Changing environment in the Zambezi River Basin   SANF 13 No 13 , May 2013
limate and human pressure on resources are significantly changing the environment in the Zambezi river basin, as illustrated in a new 2012 publication, the Zambezi River Basin Atlas of the Changing Environment. 

Southern African researchers contribute to SADC policy review   SANF 13 No 12 , May 2013
Researchers from southern Africa are meeting in Zimbabwe to contribute to the mid-term review of the SADC’s regional development plan.

African media essential in communicating climate change responses   SANF 13 No 11 , April 2013
The global effort to combat the impacts of climate change can be realized if the media clearly educates and informs the general public and policy makers on the various adaptation and mitigation measures.

2014-2024
Decade for Sustainable Energy for all   SANF 13 No 10 , April 2013
The United Nations has declared 2014-2024 as the Decade for Sustainable Energy for all to underscore the importance of energy issues in the post-2015 development agenda.

BRICS declaraction  BRICS declaraction
Fifth BRICS Summit Durban: 27 March 2013 BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Development, Integration and Industrialization eThekwini Declaration

Joint Communique between South Africa and China  Joint Communique
JOINT COMMUNIQUÉ BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA AND THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, PRETORIA, 26 MARCH 2013

Transfrontier parks key to management of natural resources   SANF 13 No 9 , March 2013
The establishment of transfrontier conservation areas is one of the key initiatives for the sustainable management of natural resources in the Zambezi River Basin.

Africa has a lot to gain from BRICS   SANF 13 No 8 , March 2013
The invitation to Africa to participate in the forthcoming 5th BRICS Summit in South Africa is evidence of the growing interest the continent is attracting from developed and emerging economies as a new frontier for business and investment.

SADC observer mission preliminary statement on Zimbabwe referendum  SADC ELECTION OBSERVATION MISSION
SADC ELECTION OBSERVATION MISSION TO THE REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE STATEMENT BY HON. BERNARD KAMILLIUS MEMBE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION OF THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA AND HEAD OF THE SADC ELECTION OBSERVATION MISSION TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL REFERENDUM IN THE REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE HELD ON 16 MARCH 2013

Zimbabwe votes on new Constitution   SANF 13 No 7 , March 2013
Zimbabweans will vote on a new Constitution in a referendum set for 16 March, a landmark development that could shape the destiny of the country.

African Union and COMESA deploy observers, Kenyan elections face external challenge   SANF 13 No 6 , February 2013
The former president of Mozambique, Joaquim Chissano, is heading the African Union observer mission to the Kenyan elections, while the other key observer mission is headed by a retired judge from Zimbabwe.

SADC gender protocol enters into force   SANF 13 No 5 , February 2013
The SADC Protocol on Gender and Development has entered into force following ratification of the instrument by the requisite two-thirds of Member States.

Communique of the SADC Gender Minister's meeting  SADC Gender Minister's meeting
COMMUNIQUÉ OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF SADC MINISTERS RESPONSIBLE FOR GENDER/ WOMEN’S AFFAIRS, HELD ON THE 14 FEBRUARY 2013 IN MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE

Communique of the SADC Extraordinary Summit  SADC Extraordinary Summit
EXTRAORDINARY SUMMIT OF SADC HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT 8 FEBRUARY, 2013 MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE COMMUNIQUÉ

SADC energy plan targets surplus, sets priorities   SANF 13 No 4 , January 2013
Southern Africa has suffered a shortage of electricity since 2007 as demand exceeds supply, and the expectation is that this energy gap will be addressed by 2014. However, the implementation of projects can lag behind their planned dates due to a lack of funding and other constraints.

African Union @ 50 Pan-Africanism and Renaissance   SANF 13 No 3 , January 2013
African leaders are meeting in late January to chart the continent’s development agenda as it enters its 50th year of regional cooperation.

SADC Organ Troika - Declaration on Madagascar  Madagascar Declaration
Recalling all the decisions taken by the SADC Summits of Heads of State and Government on the political situation in Madagascar;

Communique of the SADC Troika  SADC Communique
SUMMIT OF THE SADC TROIKA OF THE ORGAN ON POLITICS, DEFENCE AND SECURITY COOPERATION DAR-ES-SALAAM, THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA COMMUNIQUE

SADC ready to defend AFCON trophy   SANF 13 No 2 , January 2013
Four Southern African countries will raise the regional profile at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals to be hosted by South Africa.

