SADC and UNDP Strengthen Partnership for Regional Development
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Executive Secretary, His Excellency Mr. Elias Magosi, held a consultative meeting with Dr. Matthias Naab, Director of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Regional Service Centre for Africa (RSCA), on 4 November 2025 at the SADC Secretariat Headquarters.
The meeting focused on enhancing collaboration between SADC and UNDP to advance sustainable development, regional integration, and institutional capacity-building across the Southern African region.
Dr. Naab, who oversees UNDP’s engagement with regional and continental institutions, highlighted the RSCA’s role in providing policy, technical, and programme advisory services to 46 African countries, supporting inclusive growth, governance, peacebuilding, and resilience initiatives.
H.E. Mr. Magosi welcomed Dr. Naab and his delegation, praising the long-standing partnership between the two organisations. He described the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SADC and UNDP as “a critical framework for structured and strategic engagement.”
“The MoU provides a clear pathway to strengthen our collaboration in advancing regional integration, good governance, peace and security, and sustainable development,” H.E. Magosi said. “Through this partnership, we aim to leverage UNDP’s technical expertise to complement SADC’s regional programmes and ensure that no Member State is left behind.”
The Executive Secretary identified key areas of cooperation, including governance and institutional capacity development, climate change adaptation, digital transformation, youth empowerment, and gender equality. He emphasised the importance of coordinated, results-driven action at both regional and national levels.
Dr. Naab reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to supporting SADC’s Vision 2050 and the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030, highlighting the organisation’s readiness to mobilise expertise to accelerate the implementation of agreed initiatives.
Both parties agreed to fast-track the finalisation of a Joint Action Plan to operationalise the MoU, defining concrete deliverables, timelines, and areas of cooperation. Technical working sessions will be convened regularly to review progress and ensure effective coordination.
In closing, H.E. Magosi thanked UNDP for its continued partnership and reiterated SADC’s commitment to strengthening collaboration towards sustainable and inclusive development in the region.
