# tblSANF

title:
Namibia reaches target of 30 percent women in National Assembly

Abstract:
NAMIBIA HAS become the
fourth country in the region to
achieve 30 percent female representation
in parliament.
Three more women were
appointed to parliament in
Namibia in May, bringing to
24 the number of women out
of a total 78 members in the
National Assembly.

body:
NAMIBIA HAS become the
fourth country in the region to
achieve 30 percent female representation
in parliament.
Three more women were
appointed to parliament in
Namibia in May, bringing to
24 the number of women out
of a total 78 members in the
National Assembly.
This gives women 31 percent
of the seats, up from the
previous 27 percent.
The women were appointed
on party lines to replace
three members of parliament
who had died or resigned, two
from the ruling SWAPO party
and one from the opposition.
Under Namibia's electoral
system of Proportional Representation
(PR), the electorate
votes for party lists containing
candidates presented by each
party. If a candidate cannot
take up their seat then the next
person on the list is normally
appointed.
Some political parties in
countries using the PR system
select women candidates for
every second or third place on
their list to ensure equitable
representation.
Namibia has shown a consistent
commitment to ensuring
women's equal participation
in politics and decisionmaking
as evidenced by the
upward trend in the number
of women in parliament.
At the last general election
in 2004, the number of women
in Parliament increased from
20 percent to 27 percent. At the
same time Namibia appointed
a woman, Libertina Amathila
as Deputy Prime Minister.
Women were also appointed
to the positions of Deputy
Speaker of the National Assembly,
Minister of Justice and
Attorney General, as well as
Minster of Finance.
With the latest appointments,
Namibia becomes the
fourth SADC country to attain
the target set out in the SADC
Declaration on Gender and
Development in 1997, joining
Mozambique, South Africa
and the United Republic of Tanzania in fulfilling this
quota.
The voluntary party quota,
and the PR system, is also
used in South Africa and
Mozambique, and thus it is no
coincidence that these two
have the highest representation
of women in parliament
in the region.
Tanzania has a constituency
system of First Past The
Post (FPTP) contested by
both men and women, but
the constitution guarantees
that one-third additional
seats are reserved for women,
appointed under a PR system
based on the number of seats
each party wins in the election.
Women Representation in SADC Member States in the
Last Two Election

Country
Election Year Women MPs % Election Year Women MPs % Electoral system



Angola - - 1992 9.5 PR

Botswana 1999 18.2 2004 11.1 FPTP

Congo DRC - - 2006 12 FPTP

Lesotho 2002 12 2007 23 FPTP

Madagascar 2002 - 2007 7.9 FPTP

Malawi 1999 8.3 2004 17 FPTP

Mauritius 2000 5.7 2005 17 FPTP

Mozambique 1999 28.6 2004 33.3 PR

Namibia 1999 19.2 2004 24.4 PR

South Africa 1999 30 2004 37.8 PR

Swaziland 1998 7.3 2003 19 FPTP


Tanzania 2000 16.3 2005 30.3 FPTP; PR*

Zambia 2001 12.7 2006 14.7 FPTP

Zimbabwe 2005 15.8 2008 13 FPTP
Compiled by SARDC WIDSAA 2008
	
*Constitution of United Republic of Tanzania guarantees at least one-third seats for women under
	additional PR system
	Key: PR - Proportional Representation
	
FPTP - First Past The Post


title:
Africa Day: Marking the
progress of the continent

Abstract:
AFRICAN LEADERS and political activists gathered in Ghana on 15 April 1958,
for the first conference of independent African states, hosted by Kwame Nkrumah,
just one year after leading Ghana to independence on 6 March 1957.

body:
AFRICAN LEADERS and political activists gathered in Ghana on 15 April 1958,
for the first conference of independent African states, hosted by Kwame Nkrumah,
just one year after leading Ghana to independence on 6 March 1957.
This conference was significant in that it represented the first Pan-African conference
held on African soil, representing the collective expression of African resistance
to colonialism, and was hosted by the first sub-Saharan African country
to gain independence from a colonial power.
African Unity
“To many people, the unity of African states which we regard as
the primary basis of our African policy appears visionary and
unattainable. We do not hold this view. The unity of African
states can be a reality and it will be achieved earlier than many
of us suppose.” Nkrumah
The previous conference, in 1945, was held in London where Nkrumah helped
George Padmore to organize the fifth Pan-African Congress, where he drafted the
“Declaration of the Colonial Peoples of the World”.
Nkrumah returned home in 1947 to engage in active politics and formed the
Convention People's Party in 1949, saying: “In all political struggles there come
rare moments, hard to distinguish but fatal to let slip, when all must be set upon
a hazard, and out of the simple man is ordained strength.”
Just a year after Independence, he hosted the First Conference of Independent
African States. There were eight, including Ghana, Egypt, Ethiopia, Liberia, Libya,
Morocco, Sudan and Tunisia. These were the total representation for Africa at the
United Nations.
Representatives of the National Liberation Front of Algeria and the Union of
Cameroonian Peoples also attended.
The conference called for the founding of African Freedom Day, a day to “mark
each year the onward progress of the liberation movement, and to symbolise the
determination of the people of Africa to free themselves from foreign domination
and exploitation.”
Five years later another historic meeting took place in Ethiopia, after many
more countries had gained political independence.
On 25 May 1963, leaders of 32 independent African states met in Addis Ababa to
form the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which is now the African Union
(AU).
By then, more than two-thirds of the continent had achieved independence.
At this historic meeting, the date of Africa Freedom Day was changed from 15
April to 25 May and Africa Freedom Day was declared African Liberation Day, now
celebrated across the continent as Africa Day.
The commemoration provides a platform for remembering African history,
from the rich pre-colonial development period through the dark days of slavery
and colonialism right up to the liberation of southern Africa and the end of the
apartheid system in South Africa in May 1994, more than 30 years after the formation
of the OAU and its Liberation Committee.
Nkrumah hoped the OAU would become the foundation for an African Union
government, and it did, 40 years after he led the people of the former Gold Coast
to independence as Ghana.
The African Union is now established with a permanent Commission to run its
operations, a development arm called the New Partnership for Africa's Development
(NEPAD), and a Pan-African Parliament.


Abstract:
AT THE  end of 1958, Kwame Nkrumah hosted another
conference, the All-African People's Conference, in Accra,
attended by men who were to become notable political
leaders, including Patrice Lumumba, Julius Nyerere and
others. They returned home determined to end colonial
rule and to make their territories base areas for the liberation
movements.

body:
AT THE  end of 1958, Kwame Nkrumah hosted another
conference, the All-African People's Conference, in Accra,
attended by men who were to become notable political
leaders, including Patrice Lumumba, Julius Nyerere and
others. They returned home determined to end colonial
rule and to make their territories base areas for the liberation
movements.
</table
Nkrumah addressed many of Africa's contemporary
challenges in his books, written in the 1960s, including I
Speak of Freedom, The Struggle Continues, and Africa Must
Unite. He could see many of the challenges ahead when he
wrote that “Ghana's independence is meaningless unless it
is linked with the total liberation of Africa… and with the
projection of the African personality in the international
community.“

In the latter he wrote of the dangers of balkanisation, including
potential division and conflict, the vital need for
political unification, and All-African economic planning.

In Challenge of the Congo, Nkrumah showed “how
meaningless political independence could be without
economic freedom and how necessary it was for African
solutions to be found for African problems.”


body:
Public holidays in SADC
June - August 2008
1 June International Children's Day Angola
14 June Freedom Day Malawi
16 June Youth Day South Africa
24 June Fisherman's Day DRC
25 June Independence Day Mozambique
26 June Independence Day Madagascar
30 June Independence Day DRC
1 July Sir Seretse Khama Day Botswana
3 July Public Holiday Botswana
6 July Independence Day Malawi
7 July Heroes Day Zambia
7 July International Trade Fair Tanzania
8 July Unity Day Zambia
17 July King's Birthday Lesotho
19 July President's Day Botswana
20 July Public Holiday Botswana
22 July Public Holiday Swaziland
1 August Parents' Day DRC
4 August Farmers' Day Zambia
8 August Farmer's Day Tanzania
9 August National Women's Day South Africa
11 August Heroes' Day Zimbabwe
12 August Defence Forces Day Zimbabwe
15 August Assumption Day Madagascar, Mauritius
26 August Heroes' Day Namibia


body:
EVENTS DIARY 2008
June 2008


2-4, Zambia
14th Meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee of Experts (ICE)

 On this occasion, the ICE membership will be expanded to
co-opt other relevant ministries including those with specific
responsibilities towards the Free Trade Area.



4-6, South Africa
World Economic Forum on Africa

The 18th World Economic Forum on Africa will discuss the
impacts of global businesses on the continent. Discussions will
review the latest initiatives to tackle the business climate,
physical and social infrastructure as well as insights into
emerging priorities of new business leaders.


7-12, South Africa
12th Session of the African Ministerial Conference on
Environment

The conference is the highest organ of the African Ministerial
Conference on the Environment (AMCEN), whose members
are African ministers responsible for the environment. AMCEN
has led the process for the development of the action plan for
the Environment Initiative for the New Partnership for Africa's
Development (NEPAD) and meets to discuss and agree on
programmes and initiatives to facilitate the effective
implementation of its mandate towards environmental
protection in Africa.




17-20, Swaziland
SADC Integrated Committee of Ministers (ICM)

The ICM is comprised of least two ministers from each SADC
Member State. Its role is to ensure proper policy guidance and
coordination of cross-sectoral activities of SADC. The meeting
will review the activities of SADC directorates to ensure the
rapid implementation of programmes that would otherwise
wait for the Council of Ministers.

30-1 July, Egypt
11th Africa Union Summit

The Assembly of Heads of State and Government from the
African Union's 53 member countries will meet in Sharm El
Scheikh, Egypt for its eleventh ordinary session. This year's
theme is, “Meeting the Millennium Development Goals on
Water and Sanitation”. The meeting will be preceded by the
Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives and the
Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers.



July 2008


1-2, South Africa
International Conference on Knowledge and Information
Intermediaries

The conference is meant to put a spotlight on the role of
research brokers and intermediaries and the contribution they
can make in supporting and enabling evidence-based pro-poor
policy and practice. Under the theme, “Locating the power of
in-between”, the conference is organised by the Human
Sciences Research Council of South Africa and the Institute of
Development Studies, United Kingdom (UK).


2-4, France
10th Africa Energy Forum

Launched in 1999, the Africa Energy Forum is Africa's premier
annual power and gas investment and business forum, where
governments and power utility companies discuss the
international energy situation with focus on Africa's power and
gas sectors.



Abstract:
SADC LAUNCHES its free trade area this August,
signalling the creation of one of the largest
free trade zones on the African continent with
some 250 million people.

body:
SADC LAUNCHES its free trade area this August,
signalling the creation of one of the largest
free trade zones on the African continent with
some 250 million people.
The official launch is expected during the
28th SADC Summit in South Africa, a historic
event that will usher in a new era of economic
integration and rapid industrialisation of the
sub-region through expanded trading opportunities.
Premised on the gradual removal of barriers
to trade, the Free Trade Area (FTA) is a culmination
of an eight-year process that started
with the signing of the SADC Trade Protocol in
1996, which came into force in 2000.
In addition to the Trade Protocol, SADC
Member States have adopted the Regional Indicative
Strategic Development Plan (RISDP),
which outlines the roadmap for further regional
economic integration.
The RISDP outlines economic integration
targets that include the establishment of an
FTA in 2008, a Customs Union by 2010, Common 
Market by 2015 and creation of a Monetary
Union by 2016, while a regional central bank
and common currency are expected by 2018.
Thus the creation of an FTA this August signifies
the achievement of a major milestone towards
the quest for deeper economic integration
in SADC.
The FTA is rooted in the classical economics
principle of comparative advantage. The crude
argument is that Member States will produce
for export only those goods for which they have
a comparative advantage while importing from
regional neighbours goods that they cannot
produce more efficiently at home.
Industrialists will enjoy enhanced market access
as well as benefit from economies of scale
as they produce for a bigger regional, as opposed
to a national market.
On the other hand, consumers will have access
to a cheaper and wider product range on
supermarket shelves as goods would now
enter national boundaries free of customs duties.
An FTA provides an ideal
environment for rapid industrialization
and modernization
as firms up productivity
levels to maintain a competitive
edge over others.
These assumptions are of
course burdened by many
complexities in the everyday
conduct of international trade
and realities at the national
level.
For example, with few exceptions,
SADC Member State
exports are not only similar
but mostly primary and unfinished
goods while imports are
mainly capital and intermediate
goods.
Furthermore, the majority
of SADC economies are less
developed, supported by nascent
industries which still require
some nurturing before
they are exposed to the chill
winds of international trade.
The lingering fears that
goods from large economies
such as South Africa may
swamp weaker economies
leading to collapse of their industries
have tended to slow
progress towards set targets.
In an attempt to address
these fears, SADC has adopted
the principle of variable
geometry, which allows for
asymmetrical trade liberalization
based on the level of economic
development in each
country.
This approach has allowed
South Africa, which is the
most developed economy,
along with its fellow members
in the Southern African Customs
Union (SACU) -
Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia
and Swaziland - to liberalise
faster than the rest.
Since 2000, Member States
have been gradually removing
tariff and nontariff
barriers to trade
with the aim of
achieving an 85 percent
threshold of intra-regional trade at zero
tariffs by 2008.
The remaining 15 percent
constitutes mainly sensitive
products such as textiles,
clothing and motor vehicles,
which are to be liberalized by
2012. Few products such as
precious and strategic metals
(gold, silver and platinum)
and second hand goods have
been excluded from liberalization.
Principally, the FTA will
allow goods originating from
SADC Member States to enter
neighbouring country
economies free of customs duties.
To qualify for duty-free,
goods have to meet certain criteria
as spelt out in the agreed
rules of origin.
While growing, intra-
SADC trade is still low at
around 25 percent. Much of
that trade is concentrated in
the SACU region while most
international trade is still taking
place under bilateral
agreements among fellow
SADC Member States or with
former colonial powers with
limited utilization of the Trade
Protocol.
Intra-SADC trade is also
constrained by lack of infrastructure.
It therefore comes as
no surprise that SADC leaders
have placed high priority on
the development of regional
infrastructure.
In light of the FTA and the
Customs Union, the need for
more efficient and seamless
transport corridors that better
connect the region has become
more important than ever before.
New corridors are expected
to complement traditional
surface routes which were historically
designed to ferry
goods to and from the rest of
the world via the regional sea
ports. These are currently not
sufficient to facilitate interstate
movement of goods. 
Key Export and Import Commodities of
SADC Member States
Member State
Major Exports
Major Imports
Angola
Crude oil, diamonds, refined pe-
Machinery and electrical equip-
troleum products, gas, coffee,
ment, vehicles and spare parts;
sisal, fish and fish products, tim-
medicines, food, textiles, military
ber, cotton.
goods.
Botswana
Diamonds, copper, nickel, soda
Foodstuffs, machinery, electrical
ash, meat.
goods, transport equipment, tex-
tiles, fuel and petroleum prod-
ucts, wood and paper products,
metal and metal products.
DRC
Diamonds, copper, crude oil,
Foodstuffs, mining and other ma-
coffee, cobalt.
chinery, transport equipment,
fuels.
Lesotho
Manufactures 75% (clothing,
Food; building materials, vehicles,
footwear), wool and mohair, food
machinery, medicines, petroleum
and live animals
products.
Madagascar
Coffee, vanilla, cloves, shellfish,
Capital goods, petroleum, con-
sugar, cotton cloth, chromite, pe-
sumer goods, food.
troleum products.
Malawi
Tobacco 60%, tea, sugar, cotton,
Food, petroleum products, semi
coffee, peanuts, wood products,
manufactures, consumer goods,
apparel.
transportation equipment.
Mauritius
Clothing and textiles, sugar, cut
Manufactured goods, capital
flowers, molasses.
equipment, foodstuffs, petroleum
products, chemicals.
Mozambique
Aluminium, prawns, cashews,
Machinery and equipment, vehi-
cotton, sugar, citrus, timber, bulk
cles, fuel, chemicals, metal prod-
electricity.
ucts, foodstuffs, textiles.
Namibia
Diamonds, copper, gold, zinc,
Foodstuffs, petroleum products
lead, uranium; cattle, processed
and fuel, machinery and equip-
fish, karakul skins.
ment, chemicals.
South Africa
Gold, diamonds, platinum, other
Machinery and equipment,
metals and minerals, machinery
chemicals, petroleum products,
and equipment.
scientific instruments, foodstuffs.
Swaziland
Soft drink concentrates, sugar,
Motor vehicles, machinery, trans-
wood pulp, cotton yarn, refriger-
port equipment, foodstuffs, petro-
ators, citrus and canned fruit.
leum products, chemicals.
Tanzania
Gold, coffee, cashew nuts, manu-
Consumer goods, machinery and
factured cotton.
transportation equipment, indus-
trial raw materials, crude oil.
Zambia
Copper/cobalt 64%, electricity;
Machinery, transportation equip-
tobacco, flowers, cotton.
ment, petroleum products, electric-
ity, fertilizer; foodstuffs, clothing.
Zimbabwe
Cotton, tobacco, gold, ferroal-
Machinery and transport equip-
loys, textiles/clothing.
ment, other manufactures, chem-
icals, fuels.


title:
Implementation of SADC Trade Protocol
on track

Abstract:
THE IMPLEMENTATION of
the SADC Trade Protocol has
been a long and painstaking regional
process that will continue
beyond the formal launch of the
Free Trade Area expected in August.

body:
THE IMPLEMENTATION of
the SADC Trade Protocol has
been a long and painstaking regional
process that will continue
beyond the formal launch of the
Free Trade Area expected in August.
Since 1996 when the Trade
Protocol was signed, coming
into force in 2000 following a
ratification process, 12 SADC
Member States have signed up
to the protocol and are therefore
part of the Free Trade Area
(FTA), with the exception of Angola
and the Democratic Republic
of Congo who have asked for
more time before joining the
FTA.
The main instrument of trade
liberalization as provided for in
the protocol has been the elimination
of customs tariffs and
non-tariff barriers on the bulk of
intra-SADC trade.
Once the Trade Protocol
came into force in 2000, the first
major step was for Member
States to undertake negotiations
for tariff phase-down which entails
gradual removal of customs
duties.
The negotiating process was
conducted through the “request-
offer approach” under the
auspices of the Trade Negotiating
Forum, which met regularly
as provided for in the Trade Protocol.
Critical to the negotiating
process was the principle of
asymmetry, which was born out
of the realization that, among
other issues, SADC Member
States were at varying levels of
economic development. For
purposes of implementation of
the Trade Protocol, Member
States were put into the following
categories:
 Developed Countries (mainly
South Africa but de facto,
Southern African Customs
Union - SACU);
 Developing Countries (Mauritius
and Zimbabwe) and;
 Least Developed Countries --
LDCs (being the remainder i.e.
Angola, DRC, Madagascar,
Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania
and Zambia).


Based on these clusters,
SADC pursued a tariff phasedown
programme at variable
scales of speed in which the developed
countries cluster was
expected to generally front-load
their tariff reductions to achieve
the “substantially all trade”
threshold by about year-five of
implementation, that is by 2005.
The developing countries
cluster was expected to generally
mid-load their tariff reductions
to achieve the same threshold
by about year seven or eight
of implementation, that is by
2007-8 while the last category,
the LDCs, was expected to backload
their tariff reductions to beyond
the 8-year threshold but
not to exceed 12 years.
However, for category A and
B products (see box), tariffs were
to reach the zero percent level by
2008 in line with the World Trade
Organization requirement which
stipulates that substantially all
trade should be free in an FTA.
The “substantially all trade”
threshold for SADC is made up
of 85 percent of all products, constituting category A and B
products but excluding category
C products.

Product Categorization for SADC Tariff Phase-down

Product category Description

A Products whose tariffs would move to 0% (or
were already 0%) at start of the phase-down
process, i.e. in 2000
B Products subject to tariff phase-down to 0%
over an eight-year period to 2008
C Sensitive products, phase-down over 12-year
period to 2012
E Excluded from preferential trade

A Mid-Term Review commissioned
by SADC in 2004 revealed
that Member States were
implementing the Trade Protocol
but progress was generally
slow. One of the key recommendations
to ensure compliance
was that Member States were to
effect tariff phase-downs on the
1st of January every year.
An audit done by the Southern
African Trade Hub for the
SADC Secretariat indicated that
as of February 2008, Mauritius,
Mozambique, SACU countries,
United Republic of Tanzania,
Zambia and Zimbabwe had
gazetted their tariff offers or issued
notices effecting the 2008
tariff phase-down. Malawi
would consider further reductions
during the 2008/09 budget
while Madagascar only acceded
to the Protocol in 2006 and is allowed
more time to catch up.
In addition to removal of tariffs,
Member States have also
agreed to several other trade facilitation
measures such as the
elimination of non-tariff barriers
to trade. Removal of non-tariff
barriers involves harmonization
of customs rules and procedures,
the harmonization of sanitary
and phyto-sanitary measures as well as adoption and implementation
of common rules of origin.
Member States are currently
developing a model Customs Act
that will facilitate the harmonization
of customs regulations and
procedures. Work on the SADC
Customs Bond Guarantee
Scheme has been completed
while a decision is expected soon
on the Single Customs Document
and the Regional Goods Transit
System, both of which have already
been piloted.
Given that not all products
qualify for duty-free under an
FTA, a considerable amount of
time was spent on negotiating
the rules of origin, which were
eventually agreed as being
product specific. A SADC Certificate
of Origin, which authenticates
goods that originate from
the region, is already in use in
Member States.
The rules of origin are to ensure
that goods not originating
from the region do not enjoy tariff
preference. They are also to
ensure that the region is not
flooded with imports from third
countries.
While considerable work has
gone into negotiating and agreeing
regional instruments of the
FTA, the focus will now shift to
the national level where compliance
matters most.


title:
States face overlapping membership decision

Abstract:
WITH THE SADC region
moving closer towards a Customs
Union, the question of
overlapping membership is
becoming more pertinent.

body:
WITH THE SADC region
moving closer towards a Customs
Union, the question of
overlapping membership is
becoming more pertinent.
A Tripartite Task Force involving
SADC, the Common
Market for East and Southern
Africa (COMESA) and the
East African Community
(EAC) has been established to
find ways of harmonizing
trade regimes of the three
trading blocs.
The work of the task force
will feed into a Tripartite Summit
expected in October 2008.
Membership overlaps exist
in SADC, COMESA and EAC,
and challenges have been created
by the fact that all three
plan to create customs unions,
a situation that presents technical
challenges as a country
cannot belong to more than
one customs union.
With the SADC Free Trade
Area (FTA) taking effect this
year, momentum has now
gathered towards completion
of a Custom Union in 2010.


Comesa, which created its
own FTA in 2004 plans to
launch its Customs Union by
December 2008, while plans
for an EAC Customs Union
are also underway.
All members of the Southern
African Customs Union
(SACU) belong to SADC,
which means that with the
creation of a SADC Customs
Union, the SACU arrangement
automatically falls away.
Seven SADC countries –
Angola, DRC, Malawi, Mauritius,
Swaziland, Zambia and
Zimbabwe – are members of
both SADC and Comesa. The
United Republic of Tanzania is
a member of the EAC.
Overlapping membership
presents challenges,
particularly
when trading blocs
move towards deeper  levels of economic integration.
For example, Zambia belongs
to both SADC and
Comesa. Under the SADC
Protocol on Trade, Zambia is
to extend duty-free treatment
to South African products.
However, because of its
Comesa membership, Zambia
is to implement a common external tariff in line with the
Comesa Customs Union,
which excludes South Africa.
In essence, Zambia has agreed
to simultaneously promote
free trade with South Africa
and maintain Comesa tariffs
against that same country.
The multiple membership
conundrum has also fragmented SADC countries during
negotiations for Economic
Partnership Agreements
(EPAs) with the European
Union with some Member
States negotiating outside the
SADC umbrella.


title:
Zimbabwe, Zambia sign agreement
on border post

Abstract:
ZAMBIA AND Zimbabwe have
signed a bilateral agreement,
which will result in the transformation
of Chirundu into a onestop
border post.

body:
ZAMBIA AND Zimbabwe have
signed a bilateral agreement,
which will result in the transformation
of Chirundu into a onestop
border post.
The project is in line with plans
for regional economic integration
under SADC and Comesa.
Speaking at the signing of the
agreement in Harare, Zimbabwe's
Industry and International Trade
Minister, Obert Mpofu, said, “The
coming into fruition of the onestop
border concept is an important
milestone towards deepening
the level of economic integration.”
The agreement will see the
two countries increasing trade by
20 percent while at the same time
saving over US$450 million
through reduced transit times.
Speaking at the same occasion,
Zambian Minister for
Commerce, Trade and Industry,
Felix Mutati, said, “Whilst the
signing of the agreement will
ensure the consolidation and
deepening of economic integration
within the realm of the
Comesa/SADC 2008 and 2010
goals, it is critical that the underlining
challenges of multiple
agencies and clearing procedures
are addressed.”
Some of the envisaged benefits
would be the reduction of
time spent at the border posts,
reduced costs of doing business
while indirectly dealing with
the socio-economic issues that
were arising as a result of delays
at the border post.


title:
Trade pact boosts
SACU ties with South
America

Abstract:
THE SOUTHERN African Customs
Union (SACU) has finally
concluded a preferential trade
pact with the South American
trading bloc, Mercosur, after
nearly three years of negotiations.

body:
THE SOUTHERN African Customs
Union (SACU) has finally
concluded a preferential trade
pact with the South American
trading bloc, Mercosur, after
nearly three years of negotiations.
The deal is an extension of
the original trade arrangement
between SACU and Mercosur --
which comprises Argentina,
Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay -
- concluded in 2004 but was
deemed lacking in many areas.
SACU's chief trade negotiator,
Xavier Carim, recently said
all technical negotiations had
been concluded on the deal,
which includes 2000 product
lines.
The agreement would now
be submitted to the national
authorities to ensure compliance
with national laws, after
which a date would be set for
ministerial signature and ratification.
But a large portion of goods
manufactured in the two trade
regions will still face tariff barriers
upon entry, notably automotive
products, which remain
heavily protected in some regional
countries such as South
Africa and Namibia.
New-generation issues such
as services and investment were
also not included.
Carim said, however, that the
agreement included a provision
for the future broadening of the
deal, should the parties wish to
pursue that.
The deal is expected to be in
force before the end of the year.