2013 the year of regional development   SANF 13 No 1 , January 2013
The year 2013 holds the key to several important regional milestones, including the implementation of an ambitious programme to develop cross-border infrastructure and the conclusion of electoral processes leading to polls in two SADC member states.

SADC takes action on the conflict in eastern DRC   SANF 12 No 41 , December 2012
The conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is a setback to regional integration and development, impacting on all countries southern Africa.

President Pohamba announces new cabinet  PRESS STATEMENT
PRESS STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY HIFIKEPUNYE POHAMBA, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA, ON THE OCCASION OF THE CABINET RESHUFFLE

Statement by president Pohamba at SWAPO congress  SWAPO congress
STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY HIFIKEPUNYE POHAMBA, PRESIDENT OF THE SWAPO PARTY AND OF THE REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA ON THE OCCASION OF THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE 5th CONGRESS OF THE SWAPO PARTY

SWAPO elective congress a “defining moment” for Namibia   SANF 12 No 40 , November 2012
Namibia’s governing party will hold an elective congress at end November to review its policy agenda and choose its top leadership.

SADC launches new plan for regional peace and security   SANF 12 No 39 , November 2012
Southern Africa has a new strategic plan for regional peace and security covering five sectors – political, defence, state security, public security and police.

Eastern and southern African leaders to chart socio-economic path   SANF 12 No 38 , November 2012
Eastern and southern African leaders are meeting in Kampala, Uganda this week to review the socio-economic situation in the region in an effort to promote deeper integration among member states.

Natural resources can propel southern Africa’s growth   SANF 12 No 37 , November 2012
>From Cape to Cairo or Yaoundé to Mogadishu, the scramble for Africa's resources has often caused problems instead of creating prosperity.

“SAPP should have more authority to promote energy development”   SANF 12 No 36 , October 2012
The SADC Secretariat has called for member states to review the role and function of the Southern African Power Pool to ensure that the regional body becomes more effective in its efforts to promote development in the energy sector.

Dlamini-Zuma: “Unity is key to continental development”   SANF 12 No 35 , October 2012
The new African Union Commission chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has said Africa has the capacity to achieve socio-economic growth if member states work together in addressing some of the challenges affecting the continent.

China-Africa relations based on a “partnership too big to ignore”   SANF 12 No 34 , September 2012
Relations between China and Africa continue to grow from strength to strength with more focus now being placed on this “new type of strategic partnership” that has become a model for other partnerships to emulate. Previously considered as just another global arrangement, China-Africa cooperation has opened up vast opportunities for the two parties to achieve sustainable development and transform world affairs. For example, trade between Africa and China has tremendously increased over the past decade, from about US$10 billion in 2000 to more than US$160 billion in 2011.

Angolan polls boost SADC profile as stable economy   SANF 12 No 33 , September 2012
The peaceful Angolan elections recently concluded are expected to further strengthen southern Africa’s profile as a stable investment destination and boost the region’s economic prospects. Angolans gave the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) another mandate to continue with economic and political reforms that have so far ensured a smooth transition from war to stability in Africa’s second largest oil producer.

Communique of the SADC Organ Troika Summit  SADC Communique
COMMUNIQUE THE ORGAN TROIKA SUMMIT DAR ES SALAAM, UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA 4 SEPTEMBER 2012

Joint Declaration on the 31st August 2012 General Elections of the Republic of Angola  Joint Declaration
WE, THE AFRICAN UNION (AU), SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY (SADC), ECONOMIC COMMUNITY OF THE CENTRAL AFRICAN STATES (ECCAS), INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE GREAT LAKES REGION (ICGLR), ELECTORAL COMMISSIONS FORUM OF THE SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY (ECF-SADC) AND THE COMMUNITY OF PORTUGUESE SPEAKING COUNTRIES (CPLP).

Election fever grips Angola   SANF 12 No 32 , September 2012
Peace, security and the economy were major issues for all political parties as Angolans voted in parliamentary elections on 31 August. The governing Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) promised to continue policies that have led to double-digit economic growth during the past few years, largely through expansion of the petroleum sector. Large investments in infrastructure, and the natural resources such as oil and diamonds, have contributed to the impressive performance. Improved terms of trade due to increasing oil prices also contributed to the positive performance.

SADC forges ahead with its common agenda   SANF 12 No 31 , August 2012
Southern Africa has taken a significant step forward in its quest for deeper regional integration following the approval of a long-awaited blueprint that outlines the region’s vision for infrastructure development. The Summit of Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government held in Maputo, Mozambique, in August endorsed a number of measures on the way forward for the region with regards to economic integration and political cooperation.

