Key Decisions
28th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government
THE SUMMIT of Heads of State and Government, the ultimate policy-making institution of SADC, convened in Johannesburg on 16-17 August to review the socio-economic and political situation in the region. According to the final communiqué, the leaders discussed a wide range of issues affecting the region and made some key decisions.

Angola to join SADC Free Trade Area in 2010
ANGOLA IS set to join the SADC Free Trade Area (FTA) in 2010, according to the country’s planning minister, Ana Dias Lourenço.

Let us be inspired by Frontline States legacy - Mbeki
SOUTH AFRICAN President Thabo Mbeki turned back the hands of time when he assumed the leadership of SADC on behalf of his country at the 28th Summit in Johannesburg, reminding his colleagues that, although the region faces numerous challenges, none are insurmountable if Member States draw on the inspiring legacy of the Frontline States.

Seychelles rejoins SADC
SEYCHELLES IS made up of as many as 115 islands with a total land area of 444 sq km. Growth has been led by the tourist sector, which employs about 30 percent of the labour force and provides more than 70 percent of the country’s foreign exchange earnings. In recent years, the government has encouraged foreign investment in order to upgrade hotels and other services.

Southern Africa Regional Climate Outlook Forum
Normal rainfall season forecast
WEATHER EXPERTS in southern Africa have forecast normal rainfall in major parts of the region for the 2008/09 agricultural season.

Malawi's President Mutharika wins food security policy award
MALAWIAN PRESIDENT Bingu wa Mutharika has received the inaugural regional award for his agricultural policy interventions that have transformed Malawi from a food deficit nation into a net maize exporter.

SADC capable of solving own challenges
THE SIGNING of a powersharing deal between Zimbabwe's main political parties has demonstrated SADC and Africa's ability to find African solutions to African problems.

Swazi polls "peaceful, transparent, credible"
THE SADC Election Observer Mission (SEOM) described the 19 September parliamentary elections in Swaziland as "peaceful, transparent and credible".

Angola's MPLA sweeps parliamentary elections
ANGOLA'S RULING party has won 191 seats in the 220-member Angolan parliament, according to the final results of the legislative elections held on 5- September.

SAPP committtee assesses power projects
A STEERING committee of the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) met in late August to assess progress in the implementation of power projects in the SADC region.

Four SADC countries sign up to new power interconnector project
FOUR SADC countries have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop an electricity transmission interconnector, which will result in an increase in power trading among the participating utilities.

Namibia gets more electricity from Zimbabwe
THE POWER purchase agreement signed between Namibia and Zimbabwe continues to bring more power to Namibia, with 40 megawatts (MW) more flowing in, an increase from 80MW to 120MW since August. National power utility, Nam- Power, confirmed that the agreement is on course and that Zimbabwe, through the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA), has since August increased its export to Namibia by 40MW from the previous 80MW.

Angola to assume OPEC presidency in 2009
ANGOLA IS to chair the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) from 1 January 2009, Angolan oil minister, Desidério Costa has said.

Zambia-Zimbabwe power interconnector disconnected
ZAMBIA ELECTRICITY Supply Company (ZESCO) has disconnected the Zambia-Zimbabwe power interconnector to protect the local power system from external disturbances following the blackouts experienced in early September.

Mozambique woos investors for hydro energy production
MOZAMBIQUE HAS invited foreign investors to build hydropower projects in 100 locations with a total estimated hydroelectric potential of up to 14,000 megawatts (MW), according to the national director New and Renewable Energy, Antonio Saide.

Dump fossil fuels for renewables: Africa urged
RURAL AREAS on the continent will remain without electricity for long time to come due to political underpinnings of the oil multinationals and Bretton Woods institutions, says an African Development Bank 2008 report.

Namibia switches on to solar power
THE INCREASE in electricity tariffs and soaring fuel prices experienced in southern Africa and beyond has compelled many Namibians to rethink their energy sources.

Scientists propose solar tower to boost Namibia electricity
A HUGE solar energy tower has been proposed to boost the electricity grid in Namibia.

AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE ZIMBABWE AFRICAN NATIONAL UNION-PATRIOTIC FRONT (ZANU-PF) AND THE TWO MOVEMENT FOR DEMOCRATIC CHANGE (MDC) FORMATIONS, ON RESOLVING THE CHALLENGES FACING ZIMBABWE
We, the Parties to this Agreement;
CONCERNED about the recent challenges that we have faced as a country and the multiple threats to the well-being of our people and, therefore, determined to resolve these permanently.

Julius Nyerere: He "carried the torch that liberated Africa"
ON 22 October 1959, almost 50 years ago, when most of Africa was still under colonial rule, a visionary young African leader made a commitment on behalf of his people:

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