Abstract:
AS SOUTHERN Africa takes
regional integration to unprecedented
levels with the
inauguration of the Free
Trade Area (FTA) in August
2008, the need for efficient,
seamless and cost-effective
infrastructure corridors has
become more urgent than
ever before.

body:
AS SOUTHERN Africa takes
regional integration to unprecedented
levels with the
inauguration of the Free
Trade Area (FTA) in August
2008, the need for efficient,
seamless and cost-effective
infrastructure corridors has
become more urgent than
ever before.
Trade in SADC is hampered
by the multiplicity of
borders and the delays at
many border posts while documents
and cargoes are
checked.
As noted by the Director of
Infrastructure and Services
Directorate at SADC Secretariat,
Remmy Makumbe, the
success of a free trade zone
hinges upon an effective plan
to implement infrastructure
development corridors at national
and regional levels.
Makumbe further underscored
the need to mobilise
resources in order to address
the issue of transport infrastructure,
especially roads,
rail and ports. This he said
will require US$20 billion
funding which is expected to
come from Member States
and co-operating partners.
The increase in intra-
SADC trade requires a vibrant
transport infrastructure
while seamless networks are
needed to interconnect landlocked
countries as well as
link them to the major ports.
Historically, the SADC region
has had several traditional
surface transport corridors
operating as natural routes to
and from the sea. These have
been used primarily for export
of raw materials from the region
to the rest of the world as
well as import of finished
products from the rest of the
world into the region.
However, the operations
of some of these corridors,
said Makumbe, have been hampered to varying degrees
by infrastructure bottlenecks
such as “poor roads, bridges,
curves, border infrastructure
layout and logistics, as well
as lengthy and unnecessarily
complicated and non-harmonised
customs border procedures
and documents.”
“The performance of these
corridors, when benchmarked
against transport corridors
around the world, has
revealed poor levels of efficiency,
poor turnaround and
hence high costs of transportation,
resulting in poor
competitiveness of exports
from the region in global
markets as well as high landing
costs of imported products
in the region,” said
Makumbe, who is also the
Acting Chief Director of
SADC.
Inevitably, these high costs
have been passed on to the
final consumer by the various
service providers. This situation
has given rise to a relatively
lower quality of life for
the majority of SADC citizens.
In response to a directive
by the 2007 SADC Summit,
the Secretariat is developing a
SADC Corridor Strategy in
consultation with the Member
States. Makumbe said
that SADC has launched a
study to put together the best
corridor practices of the region
as well as those from
elsewhere around the world as an integral part of the
wider corridor strategies to
develop and modernize all
the SADC Corridors.
The SADC Corridors that
are being developed in conjunction
with the Member
States include: the Dar es
Salaam Corridor, Mtwara Development
Corridor, Nacala
Development Corridor, Shire-
Zambezi Waterway, Beira
Corridor, Limpopo Corridor,
Maputo Corridor, Libombo
Development Corridor,
Lesotho Railway, Trans-Kalahari
Corridor, Walvis Bay
Corridor, Trans-Caprivi Corridor,
North-South Corridor,
Trans-Kunene Corridor, Lobito
Corridor, and the Malanje
Corridor.
The proposed Kazungula
Bridge, which is meant to link
Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe,
is one project that is
pivotal in stimulating trade
within the context of the
SADC Free Trade Area and
Customs Union in 2010.
“I am convinced that even
though the three countries
are implementing this project,
its impact will be felt in the
[SADC] region as a whole,”
said Makumbe.
Consultations are underway
on the implementation
of the Kazungula Bridge Project
and a contract is expected
to be signed once all outstanding
issues are agreed
upon by the parties involved.
The construction of the
Kazungula Bridge is meant to
replace the existing ferry,
which constitutes a major
bottleneck to free movement
of persons and goods between
the three countries.


Abstract:
SADC TRANSPORT Ministers
have raised concern over
the poor state of roads in the
region that is constraining the
flow of transport.

body:
SADC TRANSPORT Ministers
have raised concern over
the poor state of roads in the
region that is constraining the
flow of transport.
At a recent meeting in
Namibia convened to review
progress on corridor development,
the ministers said that
poor infrastructure in the region
is responsible for the
high cost of goods especially
in landlocked countries of the
region.
“Roads in the northern
and central corridors need to be fixed as they make it impossible
for the easy flow of
transport and movement of
goods and services,” the ministers
agreed.
The ministers also noted
that there must be a master
plan for the modernization of
the railways for the region,
adding that a modern highspeed
railway line for the region
will ease the burden
from the roads and increase
the speed of movement of
bulk cargo into and outside
the region.


title:
AU defers continental government to next year

Abstract:
AFRICAN LEADERS have deferred
their discussion of a
union government until January
next year after failing to reach a
consensus at their Summit in
Egypt in July.

body:
AFRICAN LEADERS have deferred
their discussion of a
union government until January
next year after failing to reach a
consensus at their Summit in
Egypt in July.
A high-level expert group of
12 heads of state was established
at the 10th African Union
(AU) Summit in Ghana early
this year, specifically to accelerate
the process of establishing a
union government but consensus
remains elusive.
Heads of State and Government
attending the 11th Session
of the AU Summit on 30 June
and 1 July in Egypt, decided to
defer the discussion to their next
summit in January 2009, to be
held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
In the discussions to date,
African leaders have retained different
perspectives on the timeframe
for implementation, with
Libya and some West African
states including Senegal pressing
for the immediate establishment
of a union government and appointment
of ministers.
Other countries, including
South Africa, Ethiopia and most
of eastern and southern Africa
have adopted a more cautious
approach to implementation,
wanting more consensus and
clarity on the operations and
mandate of such a government.
While the AU is agreed on
the movement towards a union
government, there are different
views on the timing and model
of governance.
East and southern Africa advocate
strengthening the Regional
Economic Communities
(RECs) as building blocks, taking
time to build regional economies.
Libya and Senegal are insisting
on immediate transformation
to a United States of Africa,
advocating a top-down approach
starting with the formation
of a union government and
election of its leader as a matter
of urgency, to replace the current
AU Commission.
“We are going to announce the
union government next January,”
Senegalese President Abdoulaye
Wade said after the Summit.
The areas of divergence recall
the original debates at the founding
Summit of the Organisation
of African Unity (OAU) in May
1963 when President Kwame
Nkrumah of Ghana wanted immediate
unification of the few
countries that were independent,
in a pan-African government.
President Julius Nyerere of
the United Republic of Tanzania
was equally eloquent in advocating
a “brick-by-brick” approach,
starting with the pursuance of
political independence for the remaining
countries under colonial
rule or apartheid, which then included
most of southern Africa.
The current debate was reignited
after the completion of political
independence marked by the end of apartheid rule in South Africa
in 1994, signalling the achievement
of political independence
and the subsequent transformation
of the OAU to the AU.
At the conclusion of the Summit,
African leaders expressed
their commitment to national
strategies and action plans for
achieving the Millennium Development
Goals (MDGs) target
for water and sanitation over
the next seven years.
AU Summit Resolution On Zimbabwe

The African Union Assembly, meeting in its 11th Ordinary Session held on June 30 to July
1, 2008 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt,

DEEPLY CONCERNED with the prevailing situation in Zimbabwe;

DEEPLY CONCERNED with the negative reports of SADC, the African Union and the
Pan-African Parliament observers on the Zimbabwean Presidential run-off election held
on June 27, 2008;

DEEPLY CONCERNED about the violence and the loss of life that has occurred in Zimbabwe.

CONSIDERING the urgent need to prevent further worsening of the situation and with a
view to avoid spread of conflict with the consequential negative impact on the country and
the sub-region;

FURTHER CONSIDERING the need to create an environment conducive for democracy,
as well as the development of the people of Zimbabwe;

EXPRESSING its appreciation to SADC, and its Organ on Politics, Defence and Security
Co-operation, as well as the Facilitator of the intra-Zimbabwe dialogue, His Excellency
Thabo Mbeki, President of the Republic of South Africa, and His Excellency Jean Ping,
Chairperson of the African Union Commission for the ongoing work aimed at reconciling
the political parties;

RECOGNISING the complexity of the situation in Zimbabwe;

NOTING the willingness of the political leaders of Zimbabwe to enter into negotiations to
establish a Government of National Unity;

NOTING FURTHER the preparatory discussions on this matter had already started, under
SADC facilitation;

Hereby decide:
 TO ENCOURAGE President Robert Mugabe and the leader of the MDC Party Mr Morgan
Tsvangirai to honour their commitment to initiate dialogue with a view to promoting peace,
stability, democracy and the reconciliation of the Zimbabwean people;
 TO SUPPORT the call, for the creation of a Government of National Unity;
 TO SUPPORT the SADC Facilitation, and to recommend that SADC mediation efforts
should be continued in order to resolve the problems they are facing. In this regard SADC
should establish a mechanism on the ground in order to seize the momentum for a negotiated
solution;
 TO APPEAL to states and all parties concerned to refrain from any action that may negatively
impact on the climate of dialogue;
 In the spirit of all SADC initiatives, the AU remains convinced that the people of Zimbabwe
will be able to resolve their differences and work together once again as one Nation,
provided they receive undivided support from SADC, the AU and the world at large.



title:
RECs urged to
promote African
integration

Abstract:
THE AFRICAN Union Summit
held in Egypt urged Regional
Economic Communities (RECs)
to move the integration agenda
forward in a bid to attain the
overall objectives of the continent.

body:
THE AFRICAN Union Summit
held in Egypt urged Regional
Economic Communities (RECs)
to move the integration agenda
forward in a bid to attain the
overall objectives of the continent.
The integration agenda includes
the movement of people
and goods throughout the continent,
which is home to about
900 million people.
As part of this integration
initiative, a meeting of the Coordination
Committee of the
African Union, African Development
Bank (AfDB) and the
RECs was held on the margins
of the 11th Session of the African
Union Summit.
Chairperson of the African
Union Commission, Jean Ping,
reaffirmed commitment towards
a stronger AU cooperation
with the RECs.
“We cannot afford to
fail. Failing would mean
failing our populations
and leading them deeper
into poverty,” Ping
said.


title:
ADB to spend $1.2
billion on water in
Africa

Abstract:
THE AFRICAN Development
Bank (AfDB) will invest $1.2 billion
on development of water
infrastructure in Africa over the
next three years.

body:
THE AFRICAN Development
Bank (AfDB) will invest $1.2 billion
on development of water
infrastructure in Africa over the
next three years.
This was confirmed by the
bank's president, Donald
Kaberuka, at the 11th Session of
the African Union Summit in
Egypt held under the theme,
“Meeting the Millennium Development
Goals (MDGs) on
Water and Sanitation.”
“The implementation of this
water development [programme]
will be carried out both in the
urban and rural areas of African
countries with poor facilities of
access to water and sanitation,”
Kaberuka said.


title:
Oil price hikes put squeeze on regional economies

Abstract:
SOUTHERN AFRICA is grappling
with rising global fuel
prices caused by a number of
factors which have pushed the
price of a barrel of crude oil towards
the unprecedented
US$150 mark.

body:
SOUTHERN AFRICA is grappling
with rising global fuel
prices caused by a number of
factors which have pushed the
price of a barrel of crude oil towards
the unprecedented
US$150 mark.
Global crude oil prices rose
from less than US$100 a barrel
(bbl) at the beginning of 2008 to
a record high of US$146 in early
July, with economists warning
that the price will hit US$200 bbl
before year end.
The current rise in oil prices
represents a 25 percent increase
in the last four months and 400
percent since 2001.
In real terms, except for the
1979 oil shock, this is the highest
price of oil ever.
While some analysts blame
the increased demand from
East Asia, especially China,
others have put the fault on the
strong demand in developed
countries, and political disruptions
in oil-producing countries
such as Iraq, Iran and
Nigeria.
SADC consumers are feeling
the pinch of rising oil prices in
the form of increases in food
and transport costs, increased
interest rates, and a generally
high inflationary economic environment.
In the month of June, interest
rates went up in Botswana,
Namibia and South Africa by
more than five percent.
Fossil fuels account for 95
percent of the energy used in
transport, making the sector the
most prone to surges in oil
prices. Although people are likely
to continue with their daily
business, they will inevitably be
forced to cut down on other
basic requirements.
In the past two months alone,
the price of public transport has
increased by more than 60 percent
in some SADC countries.
For example in Namibia, the
price of fuel went up for the
sixth time this year in July, a situation
which was summarised
by the Minister of Mines and
Energy, Erkki Nghimtina, as “detrimental to the travelling
public”.
The cost of petroleum products
affects just about every economic
activity, directly or indirectly.
Since petroleum drives agriculture,
its increased cost will
also drive up the price of food,
making more and more people,
especially those in the rural
areas, vulnerable to poverty.
For net oil importing countries,
of which these are the majority
in the region, the rise in oil
prices tends to slow down economic
progress.
For example, countries such
as South Africa and Zambia,
which have enjoyed a healthy
growth rate of between 3 and 5
percent per year, have been
forced to revise their growth
prospects due to higher fuel
prices.
The African Development
Bank estimates that the current
high price of oil will translate -
as a first round effect - into a
higher average inflation of 1 to 3 percentage points for most
countries in SADC for 2008 and
2009 respectively.
Second, as the short-run demand
for oil is highly inelastic,
consumers are forced to reduce
their consumption of other
goods and services to meet
higher energy bills.
Third, net oil importing countries
face balance of payment
constraints, as they must secure
additional resources to pay for
the higher oil import bill.
Concomitantly, governments
face tighter budget constraints,
which can affect their capacity
to finance social programmes
while some may be forced to
borrow more from external
sources, threatening another
debt trap.
High fuel prices have
prompted countries to reconsider
their over-reliance on fossil
fuels and brought to prominence
the need to make greater
use of alternate clean energy resources
such as biofuels and geothermal
energy.


title:
SADC power supply-demand remains unstable, SAPP

Abstract:
THE ELECTRICITY supply-demand
situation in the region continues
to be unstable as evidenced
by the recurrence of
blackouts and load shedding in
virtually all SADC countries with
the exception of Mauritius.

body:
THE ELECTRICITY supply-demand
situation in the region continues
to be unstable as evidenced
by the recurrence of
blackouts and load shedding in
virtually all SADC countries with
the exception of Mauritius.
This is according to a midyear
status report by the Southern
African Power Pool (SAPP).
“This situation is undesirable
and has negative consequences
on trade, industry, social services
and the general economic development
in the affected countries
if not reversed,” says the report.
The report warns that this situation
is likely to impact on the
SADC regional integration
agenda, which depends on the
availability of energy and infrastructure
services.
In view of this, the SADC Secretariat
in conjunction with the
SAPP Coordinating Centre has been closely monitoring the situation
to ensure that short-term
rehabilitation and generation
projects are on track to complement
power supply in the region.
The report observes that the
region's installed capacity of
55,000MW is not enough to forestall
the inevitable energy shortage
that the region is experiencing.
“Indeed, had there been sufficient
investment in the energy
sector, the Democratic Republic
of Congo (DRC) would have
achieved a generation capacity
of more than 44,000MW at its
Inga Dam on the Congo River,”
notes the report.
To date, this facility is producing
less than 3,000MW.
The situation is the same at
hydropower generating plants
in Angola, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe
where lack of investment has restricted
power generation and
transmission capacity.
The shortfall is expected to
be reduced to zero through the
implementation of short-term
generation and rehabilitation projects that Member States are
involved in.
The current challenge for the
region is to be able to meet the
ever-increasing power demand,
noting that the installed capacity
and the available capacity are
not increasing at the same rate.


Installed versus Available Capacity

No. Country Utility Installed

Capacity
[MW]

Apr-08 Available

Capacity
[MW]

Dec-06 Available

Capacity
[MW]

Apr-08 %
Change

1 Angola ENE 1 128 590 943 60
2 Botswana BPC 132 120 90 -25
3 DRC SNEL 2 442 1 170 1 170 0
4 Lesotho LEC 72 70 70 0
5 Malawi ESCOM 302 241 246 2
6 Mozambique EDM 233 174 173.8 0
HCB 2 250 1 675 2 075 24
7 Namibia NamPower 393 360 360 0
8 South Africa Eskom 43 061 36 208 38 764 7
9 Swaziland SEB 51 50 70 40
10 Tanzania TANESCO 1 186 680 780 15
11 Zambia ZESCO 1 737 1 095 1 200 10
12 Zimbabwe ZESA 2 045 1 085 1 125 4
TOTAL SAPP 55 032 43 518 47 067 8
Total Interconnected SAPP 52 416 42 007 45 098 7
Source: SAPP


The installed capacity of the
SAPP as of April 2008 was
55,032MW while dependable
capacity was about 47,067MW
indicating a deficit of
about 8,000MW without
giving cognisance to the
requisite 10 percent reserve
margin.
A new generation plant was
commissioned in South Africa
(1,050MW) and another plant
that had been temporarily put out of operation was brought to
service (2 x 190MW) at Camden.
In Swaziland, 20MW of new
plant was commissioned in December
2007. In Angola
2x130MW units were commissioned
at Capanda in March
and July 2007, respectively.
Angola, Tanzania and
Malawi are still non-operating
members of SAPP meaning that
they are not yet connected to
the SAPP grid and thus do not
enjoy the benefits of energy
trading in the region.
Operating members are
Botswana, DRC, Lesotho,
Mozambique, Namibia, South
Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, and
Zimbabwe.
The situation is expected to
be reversed by 2011 in most
SADC countries when rehabilitation
of generating plants will
end and new hydropower stations
will come on stream.
Once SADC recaptures selfsufficiency
in electricity, it is expected
that planned inter-connectors
will then be built.
These include the Mozambique-
Malawi 220-kv interconnector,
the Zambia-Tanzania-
Kenya 330-kv interconnector,
DRC-Zambia 220-kv upgrade,
DRC-Zambia 330-kv second interconnector,
Zambia-Namibia 220-kv interconnector, the
Hwange-Livingstone 330-kv
interconnector and the Cambambe-
Luanda third 220-kv
line in Angola.
The difference between the
installed and available capacity
is mainly due to remedial
maintenance, power station
auxiliaries, fuel constraints and
ageing infrastructure.
SAPP has urged its members
that power utilities should
strive to commission generation
projects as planned. Any
delays will lead to more capacity
deficiency.
Member States should also
implement Demand Side Management
(DSM) measures
which have proved to relieve
pressure on the power system
in South Africa in order to
influence the time, pattern
and amount of electricity demand
as a short term alternative
measure to system expansion.
Demand and supply forecast 2007-2015
The following graph shows the
demand and supply situation
in the medium term. Adequate
generation capacity would be
attained by the year 2013. The
situation might improve sooner
if load management measures
are put into place.





Abstract:
THE SOUTHERN African
Power Pool (SAPP) grid is now
fully operational after having
operated as three separate “islands”
for the past five months
owing to technical faults on the
main interconnectors.

body:
THE SOUTHERN African
Power Pool (SAPP) grid is now
fully operational after having
operated as three separate “islands”
for the past five months
owing to technical faults on the
main interconnectors.
According to SAPP Coordination
Centre Manager,
Lawrence Musaba, the last interconnector
to be brought on
the grid was the Zambia-Zimbabwe
one that came online on
1 July.
The Zambia-Zimbabwe interconnector
went down in January
and since then Zambia has been
standing on its own unable to
trade with the other members on
the SAPP grid.
The disconnection also meant
that Zambia and the Democratic
Republic of Congo (DRC) were
unable to import or export
power in the southern region.
The other interconnectors
that were affected in February
are the Zimbabwe-Mozambique
(ZESA and EDM/HCB) and the
South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique,
Lesotho and Namibia
(Eskom, EDM, LEC and Nam-
Power).
Musaba confirmed that SAPP
is in the process of making sure
that the other members of SADC
who are not yet connected to the
SAPP grid are linked in the
immediate future.


title:
Africa's power providers to standardise electricity grids

Abstract:
AFRICA'S ELECTRICITY
providers meeting in Kenya recently
agreed to start a process
that will culminate in common
electricity standards across the
continent.

body:
AFRICA'S ELECTRICITY
providers meeting in Kenya recently
agreed to start a process
that will culminate in common
electricity standards across the
continent.
The move aims to speed up
the pace of interconnection across
national borders, which has been
blocked by the different standards
in different countries.
The power systems in most
African countries run on different
operating frequencies and voltage,
have different methods of
procurement and equipment
standards.
Power generation and distribution
standards are also
different. This is despite the
fact that nearly all of the continent's
regional trading blocs
have established frameworks
for sharing electricity through
power pools and have a longterm
aspiration to establish a
continental pool.
An Africa-wide pool is seen
as the best solution to ensuring
adequate and regular power
supply, especially for countries
facing shortages.
The pool is expected to facilitate
development of untapped potential of power generation in
countries such as the Democratic
Republic of Congo.
Data from the Southern
African Power Pool (SAPP)
shows that the DRC has a
44,000MW hydro resource potential
on the Congo River that
is yet to be harnessed. There
are plans to tap this potential
and export it to other countries
in the region.
Energy experts say regional
interconnection is important
because it protects countries
from emergency electricity
demand.

Demand and supply forecast 2007-2015

The following graph shows the
demand and supply situation
in the medium term. Adequate
generation capacity would be attained by the year 2013. The
situation might improve sooner
if load management measures
are put into place.
Source: SAPP


title:
Solar Power: Cheap energy source for the region

Abstract:
Due to shortfalls in
electricity production
and the high
oil prices on the global
market, countries in
southern Africa are seeking
alternatives to give
rural families efficient
means to cook food and
light their homes.

body:
Due to shortfalls in
electricity production
and the high
oil prices on the global
market, countries in
southern Africa are seeking
alternatives to give
rural families efficient
means to cook food and
light their homes.
Stand-alone sources of
energy, such as solar and
wind, can help fill the
gap.
Under the New Partnership
for Africa's Development
(NEPAD) it
has been agreed that to
achieve the desired social
and economic prosperity,
countries must boost access
to cheaper and reliable
energy, as just 20
percent of people in the
region have access to
electricity, mostly in
urban areas.
This figure falls to an
average of two percent in
rural areas where the
majority of the people
live - far from the 35 percent
consumption level
which African leaders
pledged to achieve at the 8th Session of the African
Union Summit in 2007.
To realise the NEPAD
vision, cheaper energy
sources must be found
while minimising environmental
hazards and
ensuring sustainability. In
this regard, solar power,
which is clean and renewable,
fits the bill.
The majority of people
in southern Africa still
rely on traditional energy
sources. Wood, or
other biomass such as
crop waste, is the dominant
fuel for cooking.
This comes at a huge cost
to the environment as
families continue to cut
down trees for muchneeded
fuel.
Perhaps the most ambitious
project for harnessing
solar energy
was a project in Zimbabwe
supported by
UNDP through the
Global Environment Facility
(GEF).
Under this initiative,
some 9,000 solar power systems were installed
throughout the country
in a bid to improve living
standards, but also to
curtail land degradation
and pollution.
With all their advantages,
solar systems are
not cheap to install; a
typical home system in
the region costs anywhere
between US$500
and US$1000, according
to the African Development
Bank.
The use of innovative
financing schemes,
such as fee-for-service
arrangements, is one
way to overcome these
high up-front costs. Installing
solar panels to
power multiple houses at
once can also cut down
on costs.
Regional cooperation
to facilitate energy trading
is another major goal.
A UNDP-GEF report
on solar financing and
delivery models notes
that private sales,
through dealers, initially
dominated the market in
South Africa, but that the
government later initiated
a massive off-grid effort
that is now fully active.
Botswana, Namibia,
Swaziland and Zambia
have developed solar
markets, in many cases
with special funds to support
consumer credit.
Apart from domestic
use, people are harnessing
solar power to run
small businesses.
No major marketing is
needed to convince regional
citizens to turn to
solar. The demand is
high. What is lacking is
affordability and availability
of solar units in
the rural areas where
they are needed most.


title:
Appetite for alternative energy sources grows

Abstract:
Southern African governments
have
strengthened efforts to
harness renewable energy
amid fears of a continuous
rise in the global
price of oil and shortages
of electricity in the region.

body:
Southern African governments
have
strengthened efforts to
harness renewable energy
amid fears of a continuous
rise in the global
price of oil and shortages
of electricity in the region.
The South African
government announced
that it was setting aside
about US$300 million
for alternative energy
over the next three
years.
The Namibian government
issued a directive the beginning of 2008
saying that all government
buildings must be
fitted with solar waterheating
panels as an energy-
saving measure.
The directive includes
all government parastatal
buildings and agencies.
In Zimbabwe, new
policy measures have reintroduced
biofuels to reduce
costs and counter
the escalating global oil
prices.
According to Energy
and Power Development Minister, Mike
Nyambuya, the policy
instructs all oil companies
to carry out their
business activities with
a target to use alternative
cleaner fuel in the
next five years.
One of the projects
under the bio-fuels programme
is the resuscitation
of petrol-ethanol
blending. A plant was
commissioned at Triangle
in southeastern Zimbabwe
and production of
fuel-grade ethanol has already
started.


title:
African environment ministers launch environment atlas

Abstract:
AFRICAN MINISTERS of
environment have launched
the Africa: Atlas of Our Changing
Environment, which shows
a rapidly changing landscape,
prominent of which is the disappearance
of glaciers on
Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania
and the Ruwenzori Mountains
in the Democratic Republic
of Congo.

body:
AFRICAN MINISTERS of
environment have launched
the Africa: Atlas of Our Changing
Environment, which shows
a rapidly changing landscape,
prominent of which is the disappearance
of glaciers on
Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania
and the Ruwenzori Mountains
in the Democratic Republic
of Congo. The atlas, launched at
African Ministerial Conference
on the Environment
(AMCEN) in June in South
Africa, brings to light stories
of environmental change
across every country in Africa.
Using current and historical
satellite images, the atlas
provides scientific evidence of
the impact that natural and
human activities have had on
Africa's environment over the
past decades.
“The intent of the book is to
bring compelling visual and
scientific evidence of environmental
change derived from
the Earth Observation Sciences
to a broader audience
and to build the awareness of
our rapidly changing environment,”
said executive director
of the United Nations Environment
Programme, Achim
Steiner at the launch.
The atlas also offers 36
years of environmental
change, including “the swell
of grey-coloured cities over a
once green countryside, protected
areas shrinking as
farms encroach upon their
boundaries, the tracks of road
networks through forests, pollutants
drifting over borders
of neighbouring countries, the
erosion of deltas, and shrinking
mountain glaciers.”
The Africa-wide atlas features
a number of changes in southern Africa. The changes
include the widening corridors
of deforestation in the
DRC following timber harvesting
and the opening of
new roads and the expansion
of old ones. The satellite
images also highlight positive
signs that natural resource
management is protecting
against, and even reversing,
environmental
degradation.
According to the atlas, deforestation
is a major concern
in 35 countries, including
DRC and Malawi.
Africa is losing four million
hectares of forests per year,
and this is twice the world's
average deforestation rate.
Biodiversity loss is rampant
in 34 countries, while
land degradation is a major
concern in 32 countries, including
Malawi, South Africa
and Zimbabwe.


title:
Carbon trading key to sustainable development

Abstract:
SOUTHERN AFRICAN
countries are exploring new
ways of mitigating human-induced
climate change, which
threatens to derail developmental
progress.

body:
SOUTHERN AFRICAN
countries are exploring new
ways of mitigating human-induced
climate change, which
threatens to derail developmental
progress.
A key challenge in the battle
against climate change in
the region is how to reduce
greenhouse-gas emissions
while, at the same time, advancing
development efforts.
The Kyoto Protocol -- the
current global framework for
reducing greenhouse gas
emissions by 2012 -- provides
three market-based mechanisms
through which emission
reductions can be
achieved cost-effectively
while promoting local sustainable
development.
The mechanisms -- Clean
Development Mechanisms,
Joint Implementation and
Emissions Trading -- together
make up the “carbon market”, a
global market in which carbon
emissions trading takes place.
The Clean Development
Mechanism (CDM) has
emerged as the most concrete
way in which countries in the
region can currently access the
growing carbon market, with
South Africa leading the race
to participate in carbon emissions
trading as other countries
continue to assess the
market.
The CDM allows a country
with an emission-reduction or
emission-limitation commitment
under the Kyoto Protocol
to implement emission-reduction
projects in developing
countries.
Such projects can earn
saleable certified emission reduction
(CER) credits, each
equivalent to one tonne of carbon
dioxide gas (CO2) – the
most common greenhouse gas.
Under the CDM, investors
in developed countries can buy
these certified carbon credits to
help meet their targets.
In 2007, the World Bank estimated
that the global CDM
market was worth over US$13
billion, with Africa accounting
for five percent of total sales.
In 2006, about 475 million
tonnes of CO2 were traded at
prices between US$6/tonne
and US$27/tonne.
Examples of CDM projects
include rural electrification
using solar panels, the installation
of more energy-efficient
boilers and renewable energy
generating projects.
One such project developed
by the City of Cape Town in
partnership with SouthSouth-North, implements energy efficiency
in building design, lighting
and solar water heating
into social housing in Kuyasa,
part of Khayelitsha township in
Cape Town.
The project will see 2,300
low-cost houses built in a way
that gives them hot water, reduced
energy bills and more
comfortable houses.
The houses will maintain a
temperature of 21 degrees Celsius
while energy bills will be
reduced by about US$100 for
each household a year.
The local benefits include
fuel savings for the 2,300
households while total emission
reduction for each household
has been calculated at
2.75 tonnes of carbon dioxide
avoided annually.
Greater energy efficiency
will ensure less burning of fuels
indoors thereby ensuring reduced
indoor air pollution and
improved health and safety.