Communique of the 32nd SADC Summit  SADC Communique
FINAL COMMUNIQUÉ OF THE 32ND SUMMIT OF SADC HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE AUGUST 18, 2012

SADC creates fund to accelerate infrastructure development   SANF 12 No 30 , August 2012
Southern Africa is taking steps to accelerate investment in infrastructure, considered one of the key facilitators of regional integration. The Council of Ministers of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has approved the setting up of a long-awaited Regional Development Fund, one of whose main priorities will be the financing of infrastructure in the region. According to SADC Deputy Executive Secretary responsible for regional integration, João Caholo, the proposed fund will have a subscribed capital of US$1.2 billion.

Energy access crucial for attainment of MDGs   SANF 12 No 29 , August 2012
Access to energy is widely regarded as the “missing” Millennium Development Goal (MDG) and debate among development experts is that poverty eradication and the general global socio-economic condition would improve if energy were to be identified as the ninth MDG. The global community adopted eight MDGs in 2000 to improve the general socio-economic conditions in the world, particularly in developing countries. These goals range through gender, education, health, poverty and the environment.

SADC lures investors for ZiZaBoNa energy project   SANF 12 No 28 , July 2012
At least five investors have expressed interest in developing an electricity transmission interconnector linking Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia. Commonly known as ZiZaBoNa, the transmission interconnector project has the capacity to increase power trading among participating utilities, as well as provide an alternative route and help decongest the existing central transmission corridor that currently passes through Zimbabwe.

Beijing Declaration of the Fifth Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation  Beijing Declaration
Beijing Declaration of the Fifth Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation

Signing of the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Agreement  PRESS RELEASE
SIGNING OF THE COMESA-EAC-SADC TRIPARTITE AGREEMENT FOR THE JOINT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAMME ON CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION AND MITIGATION IN EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICA. 16 TH JULY 2012, ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA

China, Africa review plans and deepen cooperation   SANF 12 No 27 , July 2012
Chinese and African ministers meet in Beijing this week to review cooperation and prepare a new development plan for the next three years.
Under the Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the two parties already share friendly relations that have seen trade increase tremendously over the past decade from about US$10 billion in 2000 to more than US$160 billion in 2011.

Packed agenda for AU Summit   SANF 12 No 26 , July 2012
African leaders are meeting next week in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to review the political and socio-economic situation on the continent in an effort to promote deeper integration among member states.
The 19th Ordinary Assembly of African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government set for 15-16 July is held under the theme “Boosting Intra-African Trade”.

SADC infrastructure plan ready for approval   SANF 12 No 25 , July 2012
Southern Africa’s long-awaited regional infrastructure development master plan is now ready for approval by the SADC Heads of State and Government Summit set for Maputo, Mozambique in August.
This follows the finalisation of the master plan by ministers responsible for infrastructure in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), who met in Luanda, Angola in late June.

Advisory council to encourage adherence to SADC election principles and guidelines   SANF 12 No 24 , June 2012
The SADC Electoral Advisory Council (SEAC) has been tasked with encouraging adherence to principles and guidelines governing the conduct of elections.
The 15-member SEAC, which was inaugurated in April 2011, is mandated to advise SADC on electoral matters and issues pertaining to enhancement of democracy and governance.

Rio+20 - Global community strives for sustainable development   SANF 12 No 23 , June 2012
The ongoing United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development underway in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil provides an opportunity for the global community to renew its commitment to promote sustainable development and address new and emerging challenges such as climate change.

SADC supports Namibia’s bid to host Green Climate Fund   SANF 12 No 22 , June 2012
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has endorsed a bid by Namibia to host the secretariat for the Green Climate Fund.
The fund, established in December 2011 at Durban, South Africa during the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC), seeks to support climate change mitigation and adaptation actions in developing countries.

Upgrade of Zambian transmission infrastructure to boost SADC energy security   SANF 12 No 21 , June 2012
Regional power trading in southern Africa is set to improve following plans by Zambia to refurbish key transmission infrastructure that connects the country to neighbouring Namibia and the rest of the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP).
Zambia is set to upgrade the 341km electricity transmission line between Kafue, just outside Lusaka, and Livingstone in the southern part of the country.

