GABORONE – The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has met with top representatives of the African Development Bank (AfDB) to push for faster investment in energy, transport, and water infrastructure across the region.
Held on Friday, 30 May 2025, the meeting brought together SADC Executive Secretary Elias M. Magosi and Executive Directors from AfDB who represent three Southern African constituencies. Discussions centred on accelerating priority development projects and unlocking funding pipelines for cross-border initiatives.
Representing Eswatini, Lesotho, and South Africa was Dr. Nomfundo Xenia Ngwenya (Group 2 Constituency). Also present were Mr. João Luis Ngimbi (Group 3) for Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zimbabwe; and Mr. Gerard Pascal Bussier (Group 1), who represents Botswana, Malawi, Mauritius, and Zambia.
The meeting placed energy infrastructure at the top of the agenda, with projects such as the Angola-Namibia (ANNA) Power Transmission Project, the Mozambique-Zambia Interconnector, and the Kolwezi-Solwezi Power Interconnection between the DRC and Zambia gaining renewed attention.
Transport corridors were also discussed, including progress on the Lobito Railway Corridor linking Angola, DRC, and Zambia. Water security was tabled through the proposed Lesotho-Botswana Integrated Water Transfer Project, aimed at addressing long-term needs across the region.
Renewable energy remains a critical pillar in the Bank’s support, with the Mega Solar Project in Botswana and Namibia seen as a model for climate-resilient investment.
Calls were made for formal engagement channels between the AfDB Executive Directors and the SADC Secretariat. The aim is to streamline communication, prioritise project funding, and foster greater regional integration through shared infrastructure.
Magosi was accompanied by senior SADC officials, including Mr. Sadwick Mtonakutha (Finance, Investment, and Customs), Ms. Mapolao Mokoena (Infrastructure), Ms. Barbara Lopi (Communications), Mr. Nations Msowoya (Resource Mobilisation), and Ms. Kelejwang Moichubedi (Executive Assistant).
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