Abstract:
THE EIGHT coastal countries
in SADC have agreed on
tough measures to curb illegal
fishing and the landing and
marketing of such catches at
their ports.

body:
THE EIGHT coastal countries
in SADC have agreed on
tough measures to curb illegal
fishing and the landing and
marketing of such catches at
their ports.
Overall, illegal fishing is estimated
to cause revenue losses
of US$1.1 billion a year in
the SADC region.
“We have signed a commitment
agreement that entails
the establishment of a regional
task force, a regional monitoring,
control and surveillance
centre, stiff penalties for vessels
caught with illegal catches
and to prohibit such vessels
to enter our ports,” Namibia's
fisheries and marine resources minister, Abraham Iyambo,
said.
“We will further implement
a ban on the trans-shipment of
catches from trawlers to other
and larger vessels at sea in
SADC waters.
“Any vessel transiting
through areas under our national
jurisdiction must notify its entry and exit from the exclusive
economic zones of any
SADC Member State,” Iyambo
added.
He was speaking at the
conclusion of a three-day technical
and ministerial conference
on illegal, unreported
and unregulated fishing,
which threatens fish stocks
and the livelihoods of local
communities.
All eight coastal countries
in SADC – Angola, the Democratic
Republic of Congo
(DRC), Madagascar, Mauritius,
Mozambique, Namibia,
South Africa and the United
Republic of Tanzania were
represented at the conference.
Illegal fishing deprives the
costal countries of taxes, port
fees and jobs that would otherwise
have been created in
fish processing.
The eight countries will
have to draw up their national
action plans to curb illegal
fishing, a task Namibia has already
completed.


Abstract:
ANGOLA AND China have
signed three complementary
financing accords under
the China-Exim Bank credit
line.

body:
ANGOLA AND China have
signed three complementary
financing accords under
the China-Exim Bank credit
line.
The first accord concerns
an agreement for the funding
of the electricity network rehabilitation
and expansion
project for the cities of Dundo
and Saurimo, estimated at
around US$50 million.
The second agreement is
estimated at US$28.79 million
with financing designed for
the rehabilitation of a residual
water treatment station in
Luanda and the construction
of a distribution centre in
Cacuaco district, as well as establishing new housing
projects.
The third will provide
funding for the improvement
of roads in the cities of Caxito,
Uíge and Negage, estimated at
US$56 million.
This funding will also allow
Angola to launch a project in
the Port of Luanda valued at
US$116 million to be implemented
over a five-year period.
The project will increase the
terminal's container storage
capacity and introduce an advanced
system to increase productivity
and use of the terminal,
thus reducing operating
costs. (Angola Economic Bulletin)


title:
Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique set
up regional company for food security

Abstract:
THREE SADC countries –
Madagascar, Mauritius and
Mozambique -- have set up a
regional food company as a
measure to increase food security
in the region.

body:
THREE SADC countries –
Madagascar, Mauritius and
Mozambique -- have set up a
regional food company as a
measure to increase food security
in the region.
The Mauritian minister of
Agro-Industry, Arvin
Boolell, confirmed the
development, saying
the Global Food Crisis
Response Facility
(GFCRF), instituted
by the World Bank with a fund of US$1.2 billion,
will be utilised for this project.
Apart from state organisations
of the three countries,
shares will also be sold to international
and local financial
institutions, individual investors,
and small and medium
farmers.
Boolell said the African Development
Bank has agreed to
help Mauritius in cross-border
initiatives with Mozambique
and Madagascar.


Abstract:
MOZAMBIQUE SAYS the
central port of Beira is now
handling goods destined for
the Democratic Republic of
Congo (DRC).

body:
MOZAMBIQUE SAYS the
central port of Beira is now
handling goods destined for
the Democratic Republic of
Congo (DRC).
The chairperson of Mozambique
Confederation of Business
Associations (CTA), Salimo
Abdula, said from the beginning
of July, the DRC has
been shipping petroleum
products, cement and other
commodities through Beira.
“Now that we are investing
in quality ports, the region
will rely on them for all their
shipping requirements. Only
in the past three months, the
DRC shipped 1.2 million litres
of petroleum products
through the Beira port, and we
hope Botswana will increase
its usage of the port as well,”
Abdula said.
Currently the port of Beira
serves landlocked Malawi,
Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Mozambique plans to invest
US$900 million to upgrade
its two main ports in the
northern and central regions
as part of its drive to become a
top service provider in SADC,
increasing investments on the
Nacala and Beira ports, including
the upgrading of
roads and railways linking
landlocked neighbouring
states.


title:
Anglo-American to
invest US$400m in
Zimbabwe platinum
mining

Abstract:
ANGLO-AMERICAN, the
London-based mining giant
says it will invest US$400 million
into the development of a
platinum mine in Zimbabwe.

body:
ANGLO-AMERICAN, the
London-based mining giant
says it will invest US$400 million
into the development of a
platinum mine in Zimbabwe.
“We are developing the
Unki platinum project because
we have a responsibility to
our employees, contractors
and the local community,”
said the spokesperson.
The company employs 188
people and a further 450 contractors
at Unki.
In February the global
giant reported a 2007 net profit
jump of 18 percent to US$7.3
billion.


title:
SADC gender protocol to be presented to Summit

Abstract:
JUSTICE MINISTERS from
southern Africa met recently
to consider the regional draft
Protocol on Gender and Development
in the last stage of
consultations before it is presented
to Heads of State and
Government during Summit
in August.

body:
JUSTICE MINISTERS from
southern Africa met recently
to consider the regional draft
Protocol on Gender and Development
in the last stage of
consultations before it is presented
to Heads of State and
Government during Summit
in August.
The draft Protocol will be
discussed by the Standing
Committee of Senior Officials
and the Council of Ministers of SADC who meet from 10-
12 August and 14-15 August
respectively before it is presented
to Heads of State and
Government when they meet
16-17 August in South Africa.
Although the draft was
discussed by Heads of State
and Government at the previous
Summit in Lusaka in
2007, they referred it back to
Member States for further
consultation at national level.
The consultation process
seeks to ensure that the draft
Protocol that is submitted to
Summit is solid and that
Member States reach a consensus
so that the document
can be adopted.
Consultation with a wide
range of officials in key ministries
such as gender and justice
will ensure practical
ownership of the document
on implementation.
SADC leaders made it
clear at their previous meeting
that they want a realistic
protocol that can be implemented
and monitored.
Once signed, the Gender
Protocol is expected to speed
up the process of achieving
gender equality and equity,
and improve the status of
women in the region.
The draft has specific timebound
goals and targets to
ensure accountability in addressing
inequalities in constitutional
and legal rights;
governance; education and
training among other issues.
In the region, women suffer
discrimination due to
non-uniform marriage and
divorce laws, the application
of customary property laws
and lack of equal access to education.
The draft proposes that
SADC Member States ensure
that women and men enjoy
equal rights and are regarded
as equals.
The draft also addresses
emerging issues of concern in
the region such as trafficking
of women and girls and proposes
legislation to prevent
trafficking in the region by
2015.
Among contentious issues
that needed to be ironed out,
as identified by gender ministers
when they met in April
ahead of the justice ministers'
meeting, were that the language
used in some of the articles
is too mandatory and
the financial obligations that
it places on state parties is
enormous.
A Protocol is the most
binding of SADC legal instruments
and if the Gender Protocol
is approved, it would
ensure attainment of gender
targets set within the timeframe
2010-2020.


title:
Making the SADC Free Trade Area gender inclusive

Abstract:
AS SADC launches its Free
Trade Area in August, many
are hoping that the new trade
regime takes into account special
needs of women involved
in cross-border trade if it is to
be gender inclusive.

body:
AS SADC launches its Free
Trade Area in August, many
are hoping that the new trade
regime takes into account special
needs of women involved
in cross-border trade if it is to
be gender inclusive.
According to a regional
study by the Southern African
Research and Documentation
Centre (SARDC), some 70 percent
of informal cross border
traders in SADC are women.
The study showed that although
the trade is informal, it
has a number of positive implications
on the regional national
economies.
Although the SADC Trade
Protocol has been criticised for
being gender blind, the need
to consider the gender dimensions
of trade is outlined in the
draft SADC Protocol on Gender
and Development, to be
presented at Summit in August
2008.
Article 17 of the draft Protocol
that focuses on economic
empowerment encourages
state parties to, by 2015, adopt
policies and enact laws which
ensure equal access, benefits
and opportunities for women
and men in business, taking
into account the contribution
of women in the formal and
informal sectors.
The establishment of the
FTA could potentially address
some of the challenges that informal
cross border traders
face such as excessive customs
charges; cumbersome registration
processes in obtaining
trader's licenses and numerous
checkpoints at border
posts that frustrate most
traders.
Interviews with cross border
traders in SADC revealed
that the majority of traders do
not know about the Trade Protocol
and do not understand
the implications it may have
on trading activities.
Even if informal traders
were armed with information
on the Trade Protocol, measures
set out to facilitate trade
are more likely to benefit established
companies than they would benefit the small
traders.
For example, the SADC
Certificate of Origin, which
validates whether or not
goods qualify for duty-free
entry into Member States has
little relevance to small traders
because the document specifically
requires that in cases
where the producer is not the
exporter, then the latter should
furnish the exporter with a
written declaration to the effect
that the goods qualify as
originating in the Member
States.
Small traders, the majority
of whom are women, often
deal in several product lines in
small quantities and therefore
it would not be feasible to get a
certificate of origin for each
product line.


title:
Deep Economy: The
wealth of communities
and the durable future

Abstract:
COMPELLINGLY ARGUED with statistics
and anecdotes from around the world, this
book says humanity must move towards an
updated version of community-based economics
that emphasizes buying and selling at
the local level first.

body:
COMPELLINGLY ARGUED with statistics
and anecdotes from around the world, this
book says humanity must move towards an
updated version of community-based economics
that emphasizes buying and selling at
the local level first.
Specifically, humanity should shift to eating
more locally grown food, to using more locally
produced energy, and, even, to new local
financial arrangements. ...
Such a shift would reduce carbon emissions
by reducing the energy used to transport
food while at the same time serving to de-couple
food and energy production from centralized,
oil-intensive sources.
This would in turn open the door to a rediscovery
of the joys of community life, which
lies at the foundation of human happiness, as
opposed to the endless consumerism and
“hyper-individualized” approach to life that
is currently marketed worldwide as the epitome
of civilization.
“Growth is bumping against physical limits
so profound - like climate change and peak
oil - that continuing to expand the economy
may be impossible; the very attempt may be
dangerous.
“But there's something else too, a wild card
we're just now beginning to understand: new
research from many quarters has started to
show that even when growth does make us
wealthier, the greater wealth no longer makes
us happier.”
Deep Economy, by Bill McKibben, is written
in a voice and style that encourages readability.
The book is a treasure chest of ideas
for how humanity might ameliorate the dark
side of consumption. It is, at least, a positive
prescription for how to live more
lightly on our small planet. (One Country,
Jan-March 2008)
Available from Times Books/
Henry Holt and Company, New
York, 2007


title:
UNEP Yearbook 2008
An Overview of Our Changing Environment
“Climate change is real”

Abstract:
CLIMATE CHANGE is happening
and with great impact as confirmed by
the Fourth Assessment Report of the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change, and this is the focus of the
UNEP Yearbook 2008.

body:
CLIMATE CHANGE is happening
and with great impact as confirmed by
the Fourth Assessment Report of the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change, and this is the focus of the
UNEP Yearbook 2008.
In three sections, the yearbook takes
the reader through the developments
and events on the environment front as
well as scientific findings, with a particular
focus on climate change.
Section one provides a calendar of
selected significant events, chief
among them is the December meeting
in Bali which resulted in the adoption
of the Bali Road Map.
The SADC region had its own impacts
with Mozambique having the
worst floods in six years and South
Africa its first significant snowfall
since 1981.
Under the Features Focus section,
emphasis is placed on the responses to
climate change, including private sector players. The role of government is emphasized,
to set standards, support research
and provide incentives for the
transition to an environmentally sound,
low-carbon economy.
The last section looks at emerging
challenges including the Arctic Climatic,
methane from thawing permafrost
and methane from hydrates.
The release of large amounts of
methane into the atmosphere could
lead to abrupt changes in the climate
that are likely to be irreversible.
Formerly titled the GEO Year
Book to accompany the Global Environment
Outlook (GEO) published
every four years, most recently in
2007, this is the 5th annual report
produced by the United Nations Environment
Programme and is available
from UNEP in Nairobi, Kenya
(2008).
Email: uneppub@unep.org
Website: www.unep.org


title:
Official SADC Trade, Industry and
Investment Review 2007/2008

Abstract:
Official SADC Trade, Industry and
Investment Review 2007/2008

body:
PUBLICATIONS

Official SADC Trade, Industry and
Investment Review 2007/2008
Gaborone, Botswana, Southern African
Marketing Co. (Pty) Ltd. and SADC, 2007
287pp.
This 12th edition of the annual publication focuses on
business opportunities in the SADC region, and presents
the SADC corporate profile. It includes Directorate
reports, SADC projects, country profiles, trade
and industry update, investment opportunities, business
contacts, and the trade exhibition calendar for the
SADC region, and covers the years 2007 and 2008.
Available from SADC Secretariat, Private Bag 0095,
Gaborone, Botswana; and Southern African Marketing
Company (Pty) Ltd, Box 201112,
Gaborone, Botswana
Website: www.sadcreview.com
Economic Report on Africa 2008
Africa: Progress Towards Attaining the
Millennium Development Goals 2007
Tunis, Tunisia, Economic and Social Statistics Division,
Statistics Department, African Development
Bank (AfDB), 2007
Country specific data is presented including charts
showing the progress of African countries in reaching
the targets for the Millennium Development Goals.
The goals are to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger,
attain universal primary education in all countries by
year 2015, promote gender equality and empower
women, improve maternal health, combat HIV and
AIDS, malaria and other diseases, ensure environmental
sustainability, and develop a global partnership for
development.
Available from AfDB Temporary Relocation Agency,
BP 323, 1002 Tunis Belvedere, Tunis, Tunisia
Email: statistics@afdb.org
Website: www.afdb.org
<hr color="brown"


Trade as an Instrument for Achieving the
Millennium Development Goals in
Southern Africa
Judith Kaulem and Donald P Chimanikire
Harare, Zimbabwe, Trade and Development Studies
Centre, 2007
22p.
This publication analyses some key trade areas as they
relate to the UN Millennium Goals in southern Africa,
focusing specifically on Goal 8. This views trade as an
instrument for meeting MDGs in southern Africa, the
challenges to trade as an instrument for achieving
MDGs and how trade could help to deliver on targets.
It concludes that trade must be fair and structured in
a way that permits fragile economies to participate.
Available from Trade and Development Studies Centre,
3 Downie Avenue, Belgravia, Harare, Zimbabwe
Email: tradesc@tradescentre.co.zw
Website:
www.tradescentre.org.mw
Biopiracy of Biodiversity: Global
Exchange as Enclosure
Andrew Mushita and Carol B. Thompson
Asmara, Eritrea, Africa World Press, 2007
330p.
This book provides a revealing analysis of the theft of biodiversity
from Africa and how Africans are working to
prevent this in the 21st century. The analysis lays out the
context of previous stripping of continental resources,
such as the theft of people during the slavery era and the
theft of minerals, even up to this day. The study refers to
the African continent in general and specifically southern
African from where it draws real life experiences.
Available from Africa World Press, Box 48, Asmara,
Eritrea; Box 1892, Trenton, NJ 08607, USA
Website: www.africaworldpressbooks.com
<hr color="brown"


Abstract:
CELEBRATED ANNUALLY on 26 August,
HEROES' DAY also known as Namibia Day
commemorates numerous events in Namibian
history. Officially, the day honours those
Namibians who died for independence during
the liberation struggle which began on 26
August 1966.

body:
CELEBRATED ANNUALLY on 26 August,
HEROES' DAY also known as Namibia Day
commemorates numerous events in Namibian
history. Officially, the day honours those
Namibians who died for independence during
the liberation struggle which began on 26
August 1966.
National celebrations take place annually in places such as
the town of Eenhana in the Ohangwena region on the Angolan
border, where people gather to watch leaders such as the current
President Hifikepunye Pohamba and the founding President
Sam Nujoma, officially commemorate the veterans of the
People's Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN), SWAPO's military
wing during the war.
The war of liberation brought to an end to apartheid South
Africa's illegal occupation of Namibia.
SWAPO under the leadership of Nujoma and the late PLAN
military commander Peter Nanyemba, waged a protracted war
for independence which ended with the ceasefire and democratic
elections in 1989, and independence on 21 March 1990.
Each year, thousands of Herero people also converge on
the town of Okahandja on 26 August to honour Herero chief
Samuel Maharero and his post-mortem return and reburial in
the town in 1923. They march in military formations and wear
traditional clothing at the event.
It is considered “a gesture of defiance and a symbol of regained
pride” for people of Herero origin after the Herero and
Namaqua genocide at the turn of the 20th century during the
German colonial period.
The essential contribution of the liberation heroes who paid
with their lives presented in the autobiography of Sam Nujoma,
Where Others Wavered, where he says that “the blood of all the
sons and daughters of Namibia watered the tree of our liberty
and will always be remembered by present and future generations
in the Republic of Namibia.”
The monument at Omugulu-gOmbashe dedicated to the
victims and survivors of the first battle of the war of liberation
is inscribed: “26 August 1966. The torch of the armed struggle
was lit and the path to freedom was illuminated. Independence
was their aim.”
SWAPO fought on several fronts, through mobilizing the
people inside the country as well as the international community
to support its cause of national independence, and
through military training of its cadres as well as educating
them to build the nation.
A key factor in the liberation struggle in Namibia, as elsewhere
in the region, was the support from neighbouring countries.
SWAPO had its headquarters and rear base first in Tanzania,
then Zambia, and Angola. The solidarity of other southern
African countries contributed significantly to the success
of the fight for independence in Namibia.


Abstract:
THE SECOND Congo War, also known as the Great War of Africa, began 10 years ago
in August 1998 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

body:
THE SECOND Congo War, also known as the Great War of Africa, began 10 years ago
in August 1998 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The largest war in modern African history, it directly involved eight African countries,
as well as 25 armed groups.
The First Congo War (November 1996 to May 1997) ended when rebel forces backed
by Uganda and Rwanda overthrew President Mobutu Sese Seko in May 1997, in the
country he called Zaire. Insurgent leader
Laurent Kabila was sworn in as president.
The war set the foundation for, and was
quickly followed by, the Second Congo
War, which began on 2 August 1998.
Kabila had fallen out with his old allies
who accused him of not honouring his
agreement to guarantee peace and security
on their borders. A rebel group backed by
Rwanda and Uganda emerged and quickly
dominated the resource-rich eastern
provinces.
In less than two weeks, by 13 August, the
rebels had moved across the country and
held the Inga hydroelectric station that provides
power to Kinshasa and the SADC region,
as well as the port of Matadi through
which most of the Kinshasa's food passes.
The diamond centre of Kisangani fell
into rebel hands on 23 August and forces
advancing from the east begun to threaten Kinshasa by late August.
A besieged Kabila sought help from the neighbouring states. The rebel offensive
was abruptly reversed as Kabila's efforts at diplomacy bore fruit.
The first African countries to respond to Kabila's request for help were members of
the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The governments of Angola,
Namibia, and Zimbabwe sent troops to support the Kabila government after a meeting
in Zimbabwe on 19 August.
This intervention saved the government and pushed the rebel frontlines away from
the capital. Several more nations joined the conflict in support of Kabila, notably Chad,
Libya and Sudan. By September 1999 the rebels had agreed to a ceasefire deal and in
February 2000 the UN Security Council authorised a 5,500-member force to monitor
the ceasefire, but clashes persisted.


body:
HOLIDAYS
Public holidays in SADC for the period 
 August - October 2008

1 August Parents' Day DRC
4 August Farmers' Day Zambia
8 August Farmers' Day Tanzania
9 August National Women's Day South Africa
11 August Heroes' Day Zimbabwe
12 August Defence Forces Day Zimbabwe
15 August Assumption Day Madagascar, Mauritius
26 August Heroes' Day Namibia
1 September Umhlanga/Reed Dance Day Swaziland
4 September Ganesh Chathurti Mauritius
5 September Legislative Elections Angola
6 September Somhlolo Day (Independence Day) Swaziland
7 September Victory Day Mozambique
17 September Founder of Nation and National Heroes' Day Angola
24 September Heritage Day South Africa
25 September Armed Forces Day Mozambique
30 September Botswana Day Botswana
1 October Public Holiday Botswana
3 October Eid ul Fitr* Mauritius, Tanzania
4 October Independence Day Lesotho
4 October Reconciliation Day/Peace Day Mozambique
13 October Mothers' Day Malawi
14 October Mwalimu Nyerere Day and Climax of “Uhuru Torch Race” Tanzania
21 October Divali Mauritius
24 October Independence Day Zambia

* Depends on the sighting of the moon


body:
EVENTS EVENTS DIARY 2008
August 2008
31 July – 1 August
Namibia
SADC Technical Meeting on Environment

 Directors of environment in SADC countries meet to discuss
progress on the implementation of the Environment Programme
of Member States, the SADC Regional Environmental
Educational Programme, and the development of a regional
programme on Climate Change, as well as the imminent launch
of the Southern Africa Environment Outlook.


11- 12, Libya
Experts Conference on the African History Project

The aim of the conference will be to show the historical
relationships between the various parts of the continent, too
frequently subdivided in works published to date. Organised
by UNESCO and AU, the conference will review Africa's
historical connections with the other continents.


10-12, South Africa
Standing Committee of Senior Officials of SADC

The technical advisory committee to Council of Ministers
meets in advance of Council and is chaired by Zambia, as
current chair of SADC.

14-15, South Africa
SADC Council of Ministers

Council comprises ministers of foreign affairs, international
cooperation, economic development or planning and finance
from each Member State. Council precedes the Summit and
prepares policy recommendations for adoption by SADC leaders.


16-17, South Africa
SADC Summit

The Summit of Heads of State and Government is the ultimate
policy-making institution of the SADC. The Summit in Mid
Rand will witness the official handover of the rotating SADC
Chair from President Levy Mwanawasa of Zambia to President
Thabo Mbeki of South Africa.

18-21, Turkey
Africa-Turkey Summit

The summit gives participants from Africa and Turkey the
opportunity to exchange views and consider areas of
cooperation. Discussions will centre on the proposed Africa
–Turkey Cooperation Forum.


28-30, Ethiopia
6th Conference on African Traditional Medicine

The conference hopes to underscore the importance of
traditional medicine in Africa in the prevention, diagnosis and
treatment of social, mental and physical illnesses before the
advent of conventional medicine. The conference will be
jointly hosted by the African Union and UNESCO.

September
5, Angola

     Parliamentary elections

Legislative elections will be held for the first time since the
formal end of the 27-year civil war in 2002. The last elections
took place in 1992. The elections have been delayed for more
than a year to allow for the completion of voter registration.


11 - 12, South Africa

Conference on Transport Infrastructure

The conference plans to strengthen the understanding of the
effects of globalisation on transport infrastructure in Africa.
Hosted by the African Transport Federation, the conference
also hopes to recognise the need to build a strategic freight
network consisting of high volume routes and node

TBA

Parliamentary elections in Swaziland

Parliamentary elections will take place after the completion of
voter registration in July. Nationals in the Diaspora will be
able to vote for the first time through postal votes.


title:
SADC COMESA EAC
Joint summit to tackle overlapping membership

Abstract:
THE CHALLENGE of overlapping membership
among African regions comes under scrutiny in
October as leaders of three trade blocs meet to
find common ground on trade, customs and infrastructure
development.

body:
THE CHALLENGE of overlapping membership
among African regions comes under scrutiny in
October as leaders of three trade blocs meet to
find common ground on trade, customs and infrastructure
development.
Uganda hosts the joint summit of SADC, the
Common Market of East and Southern Africa
(COMESA) and the East African Community
(EAC) on 20 October.
Membership overlaps exist SADC, COMESA
and EAC, and all three organisations plan to create
customs unions, a situation that presents
technical challenges as a country cannot belong
to more than one customs union.
Eight SADC members -- the Democratic Republic
of Congo, Malawi, Mauritius, Madagascar,
Seychelles, Swaziland, Zambia and
Zimbabwe -- also belong to COMESA, while
Angola is a member of the Economic Community
of Central African States and the United Republic of Tanzania belongs to the East
African Community.
With Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South
Africa and Swaziland being members of the
Southern African Customs Union (SACU), only
one out of the 15 SADC Member States is a member
of a single Regional Economic Community –
and that is Mozambique.
Yet SADC, COMESAand EAC either plan to create
customs unions or have already declared one.
Since all SACU members belong to SADC, it
does not present much of a technical problem as
the SACU arrangement automatically falls away
with the creation of a SADC Customs Union.
However, real problems exist between SADC
countries' membership to either COMESA or the
EAC. The tripartite summit will address some of
these challenges and possibly recommend a
framework that would allow for the creation of a
bigger FTA and Customs Union.
SADC began this process
with the launch of a Free Trade
Area (FTA) at the 28th Summit
held in South Africa in August,
marking a major achievement
in its 28-year history.
Formed in 1980 and transformed
in 1992 to the present
Southern African Development
Community, SADC has embarked
on several ambitious regional
integration projects, in
areas such as trade, infrastructure,
food security, human and
social development, as well as
politics, defence and security,
all intended to bring about economic
prosperity, peace and security
to its 250 million citizens.
Trade has been singled out
as the intervention with the
greatest potential to address
southern Africa's biggest challenge
- poverty.
SADC plans include the
launch of the FTA as the initial
step in the trade integration trajectory,
moving incrementally
to establish a Customs Union in
2010, a Common Market by
2015 and a Monetary Union by
2016. A regional central bank
and a common currency are expected
in 2018.
Thus by launching the FTA
on SADC Day, 17 August,
southern African leaders
demonstrated their will to deliver
a better life to the millions
of citizens as acknowledged
by the host, South
African President Thabo
Mbeki who took over the rotating
SADC chair at the twoday
Summit in Johannesburg.
"The challenge facing our
region during this era is to do
extraordinary things so as to
build the Free Trade Area
and consolidate its gains
for the mutual benefit
of the region's
economies and development,"
Mbeki said.
A key challenge facing the
region is infrastructure development.
Better road and rail
networks are necessary to facilitate
the cross-border flow
of goods and services. Current
road and rail networks do not
adequately support effective
intra-regional trade.
An Infrastructure Master
Plan is being developed to address
this shortcoming.
While the FTA directly addresses
the question of tariffs
insofar as it allows for 85 percent
of traded goods to be
duty free, Member States still
need to tackle the challenge of
non-tariff barriers such as restrictive
entry border requirements
which are counter to
the spirit of free trade.
Other challenges are on the
supply side of trade where the
private sector would be called
upon to improve productivity
if they are to remain competitive
in the regional market.
Such competition, while it
may have negative implications
on employment in smaller
and weaker economies, is
likely to bring in cheaper alternatives,
from the consumer's
point of view.
The FTA was established
through the SADC Trade Protocol
whose implementation
began in the year 2000.
To date, 11 out of 15 SADC
Member States are applying
the protocol meaning that as
many as 170 million people in
those countries will immediately
benefit from the new
economic dispensation.
Malawi is expected to come
on board once current constitutional
challenges affecting the
budgeting process are over. Angola
and the DRC have asked
for more time before they join
the FTA, and Seychelles, which
rejoined SADC at the Summit,
will be expected to begin formalities
soon to become a
member of the FTA.
Member States are expected
to harmonise their national
trade policies with all the provisions
of the Trade Protocol if
the FTA is to be successfully
implemented.
The 19-member COMESA,
which launched its FTA in
2004, plans to declare a customs
union by December this
year. The EAC declared its
customs union in 2005.
In any case, regional economic
communities are building
blocks of the envisaged
African Economic Community
(AEC).
If the three sub-regions,
spanning from Cape to Cairo,
can find common ground regarding
trade arrangements,
that would constitute a major
breakthrough insofar as the
African Union is seeking a
smooth and faster route towards
the AEC.
Not only do Member States
face problems with multiple
memberships when it comes
to trade, but a plethora of
challenges in other areas.
In the case of SADC,
COMESA and the EAC, overlaps
exist in other areas such
as infrastructure as well as
challenges arising from time
and financial obligations as regards
membership contributions,
attendance at meetings
as well as implementation of
several other regional integration
programmes.
Thus the tripartite summit
will seek to find a joint approach
to implement regional
telecommunications networks
based on the COMESA
Comtel Project, the SADC Regional
Information Infrastructure
Project as well as a
harmonized approach to the
implementation of the
NEPAD Broadband East
African Submarine Cable
(EASSY) Project. The latter
will facilitate connectivity
with North Africa, the
Oceanic Islands and the rest
of the world.
The three sub-regions are
expected to discuss how best
to accelerate the implementation
of inter-connector projects
under the auspices of the
Southern African Power Pool
(SAPP) and the East African
Power Pool.
A Tripartite Task Force involving
the three trade blocs
has been holding meetings
for more than a year in
preparation for the joint summit.


title:
Key Decisions
28th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government

Abstract:
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.

body:
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.
SADC Free Trade Area
The Summit launched the
SADC Free Trade Area (FTA),
which is the first milestone in
the regional economic integration
agenda. The leaders
recognised that free trade in
the region will create a larger
market, releasing potential for
trade, economic development
and employment creation.
Regional leaders called for
the acceleration of interventions
to further deepen the regional
integration agenda
through the development of a
programme of co-operation
aimed at expanding regional
production capacity.
This entails the provision
and rehabilitation of regional
infrastructure to facilitate efficient
movement of goods and
people in a more open regional
economy.
Economic development

Summit noted the positive
economic performance
recorded by most SADC
Member States in 2007 and
called for concerted efforts to
sustain this progress. Economic
growth was indicated
by growth in real GDP, which
remained strong for most
Member States. SADC
leaders also noted that the region’s
debt position has improved
substantially, largely
due to a number of Member
States benefiting from the
Highly Indebted Poor Countries
(HIPC) initiative.
Power supply

Summit welcomed the initiatives
currently underway to
mitigate the negative consequences
of the critical shortages
and high prices of energy
confronted by the region.
In this respect, the leaders received
a report on the projections
by the Southern African
Power Pool (SAPP), which
predicted that power deficits
would persist until 2012.
During this period, projects
aimed at providing additional
power to the region amounting
to 6,550MW will be implemented
and commissioned at
cost of US$5 billion.
Political developments
Summit recognised that the
region has managed to consolidate
peace and democracy
in SADC.
With regard to the ongoing
challenges in Zimbabwe, the
Extraordinary Summit of the
Organ on Politics, Defence and
Security Cooperation held
during the course of the SADC
Summit, among other issues:

Recalled the Resolutions
adopted in Dar es Salaam,
United Republic of Tanzania
on 29 March 2007 and in
Sharm El Sheik, Egypt on 30
June - 1 July 2008 on the
framework of dealing with
the political situation in Zimbabwe,
which called upon the
parties to form an all-inclusive
government;
Commended the parties
for their commitment to the
dialogue in implementing the
SADC and AU resolutions on
resolving the political situation
in Zimbabwe;
Encouraged and appealed
to the parties to sign any outstanding
agreements and
conclude the negotiations as a
matter of urgency to restore
political stability in Zimbabwe;
Recognised that while negotiations
are continuing, it
may be necessary to convene
Parliament to give effect to
the will of the people as expressed
in the parliamentary
elections held on 29 March
2008; and
Expressed commitment to
support the parties as they
implement the agreement.