Communique of the SADC Extraordinary Summit  SADC Communique
EXTRAORDINARY SUMMIT OF SADC HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT LUANDA, ANGOLA JUNE 01, 2012

SADC: “No going back on tripartite trade negotiations”   SANF 12 No 20 , May 2012
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has taken over the chair of a tripartite taskforce in charge of negotiations to establish Africa’s largest integrated market covering 26 countries.
SADC Executive Secretary Tomaz Salomão took over the chair from the Secretary General of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Sindiso Ngwenya in May to oversee preparations for the launch of a Tripartite Free Trade Area (FTA).

Mosisili wins fourth term as Lesotho Prime Minister   SANF 12 No 19 , May 2012
The newly formed Democratic Congress (DC) of Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili has swept to victory in national elections held on 26 May in Lesotho, which have been described as credible or free and fair by regional and international observers.
The DC won 41 of the 80 contested constituencies or 51 percent against 26 seats for the main opposition All-Basotho Convention (ABC) led by former Foreign Minister Thomas Thabane, according to final results published by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of Lesoth

Africa lures its Diaspora for development projects   SANF 12 No 18 , May 2012
Africa plans to launch a fund to harness the financial resources of its citizens based in the Diaspora which will be used for development projects on the continent.
The proposed African Diaspora Development Fund and Remittances will be unveiled at the Global African Diaspora Summit to be hosted by the African Union (AU) Commission in collaboration with the South African government in Johannesburg from 23-25 May.

China’s economic miracle – what lessons for Africa?   SANF 12 No 17 , May 2012
The emergence of China as a leading economic powerhouse has opened vast opportunities for Africa to participate in global affairs as an equal partner.
The Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Xin Shunkang said this at a seminar in Harare at the Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies on China-Africa Relations in Southern Africa.

Eastern and southern Africa prepares for deeper economic integration   SANF 12 No 16 , April 2012
As eastern and southern Africa prepares for an integrated market covering 26 countries, there is need to set a more manageable and practical agenda that all member states can fully implement.
The Tripartite Free Trade Area, which seeks to establish a single market in the region comprising the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), is expected to come into force by 2016, according to a roadmap developed by the three Regional Economic Communities (RECs).

Wa Mutharika’s death a blow to Africa’s integration agenda   SANF 12 No 15 , April 2012
The death of President Bingu wa Mutharika early this month has not only robbed Malawi of its leader but also deprived Africa of a fearless campaigner for deeper regional integration and agrarian revolution.
Mutharika, who died on 5 April due to a heart failure, played an instrumental role in southern Africa’s efforts to transform the region from a food-deficit area to one producing surplus grain.

SADC responds to cyber crime   SANF 12 No 14 , April 2012
Southern Africa is taking steps to respond to rising cyber crime, which is now among the world’s fastest growing crimes.
Cyber crime involves use of the computer networks to harm the reputation of individuals or organisations and includes copyright infringement, fraud, hacking, account thefts, identify thefts, computer viruses and unsolicited mail, commonly referred to as spam.

Lesotho general elections set for 26 May   SANF 12 No 13 , April 2012
The King of Lesotho has set 26 May as the date for eagerly awaited general elections following a successful dialogue that ended the deadlock among the main political players.
Agreement was reached one year ago after lengthy negotiations mediated by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) aimed at finding a lasting solution to the political challenges in the country.

The world’s largest transfrontier park   SANF 12 No 12 , April 2012
The world’s largest transfrontier park became a reality in March when the Kavango-Zambezi was launched by five southern African countries. Environment ministers from Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe launched the Kavango-Zambezi Trans Frontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA) at a ceremony in Katima Mulilo, Namibia.
The historic launch followed signing of the treaty by the Heads of State and Government of the respective countries in August 2011.

SADC integration – 20 years on   SANF 12 No 11 , March 2012
The year 2012 marks 20 years since the historic signing of the SADC Treaty and Declaration and presents an opportunity for southern Africans to forge ahead with the region’s integration agenda.
On 17 August 1992, at their Summit held in Windhoek, Namibia, the Heads of State and Government signed the SADC Treaty and Declaration that effectively transformed the Southern Africa Development Coordination Conference (SADCC) into the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

AfDB financing corridor development concept   SANF 12 No 10 , March 2012
A robust road transport is essential to development in southern Africa where access to good and well-serviced roads may be the difference between prosperity and poverty or even between life and death.
Lack of a good road transport network is one of the main impediments to intraregional trade, with members of the same economic bloc often appearing detached from each other due to poor road connectivity.

Mauritius gender quota law – a small but positive step forward   SANF 12 No 9 , March 2012
A new gender law in Mauritius that requires one-third of candidates in local elections to be women represents another small step towards parity in decision-making.
The gender quota is contained in the new Local Government Act that entered into force on 1 January 2012 and compels all political parties to field more women to contest in local elections due by April this year.

