Facilitating market development across the SADC

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is a regional intergovernmental organization comprised of 16 member states in southern Africa. Formed in 1992, SADC's goal is to further socio-economic cooperation and integration, as well as political and security cooperation, among its members. This includes objectives of achieving development, peace, and security, as well as growth, employment, and alleviation of poverty. Member countries work together through SADC’s secretariat, which is based in Botswana, to deliver programs and initiatives aligned with these development priorities. Key focus areas include infrastructure development, energy security, industrialisation, trade, and market integration. SADC collaborates closely with other regional economic communities to harmonise and coordinate African integration efforts. It also partners with foreign governments and development organisations to mobilise resources and expertise supporting member countries' development agendas to help build a region where people have a high standard of living, peace, security and economic opportunity.