The leaders also noted the
progress in the Democratic
Republic of Congo (DRC)
since the signing of the peace
agreement in January 2008,
the developments in
Lesotho’s political impasse,
and the challenges in Malawi
regarding different interpretations
of the Constitution.
Membership

Seychelles has been re-admitted
into the SADC family
bringing the total number of
Member States to 15. The Indian
Ocean archipelago had
withdrawn from SADC in
2004 citing difficulties in fulfilling
financial obligations.
Protocols signed

Leaders attending the Summit
signed five legal documents:


Agreement Amending
the SADC Treaty
Protocol on Gender and
Development
Protocol on Science,
Technology and Innovation
Agreement Amending
Article 20 of the Protocol on
Trade
Agreement Amending
Article 6 of the Protocol on
the Tribunal and the Rules
of Procedure Thereof.


COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Summit

The Summit noted with appreciation
progress on the
preparations for the COMESA-
EAC-SADC Tripartite
Summit to be held on 20 October
2008 saying it is an important
vehicle for harmonisation
of the regional integration
programmes and also
constitutes an important
framework for broader continental
integration.


title:
Angola to join SADC Free Trade
Area in 2010

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

body:
ANGOLA IS set to join the SADC Free Trade Area (FTA) in
2010, according to the country’s planning minister, Ana Dias
Lourenço.
"For reasons we all know, our country will not join the
Free Trade Area this year... as we are not yet in a position to
do so," she told journalists at the 28th SADC Summit.
"The country experienced a long war; it is going through
a reconstruction phase, a re-launch of internal production
and we consider that we are not in a position to join the Free
Trade Area as yet," the minister said. "In due time, when all
conditions that we consider as important are in place to set
this step, we will do so."


title:
Let us be inspired by Frontline
States legacy - Mbeki

Abstract:
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.

body:
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.
Mbeki took over the rotating
SADC chair from Zambia,
held by the late President
Levy Mwanawasa, and he
called for political unity and
cohesion in the region.
"SADC inherited the proud
record of the Frontline States
under the leadership that
never wavered in their resolve to ensure that none but ourselves
would continue to be
our own liberators. This leadership
was consistent and
courageous despite some of
the most horrific human suffering
and huge military and
economic damage visited on
the Frontline States," Mbeki
said.
SADC was formed in 1980
in Lusaka, Zambia, with nine
majority-ruled states - Angola,
Botswana, Lesotho,
Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland,
the United Republic of
Tanzania, Zambia, and the
soon-to-be independent Zimbabwe.
The SADC chairperson said
these "states were united in
their noble determination to
end colonialism and apartheid so that all the people of this region
could be free to determine
their own destiny."
He added, "In recent times,
however, we have had numerous
challenges that have tested
the very cohesion that
acted as a potent weapon
against those forces that have
an interest in our perpetual
weakness and marginalisation."
Using the example of the
Zimbabwe inter-party talks
that were ongoing at the time
of the Summit, Mbeki said,
"We must over this weekend
draw on the inspiring legacy
of the Frontline States to help
put Zimbabwe on the right
road to its recovery and the resumption
of its role as a major
driver of the process of the upliftment
of our region."
Mbeki said Africans should
be united and fearless in promoting
the interests of the
continent.
Apart from the problems in
Zimbabwe, there are pockets
of instability in the Democratic
Republic of Congo (DRC)
where rebels have engaged in
skirmishes with government
troops. There are also differences
over the electoral
process in Lesotho while there
is a raging constitutional row
in Malawi.
Turning to the economic
front, Mbeki said, "We need
extraordinary efforts to turn
the resources boom into permanent
economic development,
ensuring that today’s
yields become the harvests for
all seasons."
In reference to the newly
launched SADC Free Trade
Area, Mbeki said, "Let us implement
the necessary protocols
and programmes that will
take us further towards economic
integration. ...
"The challenge facing our
region during this era is to do
extraordinary things so as to
build the Free Trade Area and
consolidate its gains for the
mutual benefit of the region’s
economies and development."
Speaking at the same Summit,
the SADC Executive Secretary,
Tomaz Augusto Salomão,
called on the region’s
leaders to prepare to address
the next challenges.
"As we now have addressed
the issue of tariffs, our
next step should be to focus
on addressing non-tariff barriers
which mainly present
themselves in the form
of unnecessary bureaucratic
processes, complicated procedures
and rules as well as the
generally poor state of infrastructure
in the region. These
contribute immensely to the
costs of doing business."
The Summit communiqué
called for the "acceleration of
interventions to further deepen
the regional integration
agenda through the development
of a programme of cooperation
aimed at expanding
regional production capacity
which entails provision
and rehabilitation of regional
infrastructure to facilitate
efficient movement of
goods and people in a more
open economy."


Abstract:
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.

body:
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.
According to the national Statistics Office in 2007, the islands
state had a population of 87,000 people, with a Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) of US$0.71 billion and an economic
growth rate of 5.27 percent. Main exports include seafood,
refined petroleum and chemicals.
The fishing industry is also very important, contributing
13 percent of GDP.
Government has moved to reduce dependence on
tourism by promoting the development of farming, fishing,
and small-scale manufacturing.
Since independence in 1976, the per capita income
has expanded seven-fold to US$8,500.


title:
Southern Africa Regional Climate Outlook Forum
Normal rainfall season forecast

Abstract:
WEATHER EXPERTS in
southern Africa have forecast
normal rainfall in major parts
of the region for the 2008/09
agricultural season.

body:
WEATHER EXPERTS in
southern Africa have forecast
normal rainfall in major parts
of the region for the 2008/09
agricultural season.
The rainfall outlook for
southern Africa was prepared
by climate scientists from national
meteorological and hydrological
services within the
SADC region, as well as the
SADC Drought Monitoring
Centre, and the International
Research Institute for Climate
and Society.
According to the 12th Southern
Africa Regional Climate
Outlook Forum (SARCOF-12),
which met in South Africa recently,
the coming rainfall season
has been divided into two
parts, October-December 2008
and January-March 2009.
The Forum has forecast normal
to above normal rainfall in
most parts of southern Africa
during the first half of the season,
October-December.
This covers western coastal
South Africa, Namibia, western
coastal and northern Angola,
DRC, greater part of Zambia,
much of Zimbabwe, eastern tip
of Botswana, north-eastern tip
of South Africa, major parts of
Mozambique, central and
southern part of Malawi, the
eastern parts of Tanzania,
northern part of Madagascar
and Mauritius.
However, parts of Namibia,
south-western and extreme
north-eastern Zambia, western
Zimbabwe, bulk of Botswana,
South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland,
northern part of Malawi,
greater part of Angola, bulk of
Tanzania, and southern half of
Madagascar have an increased
chance of receiving normal to
below-normal rainfall during
the same period.
In the second half of the
season January to March 2009,
most parts of SADC will receive
normal to below-normal
rainfall.
This covers northern Tanzania,
bulk of DRC, northern and central Angola, and Namibia,
western flank of Botswana,
southern half of South Africa
and southern half of Lesotho.
Also forecast to have normal
to below-normal rainfall are
eastern half of Zimbabwe, central
and southern Mozambique,
Madagascar and Mauritius.
However, greater parts of
the central and eastern half of
the region and the western
parts of Angola have an increased
chance of receiving normal
to above-normal rainfall.
In developing the outlook,
the scientists took into account principal factors such as the
sea-surface temperatures in
Indian, Atlantic and Pacific
Oceans.
They noted that the current
state of the equatorial Pacific
Ocean is in a neutral state and
projections point towards the
likelihood of neutral El Nino-
Southern Oscillation conditions
during the next couple of
months.
The SARCOF process starts
with the pre-SARCOF capacity-
building training workshop
which lasts for six weeks, followed
by the SARCOF meeting itself and then the SARCOF
mid-season correction
meeting.
These activities are carried
out at the SADC regional
level. In addition, workshops
are held by national meteorological
and hydrological services
at country level. The pre-
SARCOF capacity-building
workshop is intended to
strengthen the technical ability
of forecasters in seasonal
weather forecasting.
The SARCOF forecasts are
based on a combination of statistical
methods, numerical
weather prediction models and
expert judgment. The seasonal
forecasts generated through the
SARCOF process have become
an important planning tool for
many communities across
southern Africa.
Based on the forecasts, decisions
are made in user sectors
as how to plan activities
and practices as well as allocate
resources for the coming
rainy season.


title:
Malawi's President Mutharika wins food security policy award

Abstract:
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.

body:
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.
The award by the Food Agriculture
and Natural Resources
Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN)
is intended to encourage
regional countries to be selfreliant
in food production.
Due to a number of pro-active
policies in the last two
years, Malawi has moved
from a food net-importer to a
regional exporter, achieving a
high rate of agricultural production
and food security at
national level but also at
household levels.
During the 2005/2006-
crop season, the country realised
a food surplus of over
500,000 metric tons. In the
2006/2007 season, the food
surplus increased to 1.3 million
metric tons over and
above the national food requirements.
Speaking at the award ceremony
in Blantyre, the FANRPAN
chief executive officer,
Lindiwe Sibanda said the
award was established to honour
individuals or organisations
that made effective evident
contributions towards
food security and poverty alleviation
in southern Africa
against the backdrop of the
current global food shortages.
"Malawi's food policies are
a demonstration that regional
countries have the capacity to
be food secure if they apply
the right policies.
"President wa Mutharika
has implemented effective
policies in support of
Malawi's Agricultural Input
Subsidy Programme and
other institutional arrangements,"
said Sibanda.
Mutharika came into office
in 2004 and immediately declared
his intention to turn
Malawi into a "hunger free
nation."
He then went on to overhaul
the country's development
policies and programmes
and utilised policies
to transform Malawi's economy
based on, among others,
the prioritisation of agriculture
and food security to increase
self-sufficiency, prioritisation
of irrigation and water
development to reduce dependence
on rain-fed agriculture.


Abstract:
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.

body:
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.
SADC appointed the South
African President Thabo Mbeki
in March 2007 to mediate in the
inter-party talks and the 11th
Session of the African Union
AU) Summit this year endorsed
him as the chief mediator and
pledged to support his role.
"The agreement is a testimony
that SADC is capable of
solving its problems. It is a
peace-loving region that is
guided by the principles of dialogue,"
Mbeki said. "We need
to continue with the same spirit
so that the region remains an
oasis of peace for future generations."
Mbeki stepped down as president
a few days later but remains
the Zimbabwe mediator.
South Africa is the current chair
of SADC.
AU chairperson and Tanzanian
President Jakaya Kikwete
said the agreement between
Zimbabwe's main political parties parties
is a victory for the people of
the region, which signals the beginning
of a new era of reconciliation
among the people of Zimbabwe.
"This is a dawn of a new era
for Zimbabwe, a great day for SADC, Africa and the world. It
has attracted the attention of
many, even those beyond. All
are touched and elated by this
occasion," Kikwete said.
He paid tribute to the signatories
for their patriotism and statesmanship while applauding
the leader of a smaller third
group, Arthur Mutambara, for
bringing "balance" to the negotiations.
King Mswati of Swaziland,
the chairperson of the SADC
Organ on Politics, Defence and
Security Cooperation, said the
agreement provides adequate
proof that SADC structures are
effective in dealing with the region's
challenges.
"This day makes a day where
the region celebrates the power
of peace and dialogue. It's the
greatest milestone achieved
through dialogue and it is a
great achievement for Zimbabwe,
SADC and the continent,"
he said.
The ruling Zimbabwe
African National Union-Patriotic
Front (ZANU-PF) and formations
of the Movement for
Democratic Change (MDC)
signed a SADC-brokered
power-sharing deal on 15 September
at a ceremony attended
by regional leaders and international
diplomats in the capital,
Harare. (See full text of agreement
on pages 11-14)
Throughout the negotiating
process, SADC and the AU expressed
their full support to the
parties and the mediator, and
the two institutions also agreed
to act as guarantors.
In terms of the agreement,
President Robert Mugabe of
ZANU-PF remains Head of
State; Morgan Tsvangirai of
MDC-Tsvangirai (MDC-T) becomes
Prime Minister, while
Arthur Mutambara of MDCMutambara
(MDC-M) becomes
the Deputy Prime Minister.
The resultant cabinet comprises
15 ministers from ZANUPF,
13 from the MDC-T and
three from MDC-M.
The SADC-brokered deal
was concluded on 11 September
after more than a year of negotiations.


title:
Swazi polls "peaceful, transparent, credible"

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

body:
THE SADC Election Observer
Mission (SEOM) described the
19 September parliamentary
elections in Swaziland as
"peaceful, transparent and
credible".
The SEOM mission, headed
by Mozambique's Minister for
Diplomatic Affairs, Francisco
Madeira, said that in SADC's
view the elections reflected the
will of the people of the Kingdom
of Swaziland.
"The Mission is therefore,
pleased to congratulate the People
of the Kingdom of Swaziland
for the lesson of civility,
good behaviour, mutual tolerance
and, above all, for the
tremendous efforts to reach the
perfection as they embark on
their gradual and challenging road for the entrenchment of
democracy," Madeira said.
The SEOM praised the new
Constitution (enacted 2005) and
other laws and regulations governing
the electoral process
Swaziland, saying these fully
comply with SADC Principles
and Guidelines Governing Democratic
Elections.
The campaign was characterised
by an open interaction
between the candidates and the
electorate, unlike the classic
rally model, thus indicating
high level of mutual acknowledgement,
the SEOM said.
SADC sent a 30-member observer
mission which was deployed
a week before the elections
and covered all
provinces.


title:
Angola's MPLA sweeps parliamentary elections

Abstract:
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.

body:
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.
The Angola National Electoral
Commission said the ruling Popular
Movement for the Liberation
of Angola (MPLA) won 81.64
percent of the votes with
5,266,216 million votes, while the
main opposition party, the National
Union for the Total Independence
of Angola
(Unita), garnered 10.39
percent of the votes representing
16 seats in the
national assembly.
The rest of the seats went to
the Social Renovation Party
(PRS) with eight representatives,
the Angola National Freedom
Front (FNLA) with three,
and the New Democratic Coalition
(NDC) with two.
In the previous legislature,
the ruling party controlled 129
seats against 70 for Unita and
six for PRS.
The SADC Electoral Observer
Mission (SEOM), like most
observer missions, gave the
Angola poll a favourable report.
In a preliminary statement,
SEOM congratulated the
"people of Angola for a peaceful,
free, transparent, credible, and professionally managed
elections which reflect the will
of the people."
The current parliament will
have a four-year life span, while
next year Angola will hold presidential
elections.
Angola last went to the polls
in 1992. The elections were,
however, aborted after the first
round of voting when Jonas
Savimbi, the late leader of
Unita, alleged that there had
been widespread vote rigging.
This led to the resumption
of what was already a protracted
civil war, which ended in
2002 following the death of
Savimbi.


Abstract:
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.

body:
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.
The meeting in Harare was
a follow-up to the mid-year
status report presented to the
28th SADC Heads of State and
Government Summit on 16-17
August.
The report had highlighted
that the electricity supply-demand
situation in the region
continues to be unstable and
warned that this is likely to impact
on the SADC regional integration
agenda, which depends
on the availability of energy
and infrastructure services.
In view of this, the SADC
Secretariat in conjunction with
the SAPP Coordinating Centre
established a review committee
that will closely monitor
the situation to ensure that
short-term rehabilitation and
generation projects are on
track to complement power
supply in the region.
"It was the first meeting of
the steering committee and it looked at the implementation
of power projects in the SADC
region," said SAPP Co-ordination
Centre Manager,
Lawrence Musaba. "We
looked at where we are, how
many projects have been implemented
and those that
have not been implemented
since 2005."
The committee attributed
the slow progress in energy
development to financial constraints
arising from low tariffs,
inappropriate national
policies and lack of political
will.
Musaba said the structure
of the electricity industry in
the region has a bearing on the
development of the sector in
some countries.
"In some countries, the private
sector is not allowed to
invest in the industry, making
it difficult to attract investment.
"National policy and political
will are some of the factors
that affect the implementation
of projects," he said.
The lack of a national and
regional policy has in particular
affected hydropower-generating
plants in Angola, Democratic
Republic of Congo
(DRC), Mozambique, United
Republic of Tanzania, Zambia
and Zimbabwe that have potential
to alleviate the electricity
shortages in the region.
The current challenge for
the region is to be able to meet
the ever-increasing power demand,
noting that the installed
capacity and the available
capacity are not increasing
at the same rate.
The installed capacity of
the SAPP as of April 2008 was
55,032MW while dependable
capacity is 47,000MW indicating
a deficit of about 8,000MW
without giving cognisance to
the requisite 10 percent reserve
margin.
A new generation plant
was commissioned in South
Africa (1,050MW) and another
plant that had been temporarily
put out of operation was
brought to service (2 x
190MW) at Camden.
In Swaziland, 20MW of
new plant was commissioned
in December 2007. In Angola 2x130MW units were commissioned
at Capanda in March
and July 2007, respectively.
Angola, Tanzania and
Malawi are still non-operating
members of SAPP meaning
that they are not yet connected
to the SAPP grid and thus do
not enjoy the benefits of energy
trading in the region.
SAPP was created with the
primary objective of providing
reliable and economical
electricity supply to consumers
consistent with reasonable
utilisation of natural
resources and the effect on the
environment.
In February this year, the
SADC Ministerial Taskforce
on the Implementation of
Power Sector Projects met in
Botswana and adopted a road
map to accelerate the region’s
recovery from the power
shortages emanating from
high demand.
The taskforce noted that an
enabling environment was indispensable
in accelerating
private sector participation
and additional investment in
the power sector.


title:
Four SADC countries sign up to new power interconnector project

Abstract:
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.

body:
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.
The project, which is called
Zizabona -- representing Zimbabwe,
Zambia, Botswana and
Namibia, the four participating
countries -- will provide an alternative
power transmission
route and help decongest the existing
central transmission corridor
that currently passes
through Zimbabwe.
The countries’ respective
utility companies will finance
parts of the project that fall
within their national boundaries.
These are the Zimbabwe
Electricity Supply Authority
(ZESA), Zambia Electricity Supply
Company (ZESCO),
Botswana Power Corporation
(BPC) and Namibia Power
Company (NamPower).
The project will result in an
increase in electricity trade among the four participating
utilities, Musaba said.
"The central corridor has
been overloaded since the beginning
of this year resulting in
the SAPP grid operating as
three separate islands and so
the Zizabona interconnector
project will provide an alternative
transmission route that will
help decongest the existing central
transmission corridor
which passes through Zimbabwe."
The project came as a result
of recommendations made by
the Central Transmission Corridor
Company, established by SAPP Member States last year to
look at the problems of decongesting
the central transmission
corridor, as well as enhancing
infrastructure and transmission
capabilities in the region.
The project is to be implemented
in two phases. The first
phase is expected to be commissioned
by December 2009 and
the second in 2012.
The first phase of the project
has already begun and will
cover the construction of a 120-
km 330kV line from Hwange
Power Station to Victoria Falls
where a switching station will
be built on the Zimbabwe side.
The line will extend to a substation
at Livingstone in Zambia.
ZESA and ZESCO will finance
this first phase and the
two utilities have already established
a special purpose vehicle
for funding the project.
The second phase which will
be financed under a special company
to be called Zizabona Pvt
Ltd, and this will involve the construction
of a 300-km 330kV line
from Livingstone to Katima
Mulilo in Namibia, through Pandamatenga
in Botswana.
According to SAPP, utility
companies in participating
countries have already set up
working groups to prepare for
the start of the project, as they
will be responsible for financing
the project.
"Technical studies have already
been done and financial
and economic evaluation is already
in progress," Musaba said.
The Zimbabwe-Zambia interconnector
will be built as a high
voltage line with a transmission
capacity of 430kV. However, it
will operate as a 330kV line during
the first phase.
Musaba highlighted that the
project is going to come online
much faster than the WESTCOR
project because of the commitment
of the Member States involved.
The WESTCOR transmission
interconnector project, which
aims at transmitting 3500MW
from Inga 3 in the Democratic
Republic of Congo (DRC) to the
south has been on the cards for
more than a decade now and involves,
Angola, Botswana, DRC,
Namibia and South Africa.
The Zizabona project will
also make it possible for Nam-
Power to import power directly
from Hwange in Zimbabwe.
Currently electricity from the
Hwange Power Station is being
routed to Namibia through
South Africa until the NamPower's
Caprivi Link Interconnector
operational.
According to NamPower
spokesperson, John Kaimu, the
Zizabona project will be important
for Namibia because it will complete the link and create
corridor for power import and
export to the four countries.
"Zizabona will create the alternative
route that is very important
for power imports from
neighbouring countries," said
Kaimu.
Zizabona is expected to run
concurrently with the rehabilitation
of Hwange Power Station,
which began in 2007.
Southern Africa has seven
major transmission interconnector
projects, which are supposed
be commissioned by 2009
enable the smooth trading of additional
generating capacity,
which is expected to become
available by 2009.


title:
Namibia gets more electricity from Zimbabwe

Abstract:
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.

body:
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.
Under the deal signed between
the two countries,
Namibia will receive 150MW
for a minimum of five years as
part of a power purchase
agreement with ZESA’s parent company, the Zimbabwe Electricity
and Transmission Company
(ZETCO).
The US$40 million paid by
Namibia would be used to refurbish
and expand Hwange
Power Station.
The four generators at
Hwange are capable of generating
a total of 480MW, but have
operated irregularly as the station
struggles to cope with frequent
equipment breakdowns
and coal shortages.
The first 40MW from ZESA
started flowing into Namibia on
3 January this year, with the additional
40MW being imported
from June and the latest by end
of August.
The remaining 30MW that
will fulfil the agreed quantity for a period of five years will
start flowing in before end of
year, NamPower said.
NamPower Corporate Affairs
and Marketing Manager,
John Kaimu, said the increase in
power supply from Zimbabwe
has come at the right time as
Namibia is experiencing a drop
the generation capacity from
dependable Ruacana Hydro-
Power Station.
Being a seasonal power station,
during September the generation
capacity of the station
goes down as the water level or
flow in the Kunene River also
drops.
During this period, Nam-
Power collects water in its dams
for hours before releasing it to
run the turbines.


title:
Angola to assume
OPEC presidency
in 2009

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

body:
ANGOLA IS to chair the Organisation
of Petroleum Exporting
Countries (OPEC) from 1 January
2009, Angolan oil minister,
Desidério Costa has said.
"This is an announcement
that will help us plan our country’s
political and economic future
and it will also enable us to
do what we intend; that is establishing
Angola in its right
place," said Costa.
The Angolan oil minister
added that the news arrived at a
special moment for Angola, just
after the holding of a successful
parliamentary election on 5 September,
the first since the end of
the 27-year civil war in 2002.
Angola became a full OPEC
member during the organisation’s
143rd extraordinary meeting
held in December 2006 in
Nigeria.