SADC awaits elections in four countries   SANF 12 No 8 , February 2012
Southern Africa should brace for more heavy rains and possible flooding until the end of the 2011/12 season as weather experts warn of more approaching tropical cyclones that could pummel the eastern part of the region between February and April.
Despite a late start to the season, most of southern Africa has received heavy rains since late December 2011, resulting in flooding in several countries.

AU to accelerate infrastructure development, trade   SANF 12 No 7 , February 2012
Africa’s quest for greater connectivity and improved intra-regional trade could soon become a reality after the continent’s leaders agreed to increase public spending on infrastructure and set in motion a programme to create a Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) by 2017.
The recent 18th summit of the African Union noted that the continent’s regional integration agenda was presently affected by low-level connectivity of infrastructure networks and poor access to energy and information services.

SADC awaits elections in four countries   SANF 12 No 6 , February 2012
At least one national election is expected in southern Africa this year, with three others pending.
Buoyed by an atmosphere of relative peace and political stability that has obtained in the region for the past few years, SADC is awaiting polls this year in Angola and possibly in Lesotho, Madagascar and Zimbabwe.

It’s southern Africa’s time as Zambia lifts AFCON trophy   SANF 12 No 5 , February 2012
Zambia has etched its name in the history books after becoming only the third southern African country to lift the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy in the tournament’s 55-year history.
The Chipolopolo, as the Zambian national team is affectionately known by its fans, beat tournament favourites Ivory Coast 8-7 in a penalty shootout to win the AFCON for the first time..

SADC sets clean energy targets for one-third renewable energy within 10 years   SANF 12 No 4 , February 2012
Southern Africa will in the next few years experience a gradual increase in the uptake of cleaner energy sources that could result in reduced carbon emissions.
This follows the adoption of a wide range of strategies aimed at aligning the region with new trends in the global energy sector, which now favour renewable energy over fossil fuels.

SADC urges speedy implementation of Madagascar roadmap   SANF 12 No 3 , February 2012
Southern African leaders have intervened to ease tensions in Madagascar, urging the main political players to speed up implementation of a roadmap intended to restore constitutional order in the country.

SADC responds to maritime piracy threat   SANF 12 No 2 , January 2012
Southern Africa has strengthened security in its coastal areas as the tide of maritime piracy treks south and threatens trade along the Mozambique Channel.
As Somali pirates venture southwards in the Indian Ocean where they have attacked or seized commercial vessels since 2005, Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states are taking steps to confront the growing problem that has confronted the shipping industry over the past few years.

ANC marks another milestone   SANF 12 No 1 , January 2012
The African National Congress (ANC) centenary anniversary on 8 January marked another milestone for Africa’s oldest surviving political movement and one of the longest existing parties worldwide.

Tanzania @ 50: “There is no shortcut to our aspirations”   SANF 11 No 37, December 2011
December 9 should be a public holiday in southern Africa, celebrated throughout the region.
This is the date that Tanganyika (now Tanzania) achieved independence, 50 years ago, in 1961, and without this date, the rest of southern Africa might not yet be independent.

Zimbabwean journalist honoured in global competition for agricultural reporting  SANF 11 No 36,December 2011
The Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) has awarded six journalists for outstanding reporting on agricultural extension and advisory services in Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries.
A Zimbabwean journalist, Kizito Sikuka, came tops for southern Africa and ultimately for Africa, while scooping third prize in the global competition.

SADC deploys for DRC polls  SANF 11 No 35, November 2011
Southern Africa’s biggest-ever election observer mission will observe the 28 November general elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Agriculture support services are key to boosting food security  SANF 11 No 34,November 2011
Developing countries could achieve food security as well as promote rural development if the right agricultural policies on extension services are enacted and fully implemented.

COP17 Towards agreement on climate change   SANF 11 No 33, November 2011
The climate change conference set for Durban, South Africa in November provides an opportunity for the global community to reach a binding agreement towards the common goal of rescuing the planet, but deep divisions remain on the way forward.
The 17th Conference of Parties (COP 17) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change will continue negotiations toward a global consensus on a second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol which expires in 2012.

Tripartite Summit to launch grand FTA negotiations   SANF 11 No 32, November 2011
First round of negotiations to establish a grand Free Trade Area covering 27 countries in eastern and southern Africa are scheduled to start in December.
This follows the adoption of negotiating principles, modalities for negotiations and a roadmap for negotiating that were agreed at the 2nd COMESA-EAC-SADC Summit held in South Africa this year.

