partnership with SADC in achieving the region’s aspirations.
The SADC and GIZ partnership has been instrumental in Zambia’s efforts to strengthen national structures, improve project implementation, and ensure the long-term success of regional integration efforts. Ms. Gundersen expressed gratitude to the SADC Secretariat, the German Government, and GIZ for their continued support.