Abstract:
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.

body:
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.
ZESCO acting Director for
Generation and Transmission,
Christopher Mubemba said that following the decision to discontinue
with the interconnector,
the company would also increase
load shedding in Zambia.
This is the second time
ZESCO is disconnecting from
Zimbabwe following similar
blackouts experienced early
year.
Mubemba said the disconnection
of the interconnector entailed
that Zambia was required
to carry the full power reserves
of about 150MW to avoid a nationwide
blackout and it was
this reason that the company
had to increase load shedding.
He explained that when interconnected
the required reserve
was half, as the remaining
came from the Southern African
Power Pool (SAPP) to cushion
times of an emergency.
SAPP Centre Co-ordination
Manager, Lawrence Musaba confirmed the disconnection
saying the move to temporarily
discontinue the interconnector
between the two countries was
aimed at facilitating investigations
to establish the exact cause
the problem.
SAPP explained that on 6
September, there were disturbances
which led to two turbines
at Kariba North Bank
power station tripping, resulting
in a loss of 360MW and a cut
power supply to Eastern,
Northern and parts of Southern
and Lusaka provinces.
On 7 September, there was
another system disturbance but
there was no loss of transmission
distribution lines or loads.
However, there was a loss of
generators at Kariba North Bank
and Victoria Falls. He said that
preliminary investigations indicate
that the power outage was
caused by system disturbances
external to the Zambian power
system.
Musaba said SAPP and
ZESCO would continue to monitor
the situation with the view
reconnecting with Zimbabwe
once the situation improved and
that a detailed review would be
carried out soon.
The disconnection comes
after the SAPP grid was restored
last month after spending the
last five months operating as
three separate islands owing to
technical faults on the main interconnectors.


title:
Mozambique woos investors for hydro energy production

Abstract:
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.

body:
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.
The director highlighted
that vast hydro potential has
been identified in the central
provinces of Manica and Tete as well as the northernmost
province of Niassa.
"We have identified between
12,000MW and 14,000MW of hydroelectric
potential in 100 locations
in the provinces of Manica,
Tete and Niassa" We are inviting
foreign investors to come and
explore these areas," he said.
Mozambique produces
2,075MW of electricity, mainly at
its Cahora Bassa Hydroelectric
(HCB) plant in Tete province, which plans to increase output in
the next few years.
HCB, which suffered from
lack of investment, currently
provides 60 percent of its power
South Africa’s Eskom and 35
percent to Zimbabwe’s power
utility ZESA.
Saide said the mini-hydroelectric
projects offered solutions to
the problem of electricity supply,
which has not yet reached the
whole of Mozambique.


title:
Dump fossil fuels for renewables: Africa urged

Abstract:
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.

body:
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.
According to AfDB, oil companies
and the so-called Independent
Power Producers are at the
centre of some of the current energy
problems in the region.
The report argues that a year’s
worth of global fossil fuels subsidies
could comfortably pay off
Africa’s entire international debt
while a year’s worth of World
Bank’s spending on fossil fuel
projects, if redirected to smallscale
solar installations in Africa,
would provide 10 million people
with electricity.
AfDB says that less than 70
percent of the money that developed
countries use in subsidising
fossil fuels every year is enough
to electrify non-electrified Africa.
"The lack of access to reliable
and clean energy supplies is
major barrier to improving
human well-being around the
globe - there are an estimated
1.6 billion people living in the
rural areas of developing countries
who lack access to electricity
- but so is dependence on fossil
fuels," says the report.
The 36-page report cautions
that global warming is real and
poverty eradication coupled with
the achievement of the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs)
will become hot air unless the
world changes its focus from fossil
fuels (mostly oil) to renewables.
"Relying on fossil fuels to promote
human development will
be ultimately self defeating in
economic terms because the economic
costs of global warming
are set to spiral and will affect the
poorest and most vulnerable
countries worst," the report
warns.
"Reliance by poor countries
on fossil fuels imports or fossil fuel industries leaves them vulnerable
to a range of problems
including economic shocks due
to price volatility, major health
problems from pollution, inefficiency
due to economic distortions
from fossil fuel subsidies,
and corruption and social instability
stemming from competition
for access to natural resources,"
it argues.
In Africa as in the most developing
countries the focus on
renewables has been largely
neglected and is less popularised.
Indeed clean energy alternatives,
such as biogas, solar
power, bagasse, geothermal and wind power are ignored especially,
"if you package a renewables
initiative around an environmental
aim."
According to Stephen
Karekezi, the director of African
Energy Policy Research Network
(AFREPREN), a Nairobibased
energy policy think tank,
you demonstrate how renewable
energy can help economic
development and address
poverty I think it will receive a
much more positive response."
In 2004 during the Bonn International
Conference for Renewable
Energies, it was observed
that, "Renewable energy flows are very large in comparison
with humankind’s use of
energy. Therefore, in principle,
all our energy needs, both now
and into the future, can be met
by energy from renewable
sources."


Abstract:
THE INCREASE in electricity
tariffs and soaring fuel prices
experienced in southern
Africa and beyond has compelled
many Namibians to rethink
their energy sources.

body:
THE INCREASE in electricity
tariffs and soaring fuel prices
experienced in southern
Africa and beyond has compelled
many Namibians to rethink
their energy sources.
"The Ministry of Mines and
Energy has embarked on a
five-year renewable energy
master plan, which started in
2005," Joseph Iitha, the ministry’s
permanent secretary
said recently.
Assisted by the United Nations
Development Programme,
the government is
increasing public awareness
on the use of solar energy and
biogas.
The government is running
a programme to remove the
barriers that still exist in promoting
the use of renewable
energy from the wind, the sun
and waste to produce biogas
for cooking and heating.
Solar cooking stoves are already
produced in northern Namibia through a government
initiative.
Solar water heating (SWH)
via electric geysers constitutes
the highest portion of electricity
generated from renewable
energy in Namibia.
The use of SWH will continue
to increase largely due to
the government directive in
August 2007.
A recent study on energy
efficiency in Namibia revealed
that 22 percent or
100MW of electricity used is
required to heat water geysers.
If this measure is implemented
it is estimated to reduce
the demand by about
52MW.
This means if a third of all
private houses would install
solar water geysers on their
roofs, the 52MW saved would
also reduce electricity imports
and save the country on foreign
currency


title:
Scientists propose solar tower to boost Namibia electricity

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

body:
A HUGE solar energy tower
has been proposed to boost the
electricity grid in Namibia.
At one-and-a-half kilometres
high and 280 metres wide -
bigger than two soccer fields
back-to-back -- the tower could
provide electricity for the
whole of the Namibian capital,
Windhoek.
But neither a date nor a site
for the proposed tower has
been confirmed, though it is expected
to be close to Windhoek,
says the ministry of energy in
Namibia.
The operation of a solar
tower involves heating air inside
a vast transparent tent,
several kilometres in diameter,
at the base of the tower.
This hot air rises inside a tall
concrete chimney, driving
wind turbines linked to generators.
The tent can also be used to
grow crops.
The proposed tower is about
three times larger than anything
similar on earth and
though its running costs would
be low, construction would cost
at least US$900 million.
The solar chimney power
plants can also produce power
at night. The water used for
crops is heated during sunny
weather and this heat is released
back into the air during
the night or during cloudy
weather to keep the turbines
going. No extra water is required
-- an important issue for
a desert country such as
Namibia.


title:
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

Abstract:
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.

body:
PREAMBLE

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.


CONSIDERING our shared determination to uphold, defend and sustain Zimbabwe’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity, as a respected member of the international community, a nation where all citizens respect and, therefore, enjoy equal protection of the law and have equal opportunity to compete and prosper in all spheres of life.


ACKNOWLEDGING the sacrifices made by thousands of Zimbabwe’s gallant sons and daughters in the fight against colonialism and racial discrimination and deter mined to accept, cherish and recognise the significance of the Liberation Struggle as the foundation of our sovereign independence, freedoms and human rights.


DEDICATING ourselves to putting an end to the polarisation, divisions, conflict and intolerance that has characterised Zimbabwean politics and society in recent times.


COMMITTING ourselves to putting our people and our country first by arresting the fall in living standards and reversing the decline of our economy.


EMPHASISING our shared commitment to re-orient our attitudes towards respect for the Constitution and all national laws, the rule of law, observance of Zimbabwe’s national institutions, symbols and national events.


RESPECTING the rights of all Zimbabweans regardless of political affiliation to benefit from and participate in all national programmes and events freely without let or hindrance.


RECOGNISING, accepting and acknowledging that the values of justice, fairness, openness, tolerance, equality, non-discrimination and respect of all persons without regard to race, class, gender, ethnicity, language, religion, political opinion, place of origin or birth are the bedrock of our democracy and good governance.


DETERMINED to build a society free of violence, fear, intimidation, hatred, patronage, corruption and founded on justice, fairness, openness, transparency, dignity and equality.


RECOGNISING and accepting that the Land Question has been at the core of the contestation in Zimbabwe and acknowledging the centrality of issues relating to the rule of law , respect for human rights, democracy and governance.


COMMITTED to act in a manner that demonstrates loyalty to Zimbabwe, patriotism and commitment to Zimbabwe’s national purpose, core values, interests and aspirations.


DETERMINED to act in a manner that demonstrates respect for the democratic values of justice, fairness, openness, tolerance, equality, respect of all persons and human rights.


SUBMITTING ourselves to the mandate of the Extraordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) held in Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania, on 29th March 2007 and endorsed in Lusaka on 12th April 2008 and in the AU Summit held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt from 30th June to 1 July 2008.


RECOGNISING the centrality and importance of African institutions in dealing with African problems, we agreed to seek solutions to our differences, challenges and problems through dialogue.


ACKNOWLEDGING that pursuant to the Dar es Salaam SADC resolution, the Parties negotiated and agreed on a draft Constitution, initialled by the Parties on 30 September 2007, and further agreed and co-sponsored the enactment of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Number 18 Act, amendments to the Electoral Act, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission Act, Public Order and Security Act, Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act and Broadcasting Services Act.


APPRECIATING the historical obligation and need to reach a solution that will allow us to put Zimbabwe first and give the people a genuine chance of rebuilding and reconstructing their livelihoods.


PURSUANT to the common desire of working together, the Parties agreed to and executed a Memorandum of Understanding on 21 July 2008, attached hereto as Annexure "A".



NOW THEREFORE AGREE AS FOLLOWS:

ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS

1. Definitions


The "Agreement" shall mean this written Agreement signed by the representatives of ZANU-PF and the MDC, in its two formations ("the Parties") in fulfilment of the material mandate handed down by the SADC Extraordinary Summit on 29th March 2007 and endorsed by SADC in Lusaka, Zambia and adopted by the African Union Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.

The "Parties" shall mean ZANU-PF, the two MDC formations led by Morgan Tsvangirai and Arthur Mutambara respectively.

The "Government" or "New Government" means the new Government to be set up in terms of this Agreement.


ARTICLE II


DECLARATION OF COMMITMENT


2. Declaration of Commitment


The Parties hereby declare and agree to work together to create a genuine, viable, permanent, sustainable and nationally acceptable solution to the Zimbabwe situation and in particular to implement the following agreement with the aims of resolving once and for all the current political and economic situations and charting a new political direction for the country.



ARTICLE III


RESTORATION OF ECONOMIC STABILITY AND GROWTH


3. Economic recovery


3.1 The Parties agree:


(a) to give priority to the restoration of economic stability and growth in Zimbabwe. The Government will lead the process of developing and implementing an economic recovery strategy and plan. To that end, the parties are committed to working together on a full and comprehensive economic programme to resuscitate Zimbabwe’s economy, which will urgently address the issues of production, food security, poverty and unemployment and the challenges of high inflation, interest rates and the exchange rate.


(b) to create conditions that would ensure that the 2008/2009 agricultural season is productive.


(c) to establish a National Economic Council, composed of representatives of the Parties and of the following sectors:


(i) Manufacturing; (ii) Agriculture; (iii) Mining; (iv) Tourism; (v) Commerce; (vi) Financial;

(vii) Labour; (viii) Academia; and (ix) Other relevant sectors.


(d) that the terms of reference of the Council shall include giving advice to Government, formulating economic plans and programmes for approval by government and such other functions as are assigned to the Council by the Government.


(e) to endorse the SADC resolution on the economy.



ARTICLE IV


SANCTIONS AND MEASURES


4. Sanctions and Measures


4.1 Recognising and acknowledging that some sections of the international community have since 2000 imposed various sanctions and measures against Zimbabwe, which have included targeted sanctions.


4.2 The Parties note the present economic and political isolation of Zimbabwe by the United

Kingdom, European Union, United States of America and other sections of the International Community over and around issues of disputed elections, governance and differences over the land reform programme.


4.3 Noting and acknowledging the following sanctions and measures imposed on Zimbabwe:-


(a) enactment of the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act by the United States of America Congress which outlaws Zimbabwe’s right to access credit from International Financial Institutions in which the United States Government is represented or has a stake;


(b) suspension of Zimbabwe’s voting and related rights, suspension of balance of payment support, declaration of ineligibility to borrow Fund resources and suspension of technical assistance to Zimbabwe by the International Monetary Fund;


(c) suspension of grants and infrastructural development support to Zimbabwe by The World Bank; and


(d) imposition of targeted travel bans against current Government and some business leaders.


4.4 Noting that this international isolation has over the years created a negative international perception of Zimbabw e and thereby resulting in the further isolation of the country by the non-availing of lines of credit to Zimbabw e by some sections of the international community.


4.5 Recognising the consequent contribution of this isolation to the further decline of the

economy.


4.6 Desirous and committed to bringing to an end the fall in the standards of living of our

people, the Parties hereby agree:-


(a) to endorse the SADC resolution on sanctions concerning Zimbabwe;


(b) that all forms of measures and sanctions against Zimbabwe be lifted in order to facilitate a sustainable solution to the challenges that are currently facing Zimbabwe; and


(c) commit themselves to working together in re-engaging the international community with a view to bringing to an end the country’s international isolation.



ARTICLE V


LAND QUESTION


5. Land Question


5.1 Recognising that colonial racist land ownership patterns established during the colonial conquest of Zimbabwe and largely maintained in the post independence period were not only unsustainable, but against the national interest, equity and justice.


5.2 Noting that in addition to the primary objective of the liberation struggle to win one man one vote democracy and justice, the land question, namely the need for the redistribution of land to the majority indigenous people of Zimbabwe was at the core of the liberation struggle.


5.3 Accepting the inevitability and desirability of a comprehensive land reform programme in Zimbabwe that redresses the issues of historical imbalances and injustices in order to address the issues of equity, productivity, and justice.


5.4 While differing on the methodology of acquisition and redistribution the parties acknowledge that compulsory acquisition and redistribution of land has taken place under a land reform programme undertaken since 2000.


5.5 Accepting the irreversibility of the said land acquisitions and redistribution.


5.6 Noting that in the current Constitution of Zimbabwe and further in the Draft Constitution agreed to by the parties the primary obligation of compensating former land owners for land acquired rests on the former colonial power.


5.7 Further recognising the need to ensure that all land is used productively in the interests of all the people of Zimbabwe.


5.8 Recognising the need for w omen’s access and control over land in their own right as equal citizens.


5.9 The Parties hereby agree to:


(a) conduct a comprehensive, transparent and non-partisan land audit, during the tenure of the Seventh Parliament of Zimbabwe, for the purpose of establishing accountability and eliminating multiple farm ownerships.


(b) ensure that all Zimbabweans w ho are eligible to be allocated land and who apply for it shall be considered for allocation of land irrespective of race, gender, religion, ethnicity or political affiliation;


(c) ensure security of tenure to all land holders;


(d) call upon the United Kingdom government to accept the primary responsibility to pay compensation for land acquired from former land owners for resettlement;


(e) work together to secure international support and finance for the land reform programme in terms of compensation for the former land owners and support for new farmers; and


(f) work together for the restoration of full productivity on all agricultural land.



ARTICLE VI


CONSTITUTION


6. Constitution


Acknowledging that it is the fundamental right and duty of the Zimbabwean people to make a

constitution by themselves and for themselves;


Aware that the process of making this constitution must be owned and driven by the people and

must be inclusive and democratic;


Recognising that the current Constitution of Zimbabwe made at the Lancaster House Conference, London (1979) w as primarily to transfer power from the colonial authority to the

people of Zimbabwe;


Acknowledging the draft Constitution that the Parties signed and agreed to in Kariba on the

30th of September 2007, annexed hereto as Annexure "B";


Determined to create conditions for our people to write a constitution for themselves; and


Mindful of the need to ensure that the new Constitution deepens our democratic values and

principles and the protection of the equality of all citizens, particularly the enhancement of full

citizenship and equality of women.


6.1 The Parties hereby agree:


 that they shall set up a Select Committee of Parliament composed of representatives of the Parties whose terms of reference shall be as follows:


 to set up such subcommittees chaired by a member of Parliament and composed of members of Parliament and representatives of Civil Society as may be necessary to assist the Select Committee in performing its mandate herein;

 to hold such public hearings and such consultations as it may deem necessary in the process of public consultation over the making of a new constitution for Zimbabwe;

 to convene an All Stakeholders Conference to consult stakeholders on their representation in the sub-committees referred to above and such related matters as may assist the committee in its work;

 to table its draft Constitution to a 2nd All Stakeholders Conference; and

 to report to Parliament on its recommendations over the content of a New Constitution for Zimbabwe.



that the draft Constitution recommended by the Select Committee shall be submitted to a referendum;

 that, in implementing the above, the following time frames shall apply:

 the Select Committee shall be set up within two months of inception of a new government;

 the convening of the first All Stakeholders Conference shall be within 3 months of the date of the appointment of the Select Committee;

 the public consultation process shall be completed no later than 4 months of the date of the first All Stakeholders Conference;

 the draft Constitution shall be tabled within 3 months of completion of the public consultation process to a second All Stakeholders Conference;

 the draft Constitution and the accompanying Report shall be tabled before Parliament within 1 month of the second All Stakeholders Conference;

 the draft Constitution and the accompanying Report shall be debated in Parliament and the debate concluded within one month;

 the draft Constitution emerging from Parliament shall be gazetted before the holding of a referendum;

 a referendum on the new draft Constitution shall be held within 3 months of the conclusion of the debate;

 in the event of the draft Constitution being approved in the referendum it shall be gazetted within 1 month of the date of the referendum; and

 the draft Constitution shall be introduced in Parliament no later than 1 month after the expiration of the period of 30 days from the date of its gazetting.





ARTICLE VII


PROMOTION OF EQUALITY, NATIONAL HEALING, COHESION AND UNITY


7. Equality, National Healing, Cohesion and Unity


7.1 The Parties hereby agree that the new Government:


 will ensure equal treatment of all regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, place of origin and will work towards equal access to development for all;

 will ensure equal and fair development of all regions of the country and in particular to correct historical imbalances in the development of regions;

 shall give consideration to the setting up of a mechanism to properly advise on what measures might be necessary and practicable to achieve national healing, cohesion and unity in respect of victims of pre and post independence political conflicts; and

 will strive to create an environment of tolerance and respect among Zimbabweans and that all citizens are treated with dignity and decency irrespective of age, gender, race, ethnicity, place of origin or political affiliation.

 will formulate policies and put measures in place to attract the return and repatriation of all Zimbabweans in the Diaspora and in particular w ill work towards the return of all skilled personnel.




ARTICLE VIII


RESPECT FOR NATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND EVENTS


8. Respect for National Institutions and Events


8.1 In the interests of forging a common vision for our country, the Parties hereby agree:-


(a) on the necessity of all Zimbabweans regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, political affiliation and religion to respect and observe Zimbabwe’s national institutions, symbols, national programmes and events; and

(b) that all Zimbabweans regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, political affiliation and religion have the right to benefit from and participate in all national programmes and events without let or hindrance.


ARTICLE IX


EXTERNAL INTERFERENCE


9. External Interference


9.1 The Parties reaffirm the principle of the United Nations Charter on non-interference in the internal affairs of member countries.


9.2 The Parties hereby agree:-


(a) that the responsibility of effecting change of government in Zimbabwe vests exclusively on and is the sole prerogative of the people of Zimbabwe through peaceful, democratic and constitutional means;


(b) to reject any unlawful, violent, undemocratic and unconstitutional means of changing governments; and


(c) that no outsiders have a right to call or campaign for regime change in Zimbabwe.



ARTICLE X


FREE POLITICAL ACTIVITY


10. Free political activity


Recognising that the right to canvass and freely mobilise for political support is the cornerstone

of any multi-party democratic system, the Parties have agreed that there should be free political

activity throughout Zimbabwe within the ambit of the law in which all political parties are able to

propagate their views and canvass for support, free of harassment and intimidation.



ARTICLE XI


RULE OF LAW, RESPECT FOR THE CONSTITUTION AND OTHER LAWS


11. Rule of law, respect for the Constitution and other laws


11.1 The Parties hereby agree that it is the duty of all political parties and individuals to:


(a) respect and uphold the Constitution and other laws of the land;


(b) adhere to the principles of the Rule of Law.



ARTICLE XII


FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY AND ASSOCIATION


12. Freedoms of Assembly and Association


12.1 Recognising the importance of the freedoms of assembly and association in a multiparty democracy and noting that public meetings have to be conducted in a free, peaceful and democratic manner in accordance with the law , the Parties have agreed:-


(a) to work together in a manner which guarantees the full implementation and realisation of the right to freedom of association and assembly; and


(b) that the Government shall undertake training programmes, workshops and meetings for the police and other enforcement agencies directed at the appreciation of the right of freedom of assembly and association and the proper interpretation, understanding and application of the provisions of security legislation.



ARTICLE XIII


STATE ORGANS AND INSTITUTIONS


13. State organs and institutions


13.1 State organs and institutions do not belong to any political party and should be impartial

in the discharge of their duties.


13.2 For the purposes of ensuring that all state organs and institutions perform their duties ethically and professionally in conformity with the principles and requirements of a multiparty

democratic system in which all parties are treated equally, the Parties have agreed that the following steps be taken:-


(a) that there be inclusion in the training curriculum of members of the uniformed forces of the subjects on human rights, international humanitarian law and statute law so that there is greater understanding and full appreciation of their roles and duties in a multi-party democratic system;


(b) ensuring that all state organs and institutions strictly observe the principles of the Rule of Law and remain non-partisan and impartial;


(c) laws and regulations governing state organs and institutions are strictly adhered to and those violating them be penalised without fear or favour; and


(d) recruitment policies and practices be conducted in a manner that ensures that no political or other form of favouritism is practised.



ARTICLE XIV


TRADITIONAL LEADERS


14. Traditional Leaders


14.1 Recognising and acknowledging that traditional leaders are community leaders with equal responsibilities and obligations to all members of their communities regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, race, religion and political affiliation, the Parties hereby agree to:-


(a) commit themselves to ensuring the political neutrality of traditional leaders; and


(b) call upon traditional leaders not to engage in partisan political activities at national level as well as in their communities.



ARTICLE XV


NATIONAL YOUTH TRAINING PROGRAMME


15. National Youth Training Programme


Recognising the desirability of a national youth training programme which inculcates the values of patriotism, discipline, tolerance, non-violence, openness, democracy, equality, justice and respect.


Determined to ensure that the National Youth Training Programme raises awareness of the

HIV and AIDS pandemic, engenders a spirit of community service, skills development and a

commitment to the development of Zimbabwe


15.1 The Parties hereby agree that:-


(a) all youths regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion and political affiliation are eligible to participate in national youth training programmes;


(b) the National Youth Training Programme must be run in a non-partisan manner and shall not include partisan political material advancing the cause of any political party; and


(c) while recognising that youths undergoing training at national youth training centres have a right to hold political opinions, they shall not, during the period of their training, collectively and as part of a scheme of the training centre be used or deployed for partisan political work.



ARTICLE XVI


HUMANITARIAN AND FOOD ASSISTANCE


16. Humanitarian and food assistance


16.1 In times of need, every Zimbabwean regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, political affiliation and religion is entitled to request and receive humanitarian and food assistance from the State.


16.2 It is the primary responsibility of the State to ensure that every Zimbabwean who needs

humanitarian and food assistance receives it.


16.3 Non-Governmental Organisations involved in giving humanitarian and food assistance shall do so without discrimination on the grounds of race, ethnicity, gender, political affiliation and religion and in doing so, shall not promote or advance the interests of any political party or cause.


16.4 In this regard the Parties hereby agree:


(a) that in the fulfilment of its obligations above, the Government and all State Institutions and quasi State Institutions shall render humanitarian and food assistance without discrimination on the grounds of race, ethnicity, gender, political affiliation or religion;


(b) that humanitarian interventions rendered by Non-Governmental Organisations, shall be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, ethnicity, gender, political affiliation and religion.


(c) that all displaced persons shall be entitled to humanitarian and food assistance to enable them to return and settle in their original homes and that social welfare organisations shall be allowed to render such assistance as might be required.


(d) that all NGO`s rendering humanitarian and food assistance must operate within the confines of the laws of Zimbabwe.



ARTICLE XVII


LEGISLATIVE AGENDA PRIORITIES


17. Legislative agenda


17.1 The Parties hereby agree that:


(a) the legislative agenda will be prioritised in order to reflect the letter and spirit of this agreement;

(b) the Government will discuss and agree on further legislative measures which may become necessary to implement the Government’s agreed policies and in particular, with a view to entrenching democratic values and practices.



ARTICLE XVIII


SECURITY OF PERSONS AND PREVENTION OF VIOLENCE


18. Security of persons and prevention of violence


18.1 Noting the easy resort to violence by political parties, State actors, Non-State actors and

others in order to resolve political differences and achieve political ends.


18.2 Gravely concerned by the displacement of scores of people after the election of March

29, 2008 as a result of politically motivated violence.


18.3 Recognising that violence dehumanises and engenders feelings of hatred and polarisation within the country.


18.4 Further recognising that violence undermines our collective independence as a people and our capacity to exercise our free will in making political choices.


18.5 The Parties hereby agree:


(a) to promote the values and practices of tolerance, respect, non-violence and dialogue as means of resolving political differences;


(b) to renounce and desist from the promotion and use of violence, under whatever name called, as a means of attaining political ends;


(c) that the Government shall apply the laws of the country fully and impartially in bringing all perpetrators of politically motivated violence to book;


(d) that all political parties, other organisations and their leaders shall commit themselves to do everything to stop and prevent all forms of political violence, including by non-State actors and shall consistently appeal to their members to desist from violence;


(e) to take all measures necessary to ensure that the structures and institutions they control are not engaged in the perpetration of violence.


(f) that all civil society organisations of whatever description whether affiliated to a political party or not shall not promote or advocate for or use violence or any other form of intimidation or coercion to canvass or mobilise for or oppose any political party or to achieve any political end;


(g) to work together to ensure the security of all persons and property;


(h) to work together to ensure the safety of any displaced persons, their safe return home and their enjoyment of the full protection of the law.


(i) to refrain from using abusive language that may incite hostility, political intolerance and ethnic hatred or unfairly undermine each other.


(j) that while having due regard to the Constitution of Zimbabwe and the principles of the rule of law , the prosecuting authorities will expedite the determination as to whether or not there is sufficient evidence to warrant the prosecution or keeping on remand of all persons accused of politically related offences arising out of or connected with the March and June 2008 elections.


ARTICLE XIX


FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND COMMUNICATION


19. Freedom of Expression and Communication


Recognising the importance of the right to freedom of expression and the role of the media in a multi-party democracy.


Noting that while the provisions of the Broadcasting Services Act permit the issuance of licences, no licences other than to the public broadcaster have been issued.


Aware of the emergence of foreign-based radio stations broadcasting into Zimbabwe, some of which are funded by foreign governments.


Concerned that the failure to issue licences under the Broadcasting Services Act to alternative broadcasters might have given rise to external radio stations broadcasting into Zimbabwe.


Further concerned that foreign government funded external radio stations broadcasting into Zimbabwe are not in Zimbabwe’s national interest.


Desirous of ensuring the opening up of the airwaves and ensuring the operation of as many media houses as possible.


19.1 The Parties hereby agree:-


(a) that the government shall ensure the immediate processing by the appropriate authorities of all applications for re-registration and registration in terms of both the Broadcasting Services Act as well as the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act;


(b) all Zimbabwean nationals including those currently working for or running external radio stations be encouraged to make applications for broadcasting licences, in Zimbabwe, in terms of the law;


(c) that in recognition of the open media environment anticipated by this Agreement, the Parties hereby:-


call upon the governments that are hosting and/or funding external radio stations broadcasting into Zimbabw e to cease such hosting and funding;

and

 encourage the Zimbabweans running or working for external radio stations broadcasting into Zimbabwe to return to Zimbabwe; and



(d) that steps be taken to ensure that the public media provides balanced and fair coverage to all political parties for their legitimate political activities.


(e) that the public and private media shall refrain from using abusive language that may incite hostility, political intolerance and ethnic hatred or that unfairly undermines political parties and other organisations. To this end, the inclusive government shall ensure that appropriate measures are taken to achieve this objective.


ARTICLE XX


FRAMEWORK FOR A NEW GOVERNMENT


20. Framework for a new Government


Acknowledging that we have an obligation to establish a framework of working together in an

inclusive government;


Accepting that the formation of such a government will have to be approached with great

sensitivity, flexibility and willingness to compromise;


Recognising that the formation of such a Government would demonstrate the respect of the Parties for the deeply felt and immediate hopes and aspirations of the millions of our people.


Determined to carry out sustained work to create the conditions for returning our country to

stability and prosperity;


Acknowledging the need for gender parity, particularly the need to appoint women to strategic

Cabinet posts;


20.1 The Parties hereby agree that:


20.1.1 Executive Powers and Authority


The Executive Authority of the Inclusive Government shall vest in, and be shared among the


President, the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, as provided for in this Constitution and legislation.


The President of the Republic shall exercise executive authority subject to the Constitution and

the law.


The Prime Minister of the Republic shall exercise executive authority subject to the Constitution

and the law.


The Cabinet of the Republic shall exercise executive authority subject to the Constitution and

the law.


In the exercise of executive authority, the President, Vice Presidents, the Prime Minister, the

Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers and Deputy Ministers must have regard to the principles and

spirit underlying the formation of the Inclusive Government and accordingly act in a manner that

seeks to promote cohesion both inside and outside government.