China Africa Think Tank Forum aims to strengthen dialogue   SANF 11 No 31, October 2011
China and Africa have taken another step to strengthen relations with the launch of a forum to promote research and exchanges among think tanks from both places. Representatives of think tanks, political and business leaders from China and 27 African countries gathered in the Chinese cities of Hangzhou and Jinhua at the end of October for the first meeting of the China-Africa Think Tank Forum (CATTF).

Seamless transport corridors key to regional integration   SANF 11 No 30B, October 2011
Southern Africa is investing in transport corridors to facilitate trade and economic liberalization by ensuring the smooth movement of goods and persons across Member States.

MWALIMU JULIUS KAMBARAGE NYERERE

“He carried the torch that liberated Africa”   SANF 11 No 30A, October 2011
Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere was the father of southern African liberation, and one of the founding fathers of the Southern African Development Community.

Southern Africa ready for AFCON   SANF 11 No 29, October 2011
Three southern African countries will raise the regional profile at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals to be co-hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.

SADC, AfDB to strengthen food security in Okavango Basin   SANF 11 No 28, October 2011
The Southern African Development Community and the African Development Bank (AfDB) are working on a project to improve water management and food security in the two Okavango Basin states of Angola and Namibia.

Zambia cabinet falls short of SADC gender threshold   SANF 11 No 27, October 2011
Fhe new Zambian cabinet announced by President Michael Sata fails to address the gender gap in terms of women’s participation in positions of authority.

Sata wins Zambia’s presidential election   SANF 11 No 26, September 2011
Former Zambian opposition leader Michael Sata of the Patriotic Front has been declared the winner of Zambia’s presidential election held on 20 September, defeating the incumbent, Rupiah Banda by some 188,249 votes. Sata was sworn in as Zambia’s fifth president on Friday.

Zambians go to the polls   SANF 11 No 25, September 2011
Zambians go to the polls for general elections this week to elect their president, members of Parliament and local government representatives for the next five years.

Southern Africa has enough food   SANF 11 No 24, September 2011
The overall food security situation in southern Africa is set to remain stable throughout the year following another successful farming season. SADC has now recorded three consecutive years of good harvest.

SADC to establish world’s largest transfrontier park   SANF 11 No 23, September 2011
The establishment of the world’s largest transfrontier park moved another step closer to becoming a reality when five southern African countries signed a treaty to formally launch the park. Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe signed the treaty to establish the Kavango-Zambezi Trans Frontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA) at the recent SADC Summit held in Luanda, Angola.

Regional food security to benefit from agricultural research centre   SANF 11 No 22, September 2011
The launch of a regional agricultural research centre has demonstrated SADC’s commitment to improving food security in the region.
Located in Gaborone, Botswana, the Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development in Southern Africa (CCARDESA) aims to coordinate and stimulate agricultural growth through research, technology development and dissemination of research information to farmers.

Pro-active approach needed for SADC to access climate funding   SANF 11 No 21, August 2011
One of the major decisions to come out of the ongoing climate change negotiations has been the need to establish a Green Climate Fund (GCF).
The fund is expected to raise and disburse about US$100 billion a year by 2020, starting with US$30 billion from 2012 to support mitigation and adaptation actions in developing countries.

DRC gears up for general elections   SANF 11 No 20, August 2011
More than 31 million voters have registered for the forthcoming general election scheduled for November in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This represents a significant increase compared to about 25.6 million that registered for the last election held in 2006.

Zambia goes to the polls on 20 September   SANF 11 No 19, August 2011
Zambia will hold the 2011 general elections on 20 September following the dissolution of the Cabinet and the National Assembly at the end of July by President Rupiah Banda in line with the country’s constitution.

Renewable energy: The way to go   SANF 11 No 17, June 2011
Southern Africa like the rest of the world is slowly turning to renewable energy as the need for cleaner and alternative energy sources gains momentum.

Free Trade Area: To cover half of Africa   SANF 11 No 16, June 2011
The leaders of 26 African countries have taken another major step towards a Free Trade Area that would cover the eastern half of Africa, literally from the Cape to Cairo – from South Africa to Egypt.

Tripartite Summit to launch grand FTA negotiations   SANF 11 No 15, June 2011
After many years of planning and coordination, Africa can now move another step closer to its long-conceived goal of a united African Economic Community.

