SANF 17 no 22
All is set for national parliamentary elections in Lesotho on 3 June when Basotho will choose a new leadership for the country. Read more

SANF 17 no 21 – by Kizito Sikuka
“Our liberty is meaningless unless all Africans are free. Our brothers in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), in Mozambique, in Angola, in South Africa cry out in anguish for our support and assistance.” Read more

by Nyarai Kampilipili – SANF 17 no 20
A total of 14 countries in southern Africa out of the 15 have now signed a regional protocol that aims to advance gender equality and equity.

On 10 May Botswana became the latest Southern African Development Community (SADC) member state to sign the Revised SADC Protocol on Gender and Development. Read more

by Tanaka Chitsa – SANF 17 no 19
Global leaders will meet in mid-May to discuss a new Chinese-led initiative to develop a seamless infrastructure network connecting Asia, Europe and Africa.

The Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, set for 14-15 May in Beijing, China, aims to increase communication routes and strengthen management of infrastructure projects involving the three continents. Read more

SANF 17 no 18 – by Kizito Sikuka
Southern Africa has come a long way and the region should continue to uphold the ideals of the founding fathers for the benefit of future generations.

This was said by King Mswati III of Swaziland, the current chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), during his familiarization tour of the SADC Secretariat in Gaborone, Botswana. Read more

by Joseph Ngwawi – SANF 17 no 17
Studies and experiences from other parts of the world show that the simplification and streamlining of documentation requirements as well as import and export formalities significantly reduces transaction costs associated with trade. Read more