20.1.2 The Cabinet


(a) shall have the responsibility to evaluate and adopt all government policies and the consequential programmes;


(b) shall, subject to approval by Parliament, allocate the financial resources for the implementation of such policies and programmes;


(c) shall have the responsibility to prepare and present to Parliament, all such legislation and other instruments as may be necessary to implement the policies and programmes of the National Executive;


(d) shall, except w here the Constitution requires ratification by Parliament, or action by the

President, approve all international agreements;


(e) shall ensure that the state organs, including the Ministries and Departments, have sufficient financial and other resources and appropriate operational capacity to carry out their functions effectively; and


(f) shall take decisions by consensus, and take collective responsibility for all Cabinet decisions, including those originally initiated individually by any member of Cabinet.


(g) The President and the Prime Minister w ill agree on the allocation of Ministries between

them for the purpose of day-to-day supervision.


20.1.3 The President


(a) chairs Cabinet;


(b) exercises executive authority;


(c) shall exercise his/her powers subject to the provisions of the Constitution;


(d) can, subject to the Constitution, declare war and make peace;


(e) can, subject to the Constitution, proclaim and terminate martial law ;


(f) confers honours and precedence, on the advice of Cabinet;


(g) grants pardons, respites, substitutes less severe punishment and suspends or remits sentences, on the advice of Cabinet;


(h) chairs the National Security Council;


(i) formally appoints the Vice Presidents;


(j) shall, pursuant to this Agreement, appoint the Prime Minister pending the enactment of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment no.19 as agreed by the Parties;


(k) formally appoints Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers and Deputy Ministers in accordance with this agreement;


(l) after consultation with the Vice Presidents, the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Ministers, allocates Ministerial portfolios in accordance with this Agreement;


(m) accredits, receives and recognizes diplomatic agents and consular officers;


(n) appoints independent Constitutional Commissions in terms of the Constitution;


(o) appoints service/executive Commissions in terms of the Constitution and in consultation with the Prime Minister;


(p) in consultation with the Prime Minister, makes key appointments the President is required to make under and in terms of the Constitution or any Act of Parliament;


(q) may, acting in consultation with the Prime Minister, dissolve Parliament;


(r) must be kept fully informed by the Prime Minister on the general conduct of the government business and;


(s) shall be furnished with such information as he/she may request in respect of any particular matter relating to the government, and may advise the Prime Minister and Cabinet in this regard.


20.1.4 The Prime Minister


(a) chairs the Council of Ministers and is the Deputy Chairperson of Cabinet;


(b) exercises executive authority;


(c) shall oversee the formulation of government policies by the Cabinet;


(d) shall ensure that the policies so formulated are implemented by the entirety of government;


(e) shall ensure that the Ministers develop appropriate implementation plans to give effect to the policies decided by Cabinet: in this regard, the Ministers w ill report to the Prime Minister on all issues relating to the implementation of such policies and plans;


(f) shall ensure that the legislation necessary to enable the government to carry out its functions is in place: in this regard, he/she shall have the responsibility to discharge the functions of the Leader of Government Business in Parliament;


(g) shall be a member of the National Security Council;


(h) may be assigned such additional functions as are necessary further to enhance the work of the Inclusive Government;


(i) shall, to ensure the effective execution of these tasks, be assisted by Deputy Prime Ministers; and


(j) shall report regularly to the President and Parliament.


20.1.5 Council of Ministers


To ensure that the Prime Minister properly discharges his responsibility to oversee the

implementation of the work of government, there shall be a Council of Ministers consisting of all

the Cabinet Ministers, chaired by the Prime Minister, whose functions shall be:


(a) to assess the implementation of Cabinet decisions;


(b) to assist the Prime Minister to attend to matters of coordination in the government;


(c) to enable the Prime Minister to receive briefings from the Cabinet Committees;


(d) to make progress reports to Cabinet on matters of implementation of Cabinet decisions;


(e) to receive and consider reports from the Committee responsible for the periodic review

mechanism; and


(f) to make progress reports to Cabinet on matters related to the periodic review mechanism.


20.1.6 Composition of the Executive


(1) There shall be a President, which Office shall continue to be occupied by President Robert Gabriel Mugabe.


(2) There shall be two (2) Vice Presidents, who will be nominated by the President and/or

Zanu-PF.


(3) There shall be a Prime Minister, which Office shall be occupied by Mr Morgan Tsvangirai.


(4) There shall be two (2) Deputy Prime Ministers, one (1) from MDC-T and one (1) from the MDC-M.


(5) There shall be thirty-one (31) Ministers, with fifteen (15) nominated by ZANU PF, thirteen (13) by MDC-T and three (3) by MDC-M. Of the 31 Ministers, three (3) one each per Party, may be appointed from outside the members of Parliament. The three (3) Ministers so appointed shall become members of the House of Assembly and shall have the right to sit, speak and debate in Parliament, but shall not be entitled to vote.


(6) There shall be fifteen (15) Deputy Ministers, with (eight) 8 nominated by ZANU PF, six (6) by MDC-T and one (1) by MDC-M.


(7) Ministers and Deputy Ministers may be relieved of their duties only after consultation among the leaders of all the political parties participating in the Inclusive Government.


20.1.7 Senate


(a) The President shall, in his discretion, appoint five (5) persons to the existing positions of

Presidential senatorial appointments.


(b) There shall be created an additional nine (9) appointed senatorial posts, which shall be filled by persons appointed by the President, of whom, 3 w ill be nominated by ZANU-PF, 3 by MDC-T and 3 by MDC-M.


20.1.8 Filling of vacancies


(a) In the event of any vacancy arising in respect of posts referred to in clauses 20.1.6 and 20.1.7(b) above, such vacancy shall be filled by a nominee of the Party which held that position prior to the vacancy arising.



ARTICLE XXI


ELECTORAL VACANCIES


21. Electoral Vacancies


Aware of the divisive and often times confrontational nature of elections and by elections;


Noting the need to allow this agreement to take root amongst the parties and people of Zimbabwe; and


Cognisant of the need to give our people some breathing space and a healing period;


21.1 The Parties hereby agree that for a period of 12 months from the date of signing of this

agreement, should any electoral vacancy arise in respect of a local authority or parliamentary seat, for whatever reason, only the party holding that seat prior to the vacancy occurring shall be entitled to nominate and field a candidate to fill the seat subject to that party complying with the rules governing its internal democracy.



ARTICLE XXII


IMPLEMENTATION MECHANISMS


22. Implementation mechanisms


22.1 To ensure full and proper implementation of the letter and spirit of this Agreement, the Parties hereby constitute a Joint Monitoring and Implementation Committee ("JOMIC") to be composed of four senior members from ZANU-PF and four senior members from each of the two MDC Formations. Gender consideration must be taken into account in relation to the composition of JOMIC.


22.2 The committee shall be co-chaired by persons from the Parties.


22.3 The committee shall have the following functions:-


(a) to ensure the implementation in letter and spirit of this Agreement;


(b) to assess the implementation of this Agreement from time to time and consider steps which might need to be taken to ensure the speedy and full implementation of this Agreement in its entirety;


(c) to receive reports and complaints in respect of any issue related to the implementation, enforcement and execution of this Agreement;


(d) to serve as catalyst in creating and promoting an atmosphere of mutual trust and understanding between the parties; and


(e) to promote continuing dialogue between the Parties.


22.4 JOMIC shall be the principal body dealing with the issues of compliance and monitoring

of this Agreement and to that end, the Parties hereby undertake to channel all complaints, grievances, concerns and issues relating to compliance with this Agreement through JOMIC and to refrain from any conduct which might undermine the spirit of cooperation necessary for the fulfilment of this Agreement.


22.5 The new Government shall ensure that steps are taken to make the security forces

conversant with the Constitution of Zimbabwe and other laws of Zimbabwe including laws relating to public order and security.


22.6 The implementation of this agreement shall be guaranteed and underwritten by the Facilitator, SADC and the AU.


22.7 The Parties and the new Government shall seek the support and assistance of SADC and the AU in mobilizing the international community to support the new Government’s economic recovery plans and programmes together with the lifting of sanctions taken against Zimbabwe and some of its leaders.


22.8 The Parties agree that they shall cause Parliament to amend any legislation to the extent

necessary to bring this agreement into full force.



ARTICLE XXIII


PERIODIC REVIEW MECHANISM


23. Periodic review mechanism


23.1 Having regard to the Objectives and Priorities of the New Government as set out in this

Agreement, the Parties hereby agree that:


(a) they shall constitute a committee composed of 2 representatives each to review on an annual basis progress on the implementation and achievement of the priorities and objectives set out in this Agreement, namely: Economic (restoration of economic stability and grow th, sanctions, land question) Political (new constitution, promotion of equality, national healing and cohesion and unity, external interference, free political activity, rule of law , state organs and institutions, legislative agenda and priorities) Security (security of persons and prevention of violence) and Communication (media and external radio stations); and


(b) the committee shall make recommendations to the Parties and the new government on any matters relating to this Agreement, more particularly on measures and programmes that may be necessary to take and make to realise full implementation of this Agreement.


(c) this Agreement and the relationship agreed to hereunder will be reviewed at the conclusion of the constitution-making process.


23.2 The Parties w ill continually review the effectiveness and any other matter relating to the

functioning of the Inclusive Government established by the Constitution in consultation with the Guarantors.



ARTICLE XXIV


INTERIM CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS


24. Interim Constitutional amendments


The Parties hereby agree:


24.1 that the constitutional amendments which are necessary for the implementation of this

agreement shall be passed by parliament and assented to by the President as Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Act No 19. The Parties undertake to unconditionally support the enactment of the said Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment No 19;


24.2 to include in Constitutional Amendment No19 the provisions contained in Chapters 4 and

13, and section 121 of the draft Constitution that the Parties executed at Kariba on 30 September 2007 (Kariba draft).



ARTICLE XXV


COMMENCEMENT


25. Commencement


This Agreement shall enter into force upon its signature by the Parties.


In WITNESS WHEREOF the Parties have signed this Agreement in the English language, in six

identical copies, all texts being equally authentic:


DONE AT HARARE, ON THIS............. DAY OF ................................. 2008

________________________


ROBERT G MUGABE

PRESIDENT, ZANU-PF

________________________


MORGAN R TSVANGIRAI


PRESIDENT, MDC

________________________


ARTHUR G O MUTAMBARA


PRESIDENT, MDC


In WITNESS THEREOF the Facilitator:

________________________


THABO MBEKI


SADC FACILITATOR


End


-----------------------------------------



Source: Government of South Africa Website


title:
Julius Nyerere: He
"carried the torch that
liberated Africa"

Abstract:
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:

body:
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:
"We, the people of Tanganyika, would like to light a candle
and put it on the top of Mount Kilimanjaro which would shine beyond our
borders giving hope where there was despair, love where there was hate,
and dignity where there was before only humiliation."
This was the commitment by Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere
when he addressed the Tanganyika Legislative Assembly, before independence,
in a speech that came to be known as "A Candle on Kilimanjaro".
When Nyerere made that speech, almost
all of Africa was still under colonial
rule, except for nine countries
(Ethiopia, Egypt, Ghana, Guinea,
Liberia, Libya, Morocco, Sudan and
Tunisia).
Today there are 54 independent
countries in Africa.
Political pressure for independence
had begun and the "wind of change"
was gathering strength, but most of the
southern African political parties and
liberation movements that later fought
and won majority rule were still banned or had not yet been constituted.
True to his principles and his vision, it was said when he died 40 years later on
14 October 1999, that he "carried the torch that liberated Africa". That day is commemorated
in Tanzania as Mwalimu Nyerere Day, which marks the climax of the
Uhuru Torch Race.
Those who spoke at his funeral echoed the themes of Mwalimu's commitment
and legacy of integrity, unity, dignity and equality.
"He is our father, and we are his children," said Joaquim Chissano, then President
of Mozambique and Chairperson of SADC, thanking the Tanzanian people led
by Mwalimu for what they did to liberate southern Africa.

THE UHURU Torch was first lit
on top of Mt Kilimanjaro
(5,890m) on 9 December 1961 by
Alex Nyirenda when he planted
the flag on Tanganyika's independence
day, symbolically to
shine over the country and
across borders. The Uhuru
Torch is one of the national symbols
of Tanzania. It is a kerosene
torch that symbolizes freedom, hope and development. At Butiama, Nyerere's birthplace
and his final resting place, a rock kopje next to his house
holds a place of honour for the torch when it arrives.
The Uhuru Torch Race starts from different places every
year. The 2008 Uhuru Torch was lit in Msonga Village, Coast
Region on 29 March and will be extinguished in Tanga Region
on 14 October. Significant funds are raised from private
sector for community development projects through the
Uhuru Torch Race, which is a development catalyst and a
symbol of community self-reliance.

"All Tanzanians accepted sacrifices for this. ... Mwalimu was not only able to
think and launch slogans on freedom and unity but he could install them into the
hearts of citizens."
He said the unity of the people of the region was cemented when Mwalimu said,
"Uhuru na Umoja: Freedom and Unity, for Tanzania and all of Africa."
We do not have real liberation yet, he said, "we still have to go ahead. Mwalimu
taught us how to move together... by beginning SADC... to meet the challenges. ...
"Today we are building a strong region, but we still have weak economies. Tanzania
could have had a strong economy today if it did not accept sacrifices in building
the future of the region."
The presidency of the European Union at that time was held by Finland, and its
President, Martti Ahtisaari, a friend and former ambassador to Tanzania and later
UN Commissioner for Namibia, came personally to bid farewell.
Mwalimu dedicated his life to the ideals of human dignity and common humanity,
Ahtisaari said. He was a "tireless mediator and peace-builder... who promoted peace
and stability in Africa and was an advocate of good governance worldwide."
Ahtisaari spoke for everyone when he said at the end of his statement: "Asante
sana, Mwalimu. Thank-you, Mwalimu."


body:
Holidays
Public Holidays in SADC

October - December 2008
1 October Public Holiday Botswana
1 October Eid ul Fitr* Mauritius, Tanzania
4 October Independence Day Lesotho
4 October Reconciliation Day/Peace Day Mozambique
13 October Mothers Day Malawi
14 October Mwalimu Nyerere Day and climax Tanzania
of the Uhuru Torch Race
21 October Divali Mauritius
24 October Independence Day Zambia
30 October Public Holiday
(Presidential Election) Zambia
1 November All Saints Day Madagascar
2 November All Saints Day Angola
2 November Arrival of Indentured Labour Mauritius
11 November Independence Day Angola
9 December Independence Day Tanzania
10 December International Human Rights Namibia
16 December Day of Reconciliation South Africa
22 December National Unity Day Zimbabwe
25 December Christmas Day All SADC
26 December Boxing Day Botswana, Lesotho,
Swaziland, Malawi,
Zimbabwe
26 December Family Day Namibia
26 December Day of Goodwill South Africa
* Depends on visibility of the moon


body:
EVENTS
EVENTS DIARY 2008
October


6-8, USA
U.S-Africa infrastructure conference

This will be the third annual US-Africa Infrastructure
Conference. This year’s conference will focus on
Information Communication Technologies (ICTs),
Transportation, Energy, and Security, providing a forum
to explore new business opportunities by identifying
specific growth areas and projects, and to obtain
information on infrastructure development throughout
Africa.

20, Uganda
Tripartite Summit of the SADC-COMESA-EAC

The meeting will be used as an important platform for
the harmonisation of the regional integration
programmes and also to constitute an institutional
framework for broader continental integration. The
meeting is expected to address the issue of
overlapping membership in the region.

30, Zambia
Presidential election

A presidential election will be held in Zambia following
the death of President Levy Patrick Mwanawasa.
According to Zambia’s constitution an election must be
held within 90 days of the post of president falling
vacant. Four candidates have presented themselves for
nomination; the acting President Rupiah Banda, Michael
Sata, Hakainde Hichilema and Godfrey Miyanda.

November
12-13, Tanzania
Regional Electricity Regulators Association of Southern
Africa Annual Conference

The fifth annual conference of RERA will bring together
regulators, industry leaders, policy makers, utility
customers, investors and other stakeholders in the SADC
region and elsewhere to exchange information on
pertinent developments affecting electricity supply and
demand. The theme will be "Regulatory Challenges in
Harnessing Africa’s Energy Potentials For Sustainable
Power Supply".

25 -10 Dec SADC
16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence

The campaign offers an opportunity for advocating
women’s rights and the quest to end gender inequality
and gender violence. The event will be celebrated this
year with the theme "Human Rights for Women -
Human Rights for all: Universal Declaration for Human
Rights 60 years after."

December
1, Global
World Aids Day

On 1 December every year, the SADC region
commemorates World AIDS Day with the rest of the
world. The theme this year is "Stop AIDS. Keep the
Promise."



fullvolume:
SADC Today Volume 11 No.3, December 2008

title:
Giant step toward
A single SADC-COMESA-EAC market

Abstract:
THREE REGIONAL economic blocs have
made a giant step towards the long-conceived
goal of an African Economic Community,
approving the expeditious establishment of an
enlarged Free Trade Area (FTA) encompassing
26 Member States in three sub-regions.

body:
THREE REGIONAL economic blocs have
made a giant step towards the long-conceived
goal of an African Economic Community,
approving the expeditious establishment of an
enlarged Free Trade Area (FTA) encompassing
26 Member States in three sub-regions.

Meeting at a Tripartite Summit on 22
October in Kampala, Uganda, leaders of
Member States of SADC, the Common Market
for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)
and the East African Community (EAC) agreed
on what many have described as an important
milestone towards continental integration as
envisaged by the African Union (AU).
According to the final communiqué, the
historic Tripartite Summit "agreed on a programme
of harmonization of trading arrangements amongst the three RECs
[Regional Economic Communities], free
movement of business persons, joint implementation
of inter-regional infrastructure
programmes as well as institutional arrangements
on the basis of which the three RECs
would foster cooperation."
The Summit resolved to immediately start
working towards merging the three trading
blocs into a single REC with the objective of
fast-tracking the attainment of the African
Economic Community. In that regard, the
Summit directed the Tripartite Task Force
composed of the Secretariats of the three
RECs to "develop a roadmap for the implementation
of this merger for consideration at
its next meeting."
Reaffirming southern
Africa’s commitment to the
tripartite cooperation process,
SADC Chairperson and South
African President, Kgalema
Motlanthe, said the region
"believes the time has come
for COMESA, EAC and
SADC to bring together our
respective regional integration
programmes in order to
further enlarge our markets,
unlock our productive potential,
increase the levels of
intra-Africa trade, and
enhance our developmental
prospects."
The creation of the grand
FTA will open borders to literally
half of the continent,
spanning the entire southern
and eastern regions of Africa,
from Cape to Cairo. It will be,
by any standard, a formidable
economic bloc with a combined
Gross Domestic Product
(GDP) of US$625 billion.
With a combined population
of 527 million, the grand
FTA places Member States in a
stronger position to respond
effectively to intensifying
global economic competition
and will make the economic
bloc more attractive to foreign
direct investment.
"The process we embark
upon today marks a historic
step towards fulfilling our
obligations under the AU and
the Abuja Treaty framework of
continental integration, which
recognises that RECs are the
building blocks for the African
Economic Community," said
Motlanthe, who addressed the
Summit in his capacity as
Chairperson of SADC.
The Summit was considered
historic given that
for the first time since
the birth of the AU,
three of the eight officially
recognised
key building blocks of the African Economic
Community have met on how
to integrate their separate programmes
into a coherent overall
programme within the
framework of the Abuja
Treaty, which establishes
the continental economic community.
On modalities, the
Tripartite Summit directed the
three RECs to undertake a
study incorporating, among
other issues, the development
of a roadmap within a period
of six months for the establishment
of the FTA, taking into
account the principle of variable
geometry; the legal and
institutional framework to
underpin the FTA; and measures
to facilitate the movement
of business persons
across the RECs.
The Summit further agreed
on a Tripartite Council of
Ministers to be convened
within 12 months to determine
the timeframe for the establishment
of the single FTA,
informed by the findings of
the study.
On multilateral issues, the
Tripartite Summit directed the
chairpersons of the Council of
Ministers of the three RECs to
"ensure that the Secretariats
participate, coordinate and
harmonize positions on
the Economic Partnership
Agreement (EPA) negotiations."
The same approach would
apply to other multilateral
negotiations including the
World Trade Organization’s
Doha Development Round
Negotiations.
In the area of infrastructure
development, the Summit
launched the Joint Competition
Authority (JCA) on Air
Transport Liberalization which
will "oversee the full
implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision on Air
Transport in the three RECs
commencing January 2009."
According to the communiqué,
the JCA comprises
seven members, two each
from EAC, COMESA and
SADC plus a chairperson on a
rotational basis.
The leaders directed the
three RECs to put in place,
within a period of one year,
joint programmes for the
implementation of:

a single seamless upper airspace;
an accelerated, seamless
inter-regional ICT Broadband
Infrastructure Network; and
a harmonized policy and
regulatory framework that
will govern ICT and infrastructural
development in the
three RECs.


Within the same timeframe,
the RECs are expected to
"effectively coordinate and
harmonize" the Regional
Transport Master Plans and
the Regional Energy Priority
Investment Plans, as well as
the Energy Master Plans of the
three RECs.
The three secretariats were
directed to work out a joint
financing and implementation
mechanism for infrastructure
development, within
a year.
Regarding the legal
and institutional framework,
a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) will be drafted
for approval by the Council
of Ministers of each of the
three RECs, within a sixmonth
period. The MoU,
which will broadly cover
inter-regional cooperation and
integration, will define the
powers of each decision making
level.
The Summit agreed on a
Tripartite Summit of Heads
of State and Government which shall sit once every
two years.
The new dispensation in
regional integration will permanently
resolve the longstanding
overlapping membership
conundrum, which
had presented headaches as
the three RECs moved
towards deeper economic
integration.
Technically, a country cannot
belong to more than one
Customs Union. In a Customs
Union, members agree among
other issues, to charge a common
external tariff to third
countries.
Yet COMESA, EAC and
SADC have all attained FTA
status, and are at various
stages of establishing separate
Customs Unions.
The EAC is the most
advanced of the three RECs,
having already launched its
Customs Union while COMESA
plans to have its own by
December 2008.
SADC launched its FTA in
August 2008 and plans to create
a Customs Union by 2010.
If successfully implemented,
the Tripartite Summit decisions
will result in the three
RECs coalescing into a single
FTA with the ultimate objective
of establishing a single
Customs Union, a development
that would partially fulfil
the target of the treaty
establishing the African
Economic Community.
The treaty establishing
the African Economic Community,
popularly known as
the Abuja Treaty, was signed
in 1991 by leaders of the
Organisation of African Unity,
the precursor to the AU.
The treaty envisages a continental
economic zone by
2028, gradually built upon
merging of the many RECs
across the African continent.


title:
Review of Progress on SADC energy recovery strategy

Abstract:
THE SADC energy roadmap
adopted early 2008 by energy
ministers has been the latest
blueprint for an accelerated
recovery from the current crippling
power shortages and is
centred on revival of the
regional energy planning network.

body:
THE SADC energy roadmap
adopted early 2008 by energy
ministers has been the latest
blueprint for an accelerated
recovery from the current crippling
power shortages and is
centred on revival of the
regional energy planning network.
With some of Africa's
fastest expanding economies,
the SADC region ran out of
surplus generation capacity, a
situation that became more
evident in 2007, as accurately
predicted by the Southern
African Power Pool (SAPP)
over a decade ago.
As of February 2008, SADC
combined electricity demand
stood at 47,067MW vís á
vís available capacity of
43,518MW.
The energy recovery roadmap

The SADC Energy Recovery
Plan contains prioritised
programmes and activities
covering the power sector
to be reviewed on a yearly
basis.
After an emergency
meeting of the Energy
Ministerial Task Force on
Implementation of Power
Sector Programme in
Botswana in February 2008
and later the Energy
Ministerial Meeting in the
Democratic Republic of
Congo (DRC) in April, SADC
Member States agreed to:

integrate energy conservation;
create regional energy linkages;
adopt a Biomass Energy
Conservation Plan and;
execute a Power Surplus
Capacity Utilisation Programme.


At their meeting in DRC,
the energy ministers also
noted the importance
of reviving the Energy Planning and Environmental
Management Training Programme.
Assessment of the regional
power projects

A SAPP steering committee
that met in August 2008 to
assess progress on the implementation
of power projects
concluded that the electricity
supply-demand situation
continued to be unstable. It
warned that the situation was
likely to impact on the SADC
region's integration agenda,
whose successful implementation
heavily hinges on the
availability of sufficient energy
and other infrastructure
services.
Furthermore, a review
committee set up by the SADC
Secretariat in conjunction with
SAPP also said in September
that most of the generation
and transmission projects that
were embarked on as early as
2005 have not yet been completed
on time.
The committee attributed
the slow progress to the
financial constraints arising
from low tariffs, inappropriate
national policies and lack
of political will on the part of
some Member States.
The SAPP Co-ordination
Centre Manager, Lawrence
Musaba, said that the policy
structure of the electricity
industry in the region has a
bearing on the development of
the sector and therefore called
for an immediate review of
such policies.
Musaba said that when the
regional Energy Recovery
Plan comes under its first
annual review in February
2009, Member States need to
take into account the need to
urgently address lack of a
regional policy in the energy
sector.
SAPP has recommended
that in 2009, Member States
need to quickly implement
the short-term projects
which are currently behind
schedule.
As shown by the SAPP
mid-year status report presented
at the SADC Summit in
August, the implementation
of both short and long-term
regional generation and transmission
projects were between
a year and two years behind
schedule.

Strengthening regional
power pools
THE REGIONAL Electricity
Regulatory Association
(RERA), says there is need to
start a process that will culminate
in common electricity
standards across the continent
and bring the regional
power pools together as part
of the solution to the current
energy shortages.
The move is meant to
speed up the pace of interconnection
across national
borders, which has often
been hampered by the existence
of different standards
in various countries.


Priority regional energy
projects

Regional generation projects
which need urgent attention
include the Inga-3 and the
Grand Inga-Phase-1 with a
total potential generation
capacity of 9500MW.
The WESTCOR transmission
interconnector project is
another regional initiative that
is still lagging behind.
The project was conceived
through the combined initiative
of the SADC Secretariat
and the power utilities of
Angola, Botswana, DRC, Namibia and South Africa in
1996, but little has happened
to bring it to fruition.
However, other national or
bilateral projects which are set
to improve power system
reliability and enhance the
exchange of energy are near
completion, with some expected
by end of 2008.
These include the
600MW DRC-Zambia interconnector,
the 300MW
Malawi-Mozambique interconnector,
the 400MW
Zambia-Tanzania-Kenya
interconnector and other
smaller hydro power projects
dotted across the region.
Challenges and constraints
for 2009

SADC is still facing a number
of challenges in the energy
sector despite current efforts
at dealing with the shortages.
Blackouts and load shedding
are still prevalent in some
Member States, while economic
growth in countries such as
Angola and Zambia will
inevitably strain available
capacity.
According to SAPP, the
process of consolidating and
updating information on
SADC energy programmes
and projects which is in line
with the region's long term
plans requires more technical
support and human power
than initially envisaged.
Some of the more prominent
challenges and constraints
are:

Inability of national policy
structures to conform with
recommendations by the
Ministerial Task Force
made at regional level;
Inadequate financial
resources to implement
projects and;
Inadequate infrastructure
and human resources.


title:
Malawi's grain subsidy strengthens food security

Abstract:
THE TURNAROUND in
Malawi, from being a food
deficit country to one producing
surplus grain and overcoming
food shortages has
demonstrated that regional
countries have the capacity to
be food secure if they apply
the right policies.

body:
THE TURNAROUND in
Malawi, from being a food
deficit country to one producing
surplus grain and overcoming
food shortages has
demonstrated that regional
countries have the capacity to
be food secure if they apply
the right policies.
The grain subsidy programme
that was introduced
in 2005 has seen the government
increasing the provision
of maize seed and fertiliser to
the smallholder farmers by
more than 75 percent.
As a result, Malawi has since
2005 trebled maize production
from 1.2 million tonnes to 3.4
million tonnes in the 2007/2008
agricultural season.
The government policy
intervention _ a reintroduction
of fertiliser and seed subsidies
that began in 1999 _ is profoundly
supported by the
Malawian President Bingu wa
Mutharika, who doubles as
Minister of Agriculture.
Starting in 2005, the government
distributed coupons to
low-income farmers allowing
them to purchase two 50kg bags
of fertiliser equivalent to US$7,
one-fifth the market price.
In addition, the government
provided vouchers to buy
seeds sufficient for planting
half an acre each. As a result,
the average farmer's yield
increased to two tonnes per
hectare from 0.8 tonnes in 2005.
In the 2007/2008 agricultural
season, the subsidy programme
cost the government
US$62 million or 6.5 percent of
its total budget.



