The Southern African Development Community (SADC) and Botswana

GIZ local staff

National employees: 64
International employees: 17

_{(as at: 31.12.2023)}  

Since the mid-1970s, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH has actively fostered regional integration and sustainable development in the Southern African Region. Today, its key partner in the region, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), comprises 16 member states headquartered in Gaborone, Botswana, with a collective population of over 350 million. The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH has closely collaborated with SADC, a pivotal regional organisation, since its establishment in 1992.

GIZ’s collaboration with SADC aligns with the organisation's focus on democratic values, sustainable development, and advancing regional development, peace, and economic growth. Despite these goals, economic disparities, trade barriers, climate impacts, governance issues, limited women's participation in economic processes, and challenges in effective water resource management. Bridging the gap between regional commitments and public awareness continues to be a challenge. To achieve SADC's Vision 2050 of "a peaceful, inclusive, competitive, middle- to high-income industrialised region, where all citizens enjoy sustainable economic well-being, justice, and freedom", GIZ collaborates with partners and commissioners to promote regional integration, economic growth, and sustainability.

Impact that extends beyond borders: Commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), GIZ amplifies its activities in the region through partnerships with the European Union, Austrian Development Agency (ADA) GmbH, and others, reaffirming its commitment to fostering sustainable change across Southern Africa.

Currently, joint programmes focus on:

• Enhancing national-regional linkages
• Promoting economic integration
• Addressing climate resilience, natural resource management, transboundary water issues, and energy sustainability.

GIZ supports regional trade development, value chains, and initiatives for women's economic empowerment within SADC. In climate resilience and natural resource management and energy, the aim is to share knowledge, apply adaptation models, and aiding the recovery of the tourism sector from COVID-19. GIZ also partners with local stakeholders to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy. Work in the Cubango-Okavango River Basin prioritises efficient water use through climate-smart practices. GIZ contributes to SADC’s efforts in harmonising water policies. Additionally, GIZ enhances strategic communication to improve the visibility and public awareness of regional integration.

Cooperation with the Republic of Botswana

Botswana has transformed into an upper middle-income economy and a model for governance and social development in Africa. Its robust governance framework, political stability, economic progress, and commitment to education and healthcare are commendable. Despite these advancements, Botswana faces energy supply challenges in rural areas without access to the national grid. Additionally, climate change-induced water scarcity poses a threat to agriculture, hindering overall growth. Prioritising sustainable energy solutions and resilient climate strategies is vital for safeguarding the agricultural sector and citizen well-being.