Women to have equal rights and opportunities with men   SANF 11 No 14, June 2011
Women in southern Africa will soon move a step closer to having equal rights and opportunities with men when a regional gender protocol is ratified in the coming weeks.

SADC: Striving for food security   SANF 11 No 13, June 2011
The success story of southern Africa’s turnaround from being a food deficit region to one producing surplus grain underscores the point that agricultural policies are key to boosting production and improving food security in the region.

Green economy critical for sustainable development   SANF 11 No 12, May 2011
he adverse effects of climate change on environmental sustainability and human wellbeing is forcing most countries to move away from the "brown’’ or traditional economy to the "green’’ economy -- a viable option for sustainable development.

Seychelles gears up for presidential elections   SANF 11 No 11, May 2011
Seychelles will hold presidential elections next week in which incumbent President James Michel will face the challenge of four other aspirants.

Lesotho concludes political dialogue, now ready for elections   SANF 11 No 10, May 2011
The conclusion of an agreement by political parties in Lesotho after lengthy negotiations paves the way for the peaceful holding of elections scheduled for 2012.

South Africa to champion continent’s relations with emerging markets   SANF 11 No 4, February 2011
The recent invitation to South Africa to join the BRIC group of emerging economies comprising Brazil, Russia, India and China will strengthen South Africa’s trade position in the world, and offer opportunities for Africa to strengthen ties with the group.

2011: Strengthening regional integration   SANF 11 No 3, January 2011
The year 2011 will move southern Africa another step closer to becoming a regional community, as one of the building blocks of a united Africa with its African Economic Community.

Cancun Agreement: A small step forward   SANF 11 No 2, January 2011
Southern Africa will host a global climate conference this year that is expected to produce an international agreement to address climate change.
Talks will continue throughout the year with the objective of finalizing a global accord at the 17th Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 17) to be held in Durban, South Africa in November.

China, Africa relations poised for growth  SANF 11 No 1, January 2011
The head of an influential Chinese think tank has said that China and Africa should continue working together to reform and reconstruct world affairs, which are usually biased towards a few selected countries at the expense of the majority.

Review of 2010
Region creeps towards energy security  SANF 10 No 50, December 2010
Southern Africa is steadily emerging from the energy shortages that have persisted for the past four years, and 2010 marked another milestone with new initiatives gradually adding power to the regional pool and security of supply is now set to be restored in the next three to four years.

Caprivi interconnector to improve regional energy trading SANF 10 No 49, December 2010
The launch of the Caprivi Link interconnector is the latest example of practical commitment by southern Africa to address the energy situation in the region.

DRC raises African flag higher SANF 10 No 48, December 2010
Southern Africa and the entire African continent is basking in glory following the historic qualification of the Democratic Republic of Congo for the 2010 Soccer World Cup Club Finals currently underway in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

China tops FDI inflows to SADC SANF 10 No 47, December 2010
Southern Africa continues to strengthen its profile as an investment destination, attracting major inflows in the mining, agriculture, telecommunications and manufacturing sectors during 2010

Africa, Europe sets out priorities for cooperation SANF 10 No 46, December 2010
Africa and Europe have agreed on a new plan of action aimed at strengthening relations between the two continents

Africa to remain steadfast in its position at COP16 SANF 10 No 45, November 2010
AFRICA HAS reaffirmed its common negotiating position for the climate change talks scheduled for Cancun, Mexico in December.
The negotiating position centres on increased finance from the industrialized nations, as well as technology transfer and capacity building for adaptation and risk management.

2015 - Towards gender equality SANF 10 No 44, November 2010
More pragmatic measures are needed if southern Africa is to attain the 50-perecent target for representation of women in political and decision-making positions at all levels in line with regional and continental targets.

Global Financial Crisis
The challenges of financing development SANF 10 No 43, November 2010
Southern Africa is slowly emerging from the global financial and economic downturn that has affected the world since 2008.
However, SADC is faced with a mammoth task to ensure that this recovery is maintained if sustainable development is to be achieved in the region.

Tanzanians go to the polls on 31 October SANF 10 No 42, October 2010
Tanzanians go to the polls on 31 October to elect their President and Members of Parliament for the next five years. Seven presidential candidates will take part in the polls, including the incumbent Jakaya Kikwete who is running for a second term.

Tanzania ready for elections SANF 10 No 41, October 2010
Seven presidential candidates will take part in the October general elections in the United Republic of Tanzania, the National Electoral Commission (NEC) has said.

