The Executive Secretary of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), H.E. Mr. Elias M. Magosi, delivered a compelling keynote address at the opening of the SADC Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) Chief Executive Officers’ Forum, held in Gaborone, Botswana. Convened under the theme “Bold Steps, Shared Future: Building the DFRC of Tomorrow,” the Forum brought together key stakeholders from across the region.
In his address, H.E. Magosi underscored the dynamic role of DFIs in advancing economic transformation and deepening regional integration. The Forum welcomed senior government officials, development partners, and executives from the SADC DFI Network, fostering collaboration around mobilising resources and crafting sustainable solutions to pressing economic challenges.
Highlighting the region's collective economic strength, valued at approximately US$720 billion, H.E. Magosi stressed the urgency of addressing uneven structural transformation. He called on regional stakeholders to take bold and strategic steps to bridge the estimated annual US$402 billion investment gap, particularly in SDG-aligned sectors such as education, energy, infrastructure, and technology.
He further underscored the urgency of establishing and strengthening financial institutions that are tailored to the specific needs of the SADC region. In light of the absence of a dedicated regional Development Finance Institution, H.E. Magosi reaffirmed the pivotal role of the SADC Development Finance Resource Centre (DFRC) in advancing the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030.
“The DFRC is repositioning itself not just as a knowledge partner, but as a strategic enabler of infrastructure development, regional integration, and financial sustainability,” he stated. “To deliver on this renewed mandate, the DFRC requires robust institutional support.”
The SADC Executive Secretary closed his remarks with a passionate appeal to DFIs: “Step up. Join governments in tackling the persistent challenges of poverty, inequality, and unemployment. Your influence, resources, and technical know-how can redefine the trajectory of our region.”
Organised by the SADC DFRC and supported by its network of DFIs, the Forum remains a critical platform for forging strategic partnerships, enhancing institutional collaboration, and driving inclusive economic growth across the SADC region.