The programme was initially
criticised by economists and
multilateral agencies who
argued that the expansion
of subsidies would
worsen the budget
deficit and create distortions
in the market.
But Malawi's recent successes in turning around
the agriculture sector and
ensuring food security for the
country has confounded critics.
In fact, the phenomenal
increase in maize production
has saved the country a yearly
budget of US$120 million that
it had spent in 2005 importing
food aid.
As highlighted by
Malawi's Deputy Minister
of Agriculture, Frank
Mwendifumbo, the important
lesson for policy makers in
the region is that government
subsidies are necessary for
growth in agriculture. Such
an intervention is in line
with the SADC Declaration on Agriculture and Food
Security that was adopted by
SADC Member States in
Tanzania.
Among the medium to long
term targets, the SADC leaders
agreed to ensure that all
Member States progressively
increase agricultural finance
allocation to at least 10 percent
of national budgets within a
period of five years.
In the 2008/2009 agriculture
season, Malawi plans to
spend US$186 million in
an ambitious farm input
subsidy programme for 1.7
million peasant farmers, agriculture
authorities recently
announced.


title:
Mozambique aims to lead "green revolution"

Abstract:
MOZAMBIQUE AIMS to
lead a "green revolution" in
sub-Saharan Africa by using
science and innovation to
improve crop varieties and
boost production.

body:
MOZAMBIQUE AIMS to
lead a "green revolution" in
sub-Saharan Africa by using
science and innovation to
improve crop varieties and
boost production.
Opening a conference in
September on Biotechnology,
Breeding and Seed Systems
for African Crops in Maputo,
Mozambique's Minister of
Science and Technology,
Venancio Massingue, declared
that a "green revolution" is
needed for development in the
region.
"Incorporating science in
agriculture in Mozambique is
key to the modernisation of
the economy and to provide
jobs in rural and urban areas.
This is why science improves
the lives of people," said
Massingue.
He said his country's bid to
bring about a "green revolution"
would only be possible if
scientists breed high-yielding
varieties of crops to relieve
hunger in rural areas.
Mozambique has set aside
over US$30 million dollars for
seed and fertiliser distribution, and the government is looking
for private sector partnerships
to widen the seed programme.
Mozambican President
Armando Guebuza declared
that his government is striving
toward a "green revolution" to
improve and diversify agriculture
and increase food production.
Calisto Bias, Director of
the Mozambique National Institute of Agricultural
Research, said research
plays an important role in the
development and promotion
of new agricultural products.
"The use of improved seeds
is quite (low) in Mozambique
and Africa in general. Seed
companies always complain
about the small market compared
to the cost of production,"
said Bias.


title:
Angola's rural agricultural project
receives cash boost

Abstract:
A SIX-YEAR project aimed at
improving Angola's smallholder
farmers' produce and access
to markets has received a grant
of US$6.4 million from the Bill
and Melinda Gates Foundation.

body:
A SIX-YEAR project aimed at
improving Angola's smallholder
farmers' produce and access
to markets has received a grant
of US$6.4 million from the Bill
and Melinda Gates Foundation.
The project, which will be
managed by the Angolan government,
hopes to open new
market opportunities for rural
farmers in Angola.
The PRORENDA project, as
it will be known, is a groundbreaking
initiative designed to
benefit smallholder farmers in
Angola's central highlands, 60 percent of whom are said to be
women, including war widows
and female heads of vulnerable
households.
Beneficiaries also include
people with disabilities sustained
during Angola's 27-
year civil conflict.
By connecting smallholder
farmers in the central highlands
to major urban markets
for crops such as potatoes, carrots
and onions, the project
seeks to raise incomes of more
than 51,000 smallholder farmers'
families.


title:
Zambia's election free and transparent SADC

Abstract:
ELECTION OBSERVERS
have praised the conduct of
the 30 October presidential
election in Zambia saying the
process was in conformity
with regional and international
standards.

body:
ELECTION OBSERVERS
have praised the conduct of
the 30 October presidential
election in Zambia saying the
process was in conformity
with regional and international
standards.
The SADC Election
Observer Mission (SEOM),
headed by Swaziland
Permanent Secretary for
Defence, John Kunene, said
the elections were "peaceful,
free and transparent" and
reflected the will of the
Zambian people.
"It is SADC's overall view
that the elections were conducted
in an open, transparent
and professional manner,"
said Kunene.
"No acts of intimidation
were observed or reported
countrywide," Kunene added.
The SEOM pleaded with the
different political parties to
follow the relevant institutions
in Zambia to address any
grievances.
SADC further commended
the Electoral Commission of
Zambia (ECZ) for the professional
management of the
elections and commitment to
produce credible and legitimate
electoral results.
The African Union (AU)
said the elections were peaceful
and voter counting and
transmission of the results
were conducted in a transparent
manner.
Head of the AU observer
mission and Minister of
Foreign Affairs in Mauritius,
Anil Gayan, said polling was
in conformity with the declaration
of AU principles governing
democratic elections in
Africa.
"Overall the elections
were free, transparent and
fair," the AU mission said,
citing a few problems that
needed to be rectified in
future elections.
The election was won by
Rupiah Banda, the former acting
president and candidate of
the Movement for Multi-
Party Democracy (MMD).
According to the final results
released by the ECZ on 1
November, Banda won the
presidency with 40.09 percent
of the vote followed by Michael
Sata of the Patriotic Front (PF)
who garnered 38.13 percent.
Hakainde Hichilema of the
United Party for National
Development (UPND) won
19.73 percent while Godfrey
Miyanda of the Heritage Party
(HP) got less than one percent
of the vote.
The election was necessitated
by the death of incumbent
Levy Mwanawasa who passed
away in August.
Voter turnout was 45.43
percent representing 1.8 million
people, out of a total 3.9
million registered voters.


title:
PROFILE
Rupiah Banda, President of Zambia

Abstract:
THE FOURTH president of the
Republic of Zambia, Rupiah
Banda, is a veteran politician
who has been in the public service
for more than 50 years.

body:
THE FOURTH president of the
Republic of Zambia, Rupiah
Banda, is a veteran politician
who has been in the public service
for more than 50 years.
Born on 19 February 1937,
Banda was among a group of
young leaders of the United
National Independence Party
(UNIP) who won Zambia's independence
in October 1964,
under the leadership of Kenneth
Kaunda.
At the age of 27, he became
Zambia's first ambassador to
Egypt. It was a significant posting
as Cairo was an important
African capital during the leadership
of Gamal Abdel Nasser,
who was a key supporter of
independence struggles in
Zambia and the region.
Banda, an economist by profession,
held several diplomatic
posts including Zambia's representative
to the United Nations
from the late 1960s to early 1970s.
In 1975, he was appointed as
Foreign Minister by Kaunda at a critical period in the history of
southern Africa, at a time when
Mozambique and Angola were
gaining independence.
Between 1982 and 1986, he
served as President of the
United Nations Council on
Namibia which was effectively
the government of Namibia
while the matter of South
Africa's disputed mandate over
the territory was being
resolved.
In 1988, he was again elected
as a Member of Parliament and
served in the National Assembly
until 1991 when the UNIP government
was defeated in
Zambia's first multi-party elections.
In 1994, he was appointed
Minister of State Mines and later
became Senior Governor for
Lusaka in 1998.
He resigned from politics in
2002 to join the private sector, but
was recalled to the post of Vice
President by the late President
Levy Mwanawasa after the 2006
presidential election.


title:
PROFILE
Kgalema Motlanthe, President of South
Africa and SADC Chairperson

Abstract:
THE NEW SADC
Chairperson is
Kgalema Motlanthe,
the interim President
of South Africa
and Deputy President
of the ruling
party, the African
National Congress
(ANC).

body:
THE NEW SADC
Chairperson is
Kgalema Motlanthe,
the interim President
of South Africa
and Deputy President
of the ruling
party, the African
National Congress
(ANC).
A former trade unionist and previously ANC
Secretary General, Motlanthe
has made a significant contribution
to his party and country.
Born on 19 July 1949 in
Johannesburg, Motlanthe spent
most of his early life in Soweto
organising against the apartheid
administration.
In the 1970s, while working
for the Johannesburg City
Council, he was recruited into
Umkhonto we Sizwe -- the military
wing of the ANC.
In April 1976, he was arrested
for furthering the aims of the
ANC and was detained without
trial for 11 months at John
Vorster Square in Johannesburg.
In 1977, he was found guilty
of three charges under the
Terrorism Act and sentenced to
an effective 10 years imprisonment
at Robben Island.
After his release in
1987, he was tasked
with strengthening
the union movement.
When the ANC was
legalised in 1990,
Motlanthe was put in
charge of re-establishing
the legal structures
of the party.
In 1997 he was elected as
Secretary General of ANC and
was re-elected in 2002. Among
other things, his responsibilities
included the development of
party-to-party relations in the
SADC region.
He was elected ANC Deputy
President in December 2007 at
the party's 52nd National
Conference in Polokwane, and
in July 2008 he was appointed
Minister in The Presidency of
the Republic of South Africa,
before becoming interim
President in September after the
incumbent, Thabo Mbeki, was
recalled by the party.
South Africa hosted the
SADC Summit of Heads of State
and Government in August
2008, after being elected to chair
the regional community for the
following year.


title:
Time for Africa to harness its huge hydro-energy potential

Abstract:
COUNTRY REPRESENTATIVES
attending the
20th Session of the African
Hydro Symposium held in
Zambia have called for
African governments to
harness its huge hydroenergy
potential, as it is
cheap and clean.

body:
COUNTRY REPRESENTATIVES
attending the
20th Session of the African
Hydro Symposium held in
Zambia have called for
African governments to
harness its huge hydroenergy
potential, as it is
cheap and clean.
According to Lawrence
Musaba, the Coordination
Centre Manager for the
Southern African Power
Pool (SAPP), Africa has a
combined feasible hydrocapacity
of more than
1,750,000 gigawatts (GW)
per year, enough to power
the whole continent but
unfortunately, only 4.3
percent of this is being
exploited.


The symposium heard
from SAPP and the
Regional Electricity
Regulators Association of
Southern Africa (RERA)
that in order to deal with
the regional power
deficits and stop a further
decline of the environment,
alternative power
sources have to be
researched and exploited.
One such renewable
energy source is hydro
which involves using
water to turn turbines,
and generate clean and
cheap electricity.
With seven major river
systems (Congo, Limpopo,
Niger, Nile, Orange,
Senegal and Zambezi)
Africa holds 10 percent of
the world hydro-energy
potential, but has so far
exploited only a small part
of its capability, the symposium
heard.
RERA stressed that climate
change, the quest for
cleaner energy and Africa's
needs for constant power
supply clearly underscore
the need to boost investment
in the hydropower
sector while taking into
account broader environmental,
economic and
social concerns.
The symposium, which
aims at sharing experiences
between governments
and the private sector,
is intended to pool
resources and step up
regional cooperation in
the energy sector among
African countries.
At the opening ceremony,
Zambia's Energy and
Water Development
Minister, Kenneth Konga,
appealed for the reinforcement
of cooperation
amongst countries of the
region, with the aim of
strengthening cohesion
towards regional energy
development.
Discussion at this
year's conference covered
topics such as the energy
shortage in the region, an
evaluation of progress on
current projects, plans to
move establish a single
power pool for the continent,
lessons and challenges
of new energy
technology, and sharing
of experiences, among
other issues.
Before the conference, a
panel of regional utilities
was assembled to review
the key questions relating
to water and energy
resource exploitation,
financing, and environmental
and social impacts.
The panel's report
noted that hydropower
has been financed traditionally
by public funds
and therefore recommended
the involvement
of the private sector as the
continent is facing a
shortage of public funds.
The panel also called
for the development of
mini-hydro stations that
have the potential of supplying
cheap energy to
rural communities.
Hydropower is plentiful
in eastern and southern
Africa where availability
of adequate rainfall
and relief creates the
basic natural potential for
exploitation.
North Africa has 23
percent of the continent's
hydro-power, West Africa
has 25 percent, while east
and southern Africa have
52 percent.
Examples of major
hydro projects in southern
Africa include the Inga
hydropower station in the
Democratic Republic of
Congo (DRC) of which
construction of phase
three is expected to start
in 2009 at a total cost of
US$3.6 billion.
The Inga Falls project is
believed to be the largest
single hydropower initiative
in the world and, when
operating at full capacity, is
expected to surpass
Mozambique's Cahora
Bassa, currently one of
Africa's biggest hydroelectric
stations, producing an
estimated 2,500 MW.
Other hydropower projects
in southern Africa
include Kariba (shared by
Zambia and Zimbabwe),
Kafue Gorge in Zambia,
Kidatu in Tanzania,
Maguga in Swaziland, and
the Bethlehem power project
in South Africa, among
others.


title:
Zambia, World Bank sign US$75.5m power deal

Abstract:
THE ZAMBIAN government
has signed a
US$75.5 million financial
agreement with the World
Bank aimed at increasing
access to electricity as the
region continues to face
power shortages.

body:
THE ZAMBIAN government
has signed a
US$75.5 million financial
agreement with the World
Bank aimed at increasing
access to electricity as the
region continues to face
power shortages.
According to Ng'andu
Magande, Zambia's
Finance Minister, "The
funding will enhance
Zambia's power generation
projects that seek to increase electricity supply
to all parts of the country,
with more emphasis on
rural areas."
Magande said effective
implementation of the
ongoing rural electrification
project as well as new
generation projects need
to be supported by costreflective
tariffs to
safeguard operational
efficiencies for power
entities such as the Company (ZESCO).
The project will see
the World Bank and
the Global Environment
Facility providing US$33
million and US$4.5 million,
respectively, with
the European Union
providing an additional
US$15 million while the
Zambian government
will inject US$12 million
into the project.


title:
African renewable energy attracts attention

Abstract:
THE POTENTIAL for
renewable energy development
in Africa is growing
as both investors and
regional leaders seek a
new clean energy frontier.

body:
THE POTENTIAL for
renewable energy development
in Africa is growing
as both investors and
regional leaders seek a
new clean energy frontier.
According to the
African Development
Bank (AfDB), the continent
could become a
"gold mine" for renewable
energy due to abundant
solar and wind
resources.

However, the development
of the industry has been made difficult by
lack of financial resources
and poor infrastructure.
Meeting at the Africa
Carbon Forum in Senegal
in October, officials from
the African Union (AU),
AfDB, and power utilities
shared strategies for
"Clean Development
Mechanism" (CDM) projects
on the continent,
such as greenhouse gasreducing
initiatives.
The focus of the meeting
was centred on the possibility
of future CDM projects
under a successor
agreement to the Kyoto
Protocol.
Yet so far, Africa has
benefited the least among
all continents from the
US$7 billion annual CDM
market.
Since the European
Union began trading
"carbon credits" through
its Emissions Trading
Scheme in 2005, only 27 of
the 1,156 CDM projects
included under the
scheme have been registered
in Africa.
A report by the AfDB
released at the meeting
provides further evidence
of the continent's potential.
Sub-Saharan Africa has
the potential to provide
more than 170 gigawatts
(GW) of additional powergeneration
capacity --
more than double the subregion's
current installations
through 3,200 "lowcarbon"
energy projects,
such as combined heatand-
power, biofuels production,
mass transportation,
and energy efficiency,
says the report.


title:
Solar power brings hope for rural
clinics in Madagascar

Abstract:
THE USE of solar energy
in rural Madagascar has
brought relief to many
areas that were previously
disadvantaged.

body:
THE USE of solar energy
in rural Madagascar has
brought relief to many
areas that were previously
disadvantaged.
Still unconnected to the
national grid, several
rural hospitals and clinics
have recently been
equipped with solar technology
to produce their
own electricity.
Before the initiative
spearheaded by the Madagascan government,
rural residents had to
bring their own candles to
be attended to during the
night.
According to the country's
2007 National
Development Report,
only three percent of the
rural population are connected
to the national
electricity grid, yet 85 percent
of Madagascar's 17
million people live in the
countryside.
Another problem facing
the country is that of
infrastructure which has
prevented the investment
in electricity by private
investors in the rural
areas.
With the new initiative,
each room at the local clinic
is equipped with light
bulbs. Most clinics have
also been able to remove
the generators that used to
power refrigerators that
store vaccinations and
medicines.


Abstract:
ANGOLA EXPECTS to
boost its oil production
in 2009 to 2.5 million barrels
a day.

body:
Angola to boost oil production in 2009
ANGOLA EXPECTS to
boost its oil production
in 2009 to 2.5 million barrels
a day.
According to a government
statement, Cabinet
Ministers approved a
2009 budget based on a
projected oil production
of 779 million barrels.
The Organisation of
Petroleum Exporting
Countries (OPEC) puts Angola's current daily
production at about 1.7
million barrels a day, the
largest on the African
continent.
Angola joined OPEC
in 2007, making it the
newest member of the
organisation. This year,
Angola surpassed
Nigeria as the leading
producer of oil on the
continent.



title:
SADC and DBSA sign MoU for project
investment facility

Abstract:
SADC HAS signed an agreement
with the Development
Bank of Southern Africa to
strengthen capacity in producing
projects that can
attract investors.

body:
SADC HAS signed an agreement
with the Development
Bank of Southern Africa to
strengthen capacity in producing
projects that can
attract investors.
This is a first step towards
the SADC Project Preparation
and Develop-ment Facility
(PPDF), to be established within
the context of the Regional
Deve-lopment Fund, as an
instrument to finance regional
cooperation and integration
projects.
The PPDF is expected to
strengthen preparation of
viable regional infrastructure
projects and unleash abundant
project capital available in the for project identification,
preparation and development.
The Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) was
signed by the SADC Executive
Secretary, Tomaz Augusto
Salomão, and Paul Baloyi,
Chief Executive of the DBSA.
The parties said the purpose
of the MoU is to clarify principles,
roles and functional areas
of cooperation between the
SADC Secretariat and the DBSA
in respect of hosting and implementing
the SADC PPDF.
"This will ensure that projects
are bankable and attractive
to investors, and thereby contribute
to the enhancement of the state of infrastructure in the
region," a SADC statement said.
The next step is to put in
place an appropriate framework
for managing the facility,
SADC said, adding that Member States in collaboration
with DBSA will urgently
examine an appropriate
framework with a view to
having the facility fully operational
by the end of 2008.


Abstract:
THE NEPAD Business
Foundation has held talks with
business leaders in the SADC
region to consolidate private
sector involvement in regional
and continental development.

body:
THE NEPAD Business
Foundation has held talks with
business leaders in the SADC
region to consolidate private
sector involvement in regional
and continental development.
Through the NEPAD-SADC
Business Hub, the two organisations
hope to increase private
sector participation at a
regional level.
"This consolidation into
regional trading hubs will
allow SADC to stack up and
engage in respectable trade
relations and set terms of trade
that are favourable for both
sides and have a formidable
partner that is good for reciprocity,"
said Reuel Khoza,
chairperson of the NBF.
The joint business hub will:

ensure the private sector’s
role in the development of
economic growth in the
region.
address the current
challenges in conducting
business in
the region.
promote trade and investment
flows.
reinforce the role of the private
sector for relevant trade
and economic policies.
strengthen regional integration.


title:
South Africa, Venezuela sign major
energy deal

Abstract:
SOUTH AFRICA and
Venezuela have sealed a major
oil deal that could reduce the
cost of fuel in South Africa and
the region.

body:
SOUTH AFRICA and
Venezuela have sealed a major
oil deal that could reduce the
cost of fuel in South Africa and
the region.
Although no details were
available, the deal is likely to
include plans for Venezuela to
supply crude oil at preferential
rates to South Africa’s
state oil company, PetroSA.
South Africa’s pioneering
gas-to-liquid technology,
while PetroSA is looking to
invest in oil exploration and
production in Venezuela.
Venezuelan President Hugo
Chavez said his country was
interested in using South
Africa’s oil storage capacity of
some 45 million barrels and help
expand its refining capacity.
With the world facing unstable
oil prices, Chavez said it is
imperative that nations of the
South unite behind a "new
strategic agenda, to conduct a
true strategic change in international
relations."


title:
Inflation hits double figures in most
SADC countries

Abstract:
INFLATION FIGURES during
the third quarter hit double
digits in most SADC countries,
mainly due to an
increase in electricity, oil, food
and housing costs.

body:
INFLATION FIGURES during
the third quarter hit double
digits in most SADC countries,
mainly due to an
increase in electricity, oil, food
and housing costs.
South Africa’s main inflation
rate rose to 13 percent in
August, a little above forecasts
by the South African Reserve
Bank. The annual rise in inflation
accelerated from 11.6 percent
in July.
A similar trend affected
Zambian inflation, recording
13.2 percent in August, 0.6
percent higher than the July
rate of 12.6 percent. Compared with the same period last year,
the annual rate of inflation
increased by 2.5 percentage
points, from 10.2 percent.
Botswana’s inflation accelerated
to a year-on-year rate of
15 percent in August as transport
and food costs increased.
According to the Central
Statistics Office in Gaborone,
the inflation rate rose from
14.5 percent in July.
A few countries in the
region, including Angola,
Malawi, Namibia and the
United Republic of Tanzania,
still enjoy single digit inflation
figures.


title:
Southern Africa
Environment Outlook 2008

Abstract:
Southern Africa
Environment Outlook 2008

body:
The Southern Africa Environment
Outlook assesses the
current state of the environment
in the region, and reflects
on trends over the past decade.
The report highlights key
emerging environmental issues
in southern Africa, and also
presents a set of future scenarios
for the region.

"SADC recognises that natural
resources are critical to
regional development and
poverty eradication and hence
enshrined 'sustainable utilisation
of natural resources and
effective protection of the environment'
in the revised SADC
Treaty," the SADC Executive
Secretary, Tomaz Augusto
Salomão, says in his foreword
to the book.
"In line with the Treaty, the
SADC Regional Indicative
Strategic Development Plan
(RISDP) calls for regular environmental
assessment, monitoring
and reporting for purposes
of analysing regional
trends.
"The importance of environmental
sustainability in the
SADC region is also reflected in
the many regional and international
agreements to which
Member States are signatory.
Furthermore, the critical nature
of natural resources to economic,
social and political integration
was also recognised at the
Rio Earth Summit of 1992."
The preparation of the
Southern Africa Environment
Outlook was coordinated by
the Southern African Research
and Documentation Centre
(SARDC) through its Musokotwane
Environment Resource
Centre for Southern
Africa (IMERCSA), as part of
the Communicating the
Environment Programme
(CEP), in collaboration with the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP) and
IUCN-The World Conservation
Union.
SARDC IMERCSA is the
regional collaborating centre
for UNEP on environmental
assessment and reporting for
southern Africa, and provides
the regional assessment for the
Africa Environment Outlook
and the Global Environment
Outlook.
Preparation of the Southern
Africa Environment Outlook
was based on a wide consultative
and participatory process,
during which consensus around regional perspectives
and priorities was built over a
10-year period.
The Southern Africa
Environment Outlook (SAEO)
is published almost 15 years
after the first comprehensive
State of the Environment in
Southern Africa, produced by
CEP in 1994, and six years after
a major report on water,
Defining and Mainstreaming Environmental Sustainability in
Water Resources Manage-ment in
Southern Africa, launched at the
World Summit on Sustainable
Development in 2002.
SADC plans to produce
environmental reports more
often in line with the RISDP targets
for five-yearly intervals.
The next report is expected to
review the period 2005-2010.


title:
African governments commit to reducing
environmental threats to health

Abstract:
A RECENT gathering of environment
and health ministers
in Libreville, Gabon, saw the
signature and adoption of the
Libreville Declaration which
commits governments to take
measures to stimulate policy,
institutional and investment
reforms to optimise synergies
between health, environment
and other relevant sectors.

body:
A RECENT gathering of environment
and health ministers
in Libreville, Gabon, saw the
signature and adoption of the
Libreville Declaration which
commits governments to take
measures to stimulate policy,
institutional and investment
reforms to optimise synergies
between health, environment
and other relevant sectors.
The Gabon meeting highlighted
the need to address
health, environment and economic
development issues in
an interrelated manner to generate
new synergies in poverty
reduction and social equity.
The World Health
Organisation (WHO) website
quoted Luis Sambo, the
Regional Director of WHO
Regional Office for Africa, as
saying "The signing of this
landmark declaration is the
first step towards saving the
lives of millions of people
from the harmful effects of
changes in the environment.
"We will work together to
promote strategic alliances
between health and environment.
I am delighted that we
have managed to secure political
commitment to catalyse
institutional changes needed to
improve the health and wellbeing
of communities in the
region."
It is estimated that a quarter
of the total burden of diseases
in developing countries
is associated with environmental
risk factors.
According to a WHO
report, in Africa 23 percent or
2.4 million of all deaths in 2006
were attributed to environmental
risk factors.
The environmental risk factors
to which Africa is exposed
include inadequate water supply,
sanitation and hygiene, as
well as poor water resource
management and unsafe
water environments.
Africa's coverage of safe
drinking water and safe sanitation
stands at about 56 and
37 percent of the population,
respectively.
While there has been an
overall improvement in the
coverage of water supply in
Africa since 1990, the regional
projected coverage in 2015 still
falls well below the MDG target
of 75 percent. As such the vast majority of Africa's population
will continue to rely on
unsafe water sources, which
themselves are exposed to
increasing contamination and
pollution.
About 90 percent of the
global burden of malaria and of
schistosomiasis affects the population
of sub-Saharan Africa.
Cholera is also an important
water-related, vector-borne disease
which is prevalent in some
parts of Africa.
The impact of air pollution
on health is seen in the
increasing cases of respiratory
illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis
and tuberculosis.
According to the fourth
Global Environment Outlook
(GEO-4) report, Africa also
faces challenges associated
with chemical safety. African
farmers use large amounts of
chemical pesticides, and there
are as much as 50,000 tonnes of
obsolete stockpiles of pesticides
contaminating soil, water, air,
and food.
The Libreville Declaration
acknowledges that Africa is
one of the most vulnerable
regions to climate change.


title:
SADC Gender Protocol: From commitment
to action

Abstract:
APPROVAL OF the groundbreaking
Protocol on Gender
and Development by 12 southern
African countries brings
with it the need to take action
by all stakeholders so as to
accelerate the empowerment of
women in the region through
speedy implementation.

body:
APPROVAL OF the groundbreaking
Protocol on Gender
and Development by 12 southern
African countries brings
with it the need to take action
by all stakeholders so as to
accelerate the empowerment of
women in the region through
speedy implementation.
Signed by 11 Member
States at the 28th SADC
Summit held in South Africa
in August 2008, the protocol is
widely regarded as historic
and groundbreaking insofar as
empowerment of women in
the region is concerned.


