SADC Secretariat Strengthens Project Efficiency Through Strategic Review Session
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat has stepped up efforts to improve the performance and impact of its development projects and programmes.
On 29th April 2025, project managers, directors, and other key stakeholders held a day-long review session aimed at identifying and addressing operational bottlenecks in projects funded through Channel One, the Secretariat-managed framework.
The session was facilitated by the SADC Directorate of Policy Planning and Resource Mobilization, with technical input from the Project Management Support Unit (PMSU).
Co-chaired by SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, Ms. Angele Makombo N’Tumba, and Deputy Executive Secretary for Corporate Affairs, Dr. Judith Kateera, the session emphasized the importance of proactive leadership in development planning. The two leaders encouraged participants to anticipate challenges and act before issues escalate, citing Arnold Glasow’s quote:
“One of the true tests of leadership is the ability to recognize a problem before it becomes an emergency.” They also stressed the value of such forums for sharing knowledge, solving problems, and ensuring the successful implementation of SADC’s Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030 and Vision 2050.
Twelve key projects and programmes were reviewed, each providing updates on progress, challenges encountered, and planned improvements. These initiatives cover a wide range of development priorities including peace and security, climate resilience, disaster risk management, macroeconomic stability, health, and digital innovation.
Among the highlighted projects were the EU-funded African Peace and Security Architecture (EU-APSA) and the ECESPA project, both aimed at strengthening the region’s peace and security mechanisms.
The SADC HIV Special Fund – Round 3, supported by Member States, continues to enhance HIV/AIDS prevention and intervention efforts.
Other initiatives such as the Regional Climate Resilience Program (RCRP), CLIMSA, and the Disaster Risk Management Strengthening (DRMSS) project focus on building resilience to climate shocks and natural disasters. The PROFISHBLUE Project, funded by the African Development Bank, supports sustainable fisheries and blue economy strategies.
The Trade and Transit Facilitation Project (TTFP) works to improve cross-border trade and transport efficiency along the North-South Corridor, while the SADC Regional Statistics Project, which achieved 90% of its 2024 targets, is boosting data production and regional harmonisation.
At the conclusion of the session, participants reaffirmed their commitment to improving internal processes, strengthening coordination, and increasing visibility of project outcomes.
They acknowledged the critical role of these initiatives in driving regional integration and improving the lives of SADC citizens. The Secretariat pledged ongoing support to ensure that projects remain aligned with regional goals and deliver lasting impact.
The SADC Secretariat continues to position itself as a hub for efficient development coordination, with a renewed focus on transparency, impact, and sustainability across Southern Africa.
