The Southern African Development Community (SADC) deepened its collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB) through a series of strategic engagements on the sidelines of the 2025 AfDB Annual Meetings held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, under the theme, "Making Africa's Capital Work Better for Africa's Development". This theme focuses on harnessing Africa’s human, natural, financial, and commercial capital to drive structural transformation, economic resilience, and sustainable development across the continent.
On May 29, 2025, SADC Executive Secretary H.E. Elias M. Magosi paid tribute to Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, the outgoing AfDB President, recognising his visionary leadership and transformative contributions to Africa’s development. Under his tenure, the AfDB drove significant advancements in infrastructure, food security, and economic resilience, benefiting SADC Member States and the continent at large.
Dr. Adesina expressed gratitude for the commendation and reaffirmed his continued support for Africa’s progress and the strong AfDB-SADC partnership.
Following the announcement of the President elect, the SADC Executive Secretary extended heartfelt congratulations to H.E. Sidi Ould Tah on his election as President-elect of the AfDB Group and his appointment as the 9th President of the AfDB. His leadership is expected to steer the Bank’s strategic vision, driving economic growth, infrastructure development, and financial sustainability across Africa.
On May 27, 2025, H.E. Magosi met with AfDB Vice President for Regional Development, Integration, and Business Delivery, Ms. Nnenna Nwabufo, to explore new avenues for collaboration. Discussions focused on four key projects valued at UA 17.4 million (USD 22.6 million) under the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030, aimed at enhancing:
- Fisheries governance
- Trade and transit facilitation
- Macroeconomic convergence
- Regional financial integration
The SADC Executive Secretary expressed appreciation for AfDB’s support in advancing the SADC Regional Development Fund (RDF), a financial mechanism designed to boost infrastructure, industrialisation, and regional integration. Discussions also covered critical integration priorities such as:
- Streamlining customs processes across corridors
- Coordinated border management to enhance trade facilitation
- Developing cross-border value chains in agro-processing, minerals, and pharmaceuticals
- Strengthening industrial skills and intellectual property management
Ms. Nwabufo reaffirmed AfDB’s commitment to scaling up cooperation on strategic initiatives aligned with Africa’s broader development goals.
Engagement with AfDB Executive Directors
In a continued effort to strengthen collaboration between the SADC Secretariat, H.E Magosi and his delegation also engaged with AfDB Executive Directors representing Southern Africa Groups 1, 2, and 3 Constituencies. This engagement aligns with the commitments made by the AfDB President upon assuming office, following recommendations from SADC Ministers of Finance, who serve as Governors of the Bank. The AfDB has three Executive Directors representing Southern Africa, each overseeing development initiatives and financial strategies for their respective constituencies. The Southern Africa region is represented by:
Mr. João Luis Ngimbi (Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe)
Mr. Gerard Pascal Bussier (Botswana, Malawi, Mauritius, Zambia)
Dr. Nomfundo Xenia Ngwenya (Eswatini, Lesotho, South Africa)
The meeting focused on fast-tracking key infrastructure projects, including:
Energy infrastructure – Angola-Namibia Power Transmission, Mozambique-Zambia Interconnector, Kolwezi-Solwezi Power Interconnection
Transport and logistics – Lobito Railway Corridor, Lesotho-Botswana Water Transfer Project
Renewable energy – Mega Solar development in Botswana and Namibia
The SADC Secretariat advocated for formalised engagements between SADC executives and technical teams with the AfDB Executive Directors, expedited funding for critical infrastructure projects, the establishment of AfDB country offices in Botswana and Namibia to strengthen coordination, and the consistent exchange of information on funding opportunities to enhance regional development efforts.
The series of engagements reaffirmed SADC and AfDB’s shared vision for accelerating infrastructure investments, expanding financial assistance, and deepening regional integration, driving Africa’s development forward.
The SADC Executive Secretary was accompanied by Mr. Sadwick Mtonakutha, Director for Finance, Investment, and Customs; Ms. Mapolao Mokoena, Director for Infrastructure; Ms. Barbara Lopi, Head of Communications and Public Relations; Mr. Nations Msowoya, Resource Mobilisation Officer; and Ms. Kelejwang Moichubedi, Executive Assistant to the Executive Secretary at the SADC Secretariat.
