EU Commits €195.9 Million to Strengthen Peace, Trade, Agriculture and Digital Transformation in SADC
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat and the European Union (EU) Delegation to Botswana and SADC have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation aimed at boosting trade, development, and regional integration across Southern Africa.
The commitment was made during the first quarterly meeting of the 2026/27 financial year, held virtually and co-chaired by SADC Executive Secretary, H.E. Mr Elias Magosi, and EU Ambassador to Botswana and SADC, H.E. Ms Petra Pereyra.
The meeting reviewed progress under the EU-funded 2021–2027 Multiannual Indicative Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa.
Under the programme, the European Union has mobilised €195.9 million to support ten key projects across the SADC region. These initiatives span peace and security, agriculture, trade facilitation, natural resources management, digital transformation, and infrastructure development.
According to both parties, the programmes are already delivering tangible results, including strengthened disaster risk management systems and the deployment of emergency response teams in countries such as Mozambique, South Africa, and Madagascar. Other interventions are supporting improved market access and enhanced regional agricultural policies.
The discussions also marked a milestone, as 2026 commemorates ten years since the signing of the EU–SADC Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). The agreement has played a significant role in expanding exports, opening up markets, and strengthening economic relations between Southern Africa and Europe.
Speaking during the meeting, Mr Magosi emphasised that trade remains a key pillar of regional integration, noting its importance in job creation, economic resilience, and long-term prosperity.
He highlighted the importance of continued EU collaboration in helping the region unlock its full economic potential through stronger trade systems and deeper integration.
Ambassador Pereyra reiterated the European Union’s commitment to shared prosperity, describing trade as a powerful driver of development. She pointed to ongoing investments in strategic infrastructure corridors, agriculture, and digital transformation as critical foundations for future growth and cooperation.
Both SADC and the EU expressed appreciation for the progress achieved so far and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the next phase of engagement.
The upcoming Annual Action Plan (2026) will prioritise institutional capacity building, NaturAfrica II, as well as efforts to combat trafficking and organised crime.
