The 2002-03 SADC Annual Report was prepared against the backdrop of major positive developments in the region during the period July 2002- June 2003. These included the approval of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development (RISDP) and the Strategic Indicative Plan for the Organ (SIPO).
Both documents provide strategic direction with respect to SADC programmes and activities. The Report is divided into five parts. The first part provides an overview of the global, continental and regional economic developments. The importance of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan and Strategic Indicative Plan of the Organ is covered in the second part. The third part focuses on the developments in main areas of regional – cooperation which cover – trade, industry, finance and investment; infrastructure and services; food, agriculture and natural resources; and social and human development as well as the important role of SADC National Committees. Part four covers the equally cross-cutting issues of HIV and AIDS ,gender and development, science and technology and information technologies and part five is dedicated to the way forward.
Based on economic performance of the SADC Region, the Report provides policy recommendations for accelerated growth and poverty reduction. It draws a lot from the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan and Strategic Indicative Plan for the Organ which aim at deeper integration through a set of priority intervention areas over the next fifteen years.
The Report has also defined roles of each key player and the time frame provided for the attainment of goals and targets.
