SADC and World Bank Reinforce Regional Development Goals in High-Level Meeting
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the World Bank have reaffirmed their strategic partnership during a high-level courtesy meeting held on the sidelines of the Spring Meetings of the IMF and World Bank in Washington, D.C.
SADC Executive Secretary H.E. Mr. Elias Magosi met with Dr. Amit Dar, Acting Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa at the World Bank, to review progress on joint programmes, explore future collaboration, and strengthen the drive for regional integration and sustainable development.
The meeting highlighted the current SADC-World Bank project portfolio valued at US$19.6 million, which supports the region’s development priorities following the completion of the Public Procurement Monitoring and Evaluation Framework Project in 2024.
H.E. Magosi praised the Bank’s consistent support, notably its contribution to the Regional Energy Transmission, Trade, and Decarbonisation Project (RETRADE)—a US$1.26 billion initiative aimed at boosting cross-border electricity trade and advancing climate resilience in Southern Africa. He specifically commended the RETRADE-Zambia Project for interlinking power pools and supporting green energy infrastructure.
The discussions also spotlighted SADC’s transformative plans for SMART Integrated Economic Corridors, starting with a pilot along the North-South Corridor, and a new study on top regional imports and exports aimed at enhancing intra-African trade.
Additionally, SADC updated the World Bank on its Mid-Term Review of the Regional Indicative Strategic Plan (RISDP 2020–2030) and affirmed its ongoing consultation to ensure results align with regional needs and global dynamics.
The courtesy meeting also addressed collaboration on the One Health Initiative and the proposed Pandemic Fund, developed with partners including the WHO and FAO, with project submissions expected by June 2025.
H.E. Magosi reiterated SADC’s commitment to contributing to the World Bank’s Integrating Africa Forward Flagship Report, while encouraging synergy with African Union-led initiatives to streamline efforts and avoid duplication.
The World Bank reaffirmed plans to strengthen ties through a formal engagement platform with SADC, set to include annual visits to the Secretariat in Botswana once the new Director for Regional Integration assumes office.
The meeting emphasised the mutual commitment to advancing inclusive development, regional economic integration, and long-term sustainability in Southern Africa.
The Executive Secretary was accompanied by Mr. Dennis Rweyemamu, Acting Director for Policy Planning and Resource Mobilisation, Ms. Barbara Lopi, Head of Communications and Public Relations, Dr. Mario Lironel, Senior Programme Officer for Finance and Investment, Mr. Calicious Tutalife, Senior Programme Officer for Value Chains, Engineer Edvan Moyo, Programme Officer for Energy, Mr. Thokozani Mlotsa, Resource Mobilisation Officer, and Ms. Kelejwang Moichubedi, Executive Assistant to the Executive Secretary.