Zanzibar referendum ushers in a new era SANF 10 No 40, October 2010
"With these results, there is no loser and there is no winner. Let us believe that we have all won."
These were the words of the Zanzibar Electoral Commission when it announced the outcome of the referendum held on 31 July to decide whether the islands should have a unity government after the 31 October general elections.

Africa consolidates common position on climate change ahead of Cancun SANF 10 No 39, October 2010
Africa is stepping up preparations for the forthcoming climate change negotiations in Cancun, Mexico, with Member States in agreement so far on a common negotiating position, which centres on increased finance, technology and capacity for adaptation and risk management.

Africa, Europe in joint energy initiative SANF 10 No 38, September 2010
Africa could experience an increase in energy generation capacity in the next 10 years if a recent energy deal with Europe is fully implemented.

Good rainfall expected in SADC region   SANF 10 No 37, September 2010
Southern African climate experts have forecast good rainfall in most parts of the region during the 2010/2011 season.

Chipata-Mchinji railway line opens for business   SANF 10 No 36, September 2010
The historic launch of the Chipata-Mchinji railway line will provide the shortest route to the port of Nacala on the Indian Ocean, boosting trade not only in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia but the entire southern African region.

Africa, Europe to announce joint energy plan   SANF 10 No 33, August 2010
Africa and Europe are preparing a 10-year action plan to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector. The announcement is expected at the forthcoming high level meeting of the Africa-EU Energy Partnership (AEEP) scheduled for September in Vienna, Austria.

SADC @ 30, Region committed to deepen integration  SANF 10 No 32, August 2010
SADC celebrates 30 years since the formation of an organization with the objective of closer regional cohesion and the region has benefited from a number of socio-economic and political achievements in that period, including democracy in Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Africa prepares for climate change talks in Mexico  SANF 10 No 31, August 2010
Africa’s position regarding the forthcoming climate change negotiations in Cancun, Mexico remains the same - increased finance, technology and capacity for adaptation and risk management. African leaders re-endorsed this position at their annual Summit of the African Union held in Kampala, Uganda on 25-27 July.

Tanzania gears up for elections  SANF 10 No 30, August 2010
Tanzania’s ruling party has endorsed President Jakaya Kikwete to run for a second term in the general elections scheduled for 31 October.

Zimbabwe International Book Fair, 27 years as iconic African book fair  SANF 10 No 29, July 2010
The Zimbabwe International Book Fair opens this week for its 27th year, a national asset conceived and born soon after independence, and developed into an iconic African book fair.

Africa strives to improve access to health SANF 10 No 28, July 2010
Health is the issue as African leaders gather in Kampala, Uganda for the 15th Summit of the African Union. Other issues on the agenda for Africa are food security, peace, climate change and the global financial crisis.

World Cup 2010: African culture the winner SANF 10 No 27, July 2010
As the curtain came down on the great show of the century, the FIFA 2010 World Cup final held for the first time on the African soil in South Africa, it was time for the winners Spain to celebrate in style, however, the greatest winner was “African culture.”

SADC regional parliament to deepen integration SANF 10 No 26, June 2010
Parliamentarians from the Southern African Development Community have again called for a regional parliament to strengthen integration among Member States.

Mauritius: New cabinet falls short of SADC gender threshold SANF 10 No 25, June 2010
The new Mauritian government announced by Prime Minister Navichandra Ramgoolam fails to address the gender gap in terms of women’s participation in positions of authority.

Carnival fever grips South Africa as country prepares to host World Cup SANF 10 No 24, June 2010
A carnival atmosphere has gripped South Africa as the country prepares to host the first FIFA World Cup final to be held on African soil.

25 May 2010 -- Africa Day SANF 10 No 23, May 2010
The day of Africa. What does that mean to most people too young to remember its origins 47 years ago? This was the time before internet and cell phones, not so many cars or airplanes, when Africa was still hostage to decisions made in Europe in 1884 to carve up the continent into small colonies, essentially concessions for mining or agricultural land.

Progress 15 years after the World Women Conference in Beijing SANF 10 No 22, May 2010
The Commission on the Status of Women met in New York recently to review implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA). The accountability process agreed at the Fourth World Women Conference in 1995 in China requires that Member States of the United Nations meet for review at five-year intervals with a view to fine tuning and remapping such progress in line with global and local situations.

Unity Bridge: Symbol of unity, prosperity  SANF 10 No 21, May 2010
In a remote corner of southern Africa, the opening of the “bridge of dreams” marks another milestone towards deeper regional integration. The new Unity Bridge is the only land crossing over the Ruvuma river between northern Mozambique and southern Tanzania.