Madagascar and Mauritius
had not immediately signed,
but have since appended signature
to the protocol. Botswana
and Malawi are yet to sign.
Planned initiatives towards
implementation of the agreement
include meetings organized
by the SADC Gender Unit
and its partners such as one to
develop a regional monitoring
tool that will monitor and track
implementation of the gender
equality commitments made by
SADC Member States and
another to develop guidelines
for the implementation of the
50 percent target representation
of women in politics and decision
making.
The Southern African
Gender Protocol Alliance, consisting
of gender and women's
non-governmental organizations
(NGOs), has parallel
complementary actions outlined
in a consolidated plan
still in draft form. Actions
include activities on tracking,
monitoring and evaluating
progress towards achieving
goals set out in the protocol.
Legal and gender experts
who participated in the
Southern African Protocol
Alliance meeting
held prior to the
SADC Summit, described
the protocol "as the most far-reaching of any
sub-regional instrument for
achieving gender equality."
Participants said it was time
for southern Africa to move
from being "a region of commitments
to one of action."
Former South African
President, Thabo Mbeki, who
assumed the SADC chair on
behalf of his country during
the summit, said the signing of
the protocol was one of the
most important decisions that
the regional organisation took
this year.
"This protocol is important
because it consolidates all the
important SADC policies and
programmes dealing with gender
equity. The protocol will
help our region to advance the
process of women's emancipation
through policies, laws, programmes
and projects which all
Member States have to implement,"
Mbeki said.
Now that the protocol has
been signed, the next stage is
to ensure ratification by
Member States for the protocol
to enter into force.
Ratification of the protocol
implies readiness by Member
States to begin implementation,
which involves domestication
of the regional policy
into national legislation and
policy. To formalize ratification,
a Member State is
required to deposit legal
papers known as Instruments of Ratification with the SADC
Secretariat.
The ratification process,
however, can take several years
before the protocol receives the
requisite two-thirds majority
for it to have legal force. This
brings into prominence the
need for gender movements in the region to work closely
together with national gender
machineries in Member States
if early ratification is to be
achieved, just as they did in
preparation for the historical
Beijing conference in 1995.
In Article 40, the gender pact
says, "The protocol shall be ratified
by the signatory states in
accordance with their constitutional
procedures." SADC
Member States, however, have
different constitutional requirements
for ratification.
In some countries, the protocol
has legal force once the
president has signed the document
whereas others require
parliamentary approval before
the head of state or government
can pass an international
agreement as ratified.


title:
SADC joins "16 Days of Activism
Against Gender Violence" campaign

Abstract:
THE YEAR 2008 marks the
18th edition of the global campaign
widely known as "16
Days of Activism Against
Gender Violence".

body:
THE YEAR 2008 marks the
18th edition of the global campaign
widely known as "16
Days of Activism Against
Gender Violence".
The campaign links issues
concerning violence against
women and human rights and
emphasises that all forms of
violence, whether perpetrated
in the public or private sphere,
are a violation of human rights.
The dates chosen for the
campaign symbolically make
this link - 25 November marks
the International Day Against
Gender Based Violence and 10
December is International
Human Rights Day.
This year's campaign activities
have been extended for 365
days for the purpose of highlighting
the organising efforts
of a broader movement for
women's human rights and to
provide others with examples
of activities and strategies used by individuals and
organisations during the campaign.
For this year's campaign,
the SADC Gender Unit has
mobilised men-to-men groups
to form a strong male force to
support the campaign and to
create teams of male supporters
to participate in the ongoing
campaign in various
countries in the region.
The presence of men in the
struggle to combat genderbased
violence is gradually
creating new voices aimed at
addressing other men and
encouraging them to re-think
their attitudes and behaviour,
tackling critical issues about
masculinity and male responsibility.
This year's theme is "Human
Rights for Women - Human
Rights for all: Universal
Declaration for Human Rights
60 years after."


Abstract:
MORE THAN two decades ago, on
22 December 1987, the two liberation
parties in Zimbabwe - the
Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) and the Zimbabwe
African People’s Union (ZAPU) signed the historic Unity Agreement
that ensured peace and political development.

body:
MORE THAN two decades ago, on
22 December 1987, the two liberation
parties in Zimbabwe - the
Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) and the Zimbabwe
African People’s Union (ZAPU) signed the historic Unity Agreement
that ensured peace and political development.
The then Prime Minister and First Secretary of ZANU, Robert
Mugabe and the leader of ZAPU, Joshua Nkomo, signed the Unity
Agreement effectively stopping the political instability that had erupted
since the early 1980s.

The Unity Agreement was significant in that it showed that the
leaders of the dominant parties had the capacity to resolve their ideological
and political differences for the nation and the region in
general.
Speaking after the signing ceremony, Mugabe remarked that:
"Today is a great day. It is great because we have seen the coming
together in body, mind and spirit of our two parties.
"What we are witnessing is a tremendous blow to the forces of
negation, the forces of division, the forces of destruction...let them be
murdered and laid to rest for eternity."
Nkomo went on to say that the accord was "the beginning of unity,
for unity is not just the signing of documents, unity is what follows."
The historic agreement of 1987 was not the first attempt to achieve
unity in the country; the first united front was achieved in 1896, during
the First Chimurenga War against white domination and colonial
bondage when the Shona and Ndebele leaders collaborated to resist
colonial domination.
The accord was described by Nathan Shamuyarira, a historian and
nationalist leader, as "the final and successful effort" to unite ZANU
and ZAPU.
The road towards achieving unity was potholed by many impediments
and credit must be given to Mugabe and Nkomo for their
remarkable fortitude and determination in the face of vicissitudes of
the liberation struggle and negotiations in the early years of
Zimbabwe’s independence.
The Patriotic Front was a child of the liberation struggle, and was
formed by the two parties in 1976 to provide a joint front at the
Geneva talks.
This followed the coming together of the parties under the banner
of the African National Council to give a resounding "No" to the
Pearce Commission on constitutional change.
As remarked by Kenneth Kaunda, the then President of Zambia,
the benefits that accrued from such a sacrifice outweighed the sweat
and toil occasioned by the thorny path towards the agreement.
The talks were by no means achieved over night, to the contrary
they broke down along the way and a remarkable feat of balancing
and compromise was required of all concerned.
That the leaders who effected the Unity Agreement could actually
understand and accommodate the other’s demands is worthy
of praise.
The extension of the hand of peace was an act replete with sincerity
and the acclaimed virtue of forgiveness.


title:
Mbeki’s legacy: Toward
empowerment of Africa and
countries of the South

Abstract:
THABO MBEKI’S legacy was established even before he became the
President of South Africa when, as deputy president, he laid out his
vision for the continent and inspired a new generation of Africans
throughout the continent with his leadership. Speaking on behalf of the
African National Congress on the occasion of the adoption by the
Constitutional Assembly of the Republic of South Africa Constitution
Bill in May 1996 in Cape Town, he made a commitment and a speech that
has become both a road map and a classic. It begins and ends as follows:

body:
THABO MBEKI’S legacy was established even before he became the
President of South Africa when, as deputy president, he laid out his
vision for the continent and inspired a new generation of Africans
throughout the continent with his leadership. Speaking on behalf of the
African National Congress on the occasion of the adoption by the
Constitutional Assembly of the Republic of South Africa Constitution
Bill in May 1996 in Cape Town, he made a commitment and a speech that
has become both a road map and a classic. It begins and ends as follows:
"On an occasion such as this we should, perhaps, start from the beginning.
So let me begin. I am an African. I owe my being to the hills and the
valleys, the mountains and the glades, the rivers, the deserts, the tree, the
flowers, the seas and the ever-changing seasons that define the face of our
native land. ...I know what it signifies when race and colour are used to
determine who is human and who subhuman. I have seen the destruction of all sense
of self-esteem, the consequent striving to be what one is not, simply to acquire some
of the benefits which those who had improved themselves as masters had ensured
that they enjoy. I have experience of the situation in which race and colour is used to
enrich some and impoverish the rest. I have seen the corruption of minds and souls
as a result of the pursuit of an ignoble effort to perpetrate a veritable crime against
humanity. ... I am born of a people who would not tolerate oppression. ...The thing
that we have done today, in this small corner of a great continent that has contributed
so decisively to the evolution of humanity, says that Africa reaffirms that she is continuing
her rise from the ashes. Whatever the setbacks of the moment, nothing can
stop us now! Whatever the difficulties Africa shall be at peace! Whoever we may be,
whatever our immediate interest, however much we carry baggage from our past,
however much we have been caught by the fashion of cynicism and loss of faith in the
capacity of the people, let us say today: Nothing can stop us now! (Thabo Mbeki,
Africa ~ the time has come ~)
The continent strengthened its governance with the establishment of the African
Union and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), and the leading
countries of the South strengthened their collaboration, notably India, Brazil and
South Africa, to contribute to "further empowerment of the countries of the South".


title:
Public Holidays in SADC
December 2008 - February 2009

body:
Holidays
Public Holidays in SADC

December 2008 - February 2009
8 December Immaculate Conception Day Seychelles
8 December Eid-ul-Adha Tanzania
9 December Independence Day Tanzania
10 December International Human Rights Namibia
16 December Incwala Day Swaziland
16 December Day of Reconciliation South Africa
22 December National Unity Day Zimbabwe
25 December Christmas Day SADC
26 December Boxing Day Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland,
Malawi and Zimbabwe
26 December Family Day Namibia
26 December Day of Goodwill South Africa
1 January New Year’s Day SADC
3 January Public Holiday Botswana
4 January Marty’s Day Angola, DRC
12 January Zanzibar Revolutionary Day Tanzania
15 January John Chilembwe Day Malawi
16-17 January Patrice Lumumba Day DRC
18 January Kabila Hero Day DRC
26 January Chinese Spring Festival Mauritius
1 February Abolition of Slavery Mauritius
3 February Heroes Day Mozambique
4 February National Armed Struggle Day Angola
5 February Chama Cha Mapinduzi Day Tanzania
8 February Thaipoosam Cavadee Mauritius
23 February Maha Shivratree Mauritius
* Depends on visibility of the moon


body:
EVENTS
EVENTS DIARY December 2008
October

November
12-14, Tunisia
African Economic Conference

Organised by the African Development Bank, the
conference brings together government and the private
sector to discuss implementation of better economic
policies in light of the global financial crisis. The conference
seeks to encourage research and information dissemination
on economic issues of interest to the continent.

18 - 19, Botswana
Groundwater in the SADC Integrated Water Resource
Management (IWRM) Initiative Conference

The conference will discuss groundwater-related issues in
the SADC Region and strategise on how to replicate the
SADC Groundwater Management initiative into continentwide
processes on groundwater utilisation and
management. It is jointly organised by SADC, the African
Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW), and Germany
Agency for Technical Co-operation (GTZ).

29 Nov- 2 Dec, Qatar
International Conference on Financing for Development

The Conference aims at assessing progress made in 2008
in the financial sector in developing countries. The
conference brings together government representatives
from developing countries and hopes to reaffirm goals
and commitments, share best practices, lessons learned
and identify obstacles and constraints encountered by
most developing countries.

December
1, Global
World Aids Day

On 1 December every year, SADC and the rest of the
world comes together to commemorate World AIDS Day.
The theme for this year is "Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise."

8-12, Belgium
Joint SADC-EC EPA Technical and Senior Officials
meeting

Representatives from SADC and the European Union will
meet to negotiate the Economic Partnership Agreements
that failed to bring any positive aspects in the last round
in August.

10, Global
International Human Rights Day

International Human Rights Day is marked every year
worldwide with activities led by the Office of the United
Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. The day
marks the anniversary of the Assembly’s adoption of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.

10, Global
High-level Conference on Water for Agriculture and Energy in Africa

The conference aims at unlocking the potential of water
for development in Africa. More specifically, it will assess
the challenges faced by the agricultural sector in Africa
taking into account the strong linkages with energy and
climate change. The conference will carefully examine
how investment in the rural space can reverse trends to
obtain well-balanced sub-sectors that offset production
risks.



title:
Lesotho general elections set for 26 May

Abstract:
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 by political parties
in Lesotho after lengthy negotiations mediated by SADC aimed at finding a lasting solution to the political
challenges in the country. “King Letsie III, in accordance with section 37 (1) of the 2011 National Assembly Election
Act, and acting in accordance with the advice of the Council of State, proclaims that May 26 will be Election
Day,” said a statement released by Prime Minister Mosisili Pakalitha in March.

body:
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 by political parties
in Lesotho after lengthy negotiations mediated by SADC aimed at finding a lasting solution to the political
challenges in the country. “King Letsie III, in accordance with section 37 (1) of the 2011 National Assembly Election
Act, and acting in accordance with the advice of the Council of State, proclaims that May 26 will be Election
Day,” said a statement released by Prime Minister Mosisili Pakalitha in March.
  
King Letsie III dissolved the Lesotho Parliament on 15 March to pave way for campaigning by the country’s 10
political parties. Post-electoral dissatisfaction emerged in Lesotho after the 2007 elections as the opposition
party refused to accept the results, plunging the country into a crisis. This resulted in a negotiating team comprising heads
 of churches in Lesotho and facilitators from the SADC Troika being put in place by southern African leaders to address the
situation.

  
Stakeholders to the meditation process included the Independent Electoral Commission of Lesotho, the former ruling
Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD), opposition parties and the government.The agreement led to the amendment of the Lesotho
Electoral Law and the constitution in preparation for the forthcoming elections. The ultimate result of this was
 the presentation of the National Assembly Electoral Bill 2011 and the 6th Amendment to the Constitution to the Parliament
in March last year. The run-up to the elections saw Mosisili’s defection from the LCD to form a new party
called Democratic Congress. In office since May 1998, Mosisili remained prime minister while the LCD became the
main opposition party.

  
 Mosisili's departure was said to be the result of a fallout with the LCD national executive committee, after prolongedfactional squabbles since
2008. The new party formed on 25 February gained a slim majority after garnering support from 45 Members of Parliament
from 80 constituencies in Lesotho’s 120-member parliament. It was the second time Mosisili has crossed the
floor, having defected from the Basutoland Congress Party under leader Ntsu Mokhehle in 1997 to form the
LCD.

  
The LCD won 62 seats or 52 percent of the 120-seat National Assembly in the last elections held in February 2007, followed by National Independent
Party with 21 seats and the All Basotho Convention with 17 seats. Under Lesotho law, the leader of the majority party in
the National Assembly becomes prime minister. Lesotho has a bicameral Parliament consisting of the Senate with 33 seats and the National
Assembly with 120 seats. The monarchy is hereditary and under traditional law only the college of chiefs has the power to depose and/or invest
a monarch. In the Senate, 22 members are hereditary while the remaining 11 members are nominated by the monarch. They
are both expected to serve five-year terms.

  
National Assembly members are elected by direct popular vote using the mixed member proportional system.Under this system, 80 parliamentarians
in single-member constituencies are chosen using the first-past-the-post system while the remaining 40 are elected from one national
constituency using party-list proportional representation. 

  
The latter is used to determine the number of seats each party would receive if the system as fully proportional. The total number of votes cast on the party ballot is divided
by the 120 seats at stake in the National Assembly to determine how many seats each party deserves to receive.
This number is then compared to the seats a party won in constituency list to determine how many seats it should
 be awarded in the party list. For example, if a party is determined to deserve 20 seats but has won only 10 in the constituency
elections, it will be given an additional 10 seats.


title:
Zambia wins AfcoN 2012, makes southern Africa proud

Abstract:
ZAMBIA HAS  etched its name in the history books after becoming only the third southern African country to
lift the 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.

body:
ZAMBIA HAS  etched its name in the history books after becoming only the third southern African country to
lift the 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.
  

Zambia became the third SADC country to win the biennial continental championship since the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1968
and 1974, and South Africa in 1996. Spurred on by a strong belief that destiny had brought them to Gabon, the Zambians
dedicated their victory to their heroes who perished in a plane crash in Gabon while on their way to play Senegal
in a World Cup qualifier in 1993. The victory came 19 years after 18 members of the Zambian team died in a plane
crash close to where the final was played in the Gabonese capital.

  
Zambia is one of the most successful football teams in SADC, participating in most AFCON finals. Zambia has
been to the finals for a record 15 times. Zambia’s previous best moments in the continental tournament came in 1974 and
 1994 when the country was losing finalist. Against all odds, the Zambian Football Association managed to assemble a strong
team for the 1994 finals following the loss of the entire team. Zambian Football Association chairperson Kalusha Bwalya captained the trailblazing
1994 team.

  
The first AFCON took place in Khartoum, Sudan in 1957 and the inaugural tournament was won by Egypt. Egypt has gone on to win
the trophy six times, leading North Africa to a record 10 wins West Africa is the most successful region having won the trophy seven times, with
Ghana being crowned champions four times since 1957. Following Zambia’s victory, southern Africa has now won
the tournament four times while Central Africa has also taken the trophy four times through Cameroon victories.
The only East African side to ever win the AFCON was Ethiopia in 1962.


Abstract:
SOUTH AFRICA   will host the finals of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, the second time the tournament is being
held in a southern African country since 2010. The last SADC Member State to host the AFCON finals was Angola
two years ago. South Africa had hosted the event in 1996. A total of 47 countries have entered the competition,
including South Africa, which automatically qualifies as hosts. The remaining 46 teams will compete in the qualifiers
over three rounds.

body:
SOUTH AFRICA   will host the finals of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, the second time the tournament is being
held in a southern African country since 2010. The last SADC Member State to host the AFCON finals was Angola
two years ago. South Africa had hosted the event in 1996. A total of 47 countries have entered the competition,
including South Africa, which automatically qualifies as hosts. The remaining 46 teams will compete in the qualifiers
over three rounds.


Abstract:
SADC ISdefining a new development blueprint
that is expected to shape southern Africa’s
regional integration agenda until 2050.

The SADC Vision 2050 aims to provide a
framework for a long-term vision for SADC as
the region seeks to position itself in a context of
emerging global and continental issues such as
climate change, democratisation of the United
Nations and increasing financial instability.

body:
SADC ISdefining a new development blueprint
that is expected to shape southern Africa’s
regional integration agenda until 2050.

The SADC Vision 2050 aims to provide a
framework for a long-term vision for SADC as
the region seeks to position itself in a context of
emerging global and continental issues such as
climate change, democratisation of the United
Nations and increasing financial instability.

According to the SADC chairperson, Angolan
President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, the intention
is to set in motion a development agenda that
takes into account the dynamics of events and issues
affecting not only the southern African region,
but also the rest of the world.


"We propose that our organisation holds, at
the highest level, an extended reflection about
our vision and our strategic objectives in a longterm
horizon," he said.


Dos Santos stressed that this should mitigate
potential threats from emerging global issues,
and ensure that the strategic objectives of
SADC are not endangered.


The Angolan president warned that without
a common position on emerging global issues
“we run the risk of suffering from their undesirable
effects both in all our countries and in
the region as a whole.


”The direction of economic growth in several
SADC member states is influenced by trends in
global commodity prices due to relatively high
dependence on the export of commodities,
mainly minerals including crude oil, gold, diamonds
and platinum, as well as tobacco, sugar
and cotton.


For example, the global crisis of 2008/09 resulted
in a reduction in mineral value in nine
economies in southern Africa.


The most affected sectors in 2009 were oil
and mining, because of their sensitivity to
global GDP changes, thus Angola, Botswana,
DRC, Mozambique and Namibia were negatively
affected.


other countries such as Lesotho, Madagascar,
Mauritius and to a lesser extent Swaziland,
which are heavily dependent on the export of
income-sensitive products such as clothing and
textiles, were severely affected in terms of reduced
export returns and shrinking employment.


Dos Santos presented a concept paper on
the need to develop the SADC Vision 2050 to
other SADC Heads of State and Government
during an Extraordinary Summit held in Luanda
in June.


The concept was referred
to Member States for further
consultations and contributions.


“Inputs from this process
will be consolidated and submitted
to Council and Summit
at the next meeting in August
2012,” said a final communiqué
from the Extraordinary
Summit.


SADC is in the process of
engaging consultants to undertake
an independent midterm
review of the Regional
Indicative Strategic Development
Plan (RISDP), its 15-
year regional integration
plan."


The objective is to analyse
SADC’s performance and
identify the challenges encountered
and lessons learnt
during the implementation of
the RISDP from 2005 to 2010.


An initial desk assessment
of the RISDP carried out by
the SADC Secretariat at the beginning
of 2012 has revealed
that all sectors have been able
to fully or partially reach most
of the outputs and targets
within the stated timeframes.


SADC has developed,
adopted and approved critical
policies, protocols and frameworks,
established implementing
institutions and
increased its visibility since
implementation of the RISDP
started in 2005.


Issues identified by the
desk assessment as some of
the main challenges to be addressed
in the next 10 years
of implementing the RISDP
include the need to: facilitate
implementation at Member
State level; ensure effective
structures for Secretariat and
Member State cooperation;
deepen consultation at Member
State level; ensure realistic
targets; complete the
ongoing RISDP evaluation;
and, tackle human, financial and technical resources constraints
at the SADC Secretariat.


The desk review also identified
the need for: strengthening
monitoring and
evaluation; mainstreaming
RISDP crosscutting issues
such as gender and climate
change; improvement of the
think-tank capacity of the Secretariat;
maintaining SADC as
a platform for common pan-
African and global positions;
and ensuring more effective
and efficient stakeholder participation.


Human resources constraints
have been identified
as a major impediment to improving
the Secretariat’s performance.


The Extraordinary Summit
noted that the Regional Infrastructure
Development Master
Plan is being finalised. This
would form the basis for implementing
infrastructure networks
in the key sectors such
as energy and transport including
maritime corridors,
information communication
technologies, tourism and
water infrastructure, taking
into account the specificities of
the island member states.


Summit approved a proposal
to include specific programmes
to develop the
infrastructure connecting the
maritime island states of the
SADC region as part of the infrastructure
master plan.


“It is unfortunately a common
occurrence that African
continental organisations
sometimes neglect the infrastructure
needs of its maritime
space,” the Seychelles Foreign
Minister, Jean-Paul Adam, observed.


The long-awaited launch
of SADC’s infrastructure master
plan is expected to allow
the region to establish an efficient,
seamless and cost effective  transboundary infrastructure
network to support
socio-economic development
in Member States.


A vibrant transport network
can accelerate regional
integration as well as ensure
that the SADC Free Trade
Area (FTA) launched in 2008
and the impending SADC
Customs Union are successfully
implemented through
addressing delays at border
posts and promoting the free
movement of goods and services
across southern Africa.


Some of the programmes
that the plan would target include
the Kazungula Bridge
linking Botswana, Namibia,
Zambia and Zimbabwe; the
proposed Zimbabwe-Zambia-
Botswana-Namibia power
transmission line that links the
four respective countries,
dubbed ZiZaBoNa; and the
Benguela railway line through
Angola and Zambia.


The Luanda Extraordinary
Summit also directed the
Council of Ministers, and in
particular the SADC Ministers
responsible for Finance and
Investment, to expedite the
process for the establishment
of the SADC Development
Fund, which would, among
other things, ensure the availability
of adequate levels of resources
to fund regional
infrastructure programmes.


The march towards regional
integration in southern
Africa has been delayed by the
slow pace of implementation
of projects and programmes
due to lack of adequate funding.

This has been partly
blamed on the current funding
structure of SADC where
Member States contribute
about 40 percent of the annual
budget, with the remainder
coming from International Cooperating
Partners.


title:
SADC supports
Dlamini-Zuma for
top Au post

Abstract:
SADC HAS reinforced its support
for South African Home
Affairs Minister, Nkosazana
Dlamini-Zuma for the top
African Union (AU) Commission
post.

body:
SADC HAS reinforced its support
for South African Home
Affairs Minister, Nkosazana
Dlamini-Zuma for the top
African Union (AU) Commission
post.


Elections to choose the new
AU Commission chairperson
will be held at the forthcoming
19th AU Summit set for
Ethiopia in mid-July.


Dlamini-Zuma is contesting
against the incumbent Jean
Ping of Gabon. The election to
choose the AU chairperson was
suspended at the previous AU
summit when no winner
emerged after several rounds of
voting.


<Ping’s failure to secure twothirds
of the vote, even as the
sole candidate in the last round,
was seen as a vote of no-confidence
as there was much disquiet
among many AU leaders
over his handling of recent conflicts
on the continent in Ivory
Coast and Libya.


SADC has said the time for
southern Africa to lead the AU
Commission is now, since all
other regions in Africa have
had the opportunity to occupy
the top AU post.


Nigeria, through Vice-President
Mohammed Namadi
Sambo, has already thrown its
support behind Dlamini-Zuma,
and SADC member states have
been lobbying other African
leaders for support for their
candidate.


Kenya has said publicly that
they want to retain the status
quo as they have their man,
Erastus Mwencha, as deputy
chairperson.


If elected, Dlamini-Zuma
would become the first woman
to lead the AU commission.


title:
SEAC
Advisory council to encourage adherence to sADc election
principles and guidelines

Abstract:
The SADC Electoral Advisory
Council (SEAC) has been
tasked with encouraging adherence
to principles and
guidelines governing the conduct
of elections.

body:
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.


Adopted in August 2004 at
the Summit of SADC Heads of
State and Government in Mauritius,
the principles and
guidelines contain procedures
to be followed by SADC observer
teams and minimum
standards that a Member State
should follow if its election is
to be declared free and fair.


The electoral guidelines
aim to enhance the transparency
and credibility of
elections and democratic governance
as well as ensuring the
acceptance of election results
by all contesting parties.


They are, however, not
legally binding and are subservient
to national law provisions.


It is not mandatory for a
Member State holding elections
to invite a SADC
Electoral observer Mission
(SEoM) to observe its elections.


Section 3.1 of the principles
and guidelines states that
a SEoM will have a role only
“in the event a Member State
deems it necessary to invite
SADC to observe its elections.”
In addition to ensuring
adherence to the SADC electoral
principles and guidelines,
the SEAC is expected to
encourage the development,
improvement and review of electoral laws and regulations
in SADC Member States, and
develop strategies on handling
electoral disputes in the
region.


First conceived in 2005, the
SEAC is a statutory body created
under the SADC Inter-
State Politics and Diplomacy
Committee (ISPDC) to advise
Member States on electoral
matters.


The ISPDC reports to the
Ministerial Committee of the
organ (Mco) on Politics, Defence
and Security Cooperation,
made up of the ministers
responsible for foreign affairs,
defence, public security and
state security from the SADC
Member States. The Mco reports
to the Summit of SADC
Heads of State and Government.


The SEAC is guided by
various SADC documents, including
the SADC Principles
and Guidelines Governing
Democratic Elections, and, as
an official SADC body, is able
to engage with countries at all
levels, both governmental and
non-governmental.


SEAC is composed of one
representative from each
Member State, selected and
appointed by the Mco from a
list nominated by governments.


To avoid conflict of interest,
SEAC members cannot be
serving Members of Parliament
or cabinet ministers; they
cannot be active in party politics
or sit on any election management
body.


They must be individuals
of the highest reputation with
experience in democracy and
governance issues and must be
over 40 years of age.


Retired Tanzanian judge
John Tendwa is the inaugural
chairperson of the SEAC. Hon.
Tendwa leads 14 other former
judges, ambassadors, professors
and civil society officials
from the SADC region appointed
to the SEAC.


other members are Angolan
diplomat Virgilio Marques
de Faria; Professor
Appollinaire Malumalu of
the Democratic Republic of
Congo; Abel Leshele
Thoahlane of Lesotho; Malawian
judge, Justice Maxon
Mbendera; orlanda Rafael of
Mozambique; Prof. Gerard
Totemeyer of Namibia; Seychelles
Supreme Court judge,
Justice Bernadin Renaud;
Zambian lawyer, Gertrude Imbwae; and Zimbabwean
ambassador, Prof. Hasu Patel.
Botswana government’s first
choice candidate, Gloria Somolekae
relinquished the post
after being appointed a Specially
Elected Member of Parliament
and Assistant Minister
of Finance and Development
Planning. Botswana is still to
submit a replacement.


The South African government
redeployed its first nomination,
Ambassador Ajay
Bramdeo and, is therefore, still
to submit the name of a replacement.


Mauritius and Swaziland
are still to submit their nominees
while Madagascar is
under suspension from active
participation.


title:
SADC Principles and Guidelines
governing Democratic Elections

Abstract:
The SADC Principles
and Guidelines Governing
Democratic Elections outline
the responsibilities and
code of conduct for election
observers as well as
expectations from countries
holding elections.

body:
tHe SADC Principles
and Guidelines Governing
Democratic Elections outline
the responsibilities and
code of conduct for election
observers as well as
expectations from countries
holding elections.

The charter sets out the
following basic principles for
the conduct of democratic
elections which SADC
Member States should follow,
although not mandatory:


 Full participation of the
citizens in the political
process;

 Freedom of expression;

 Political tolerance;

 Regular intervals for
elections as provided for
by the respective national
constitutions;Equal opportunity for all
political parties to access
the state media;

 Equal opportunity to
exercise the right to vote
and be voted for;

 Independence of the
judiciary and impartiality
o f t h e e l e c t o r a l
institutions;

 Voter education;

 Acceptance and respect
of the elections results
by political parties
proclaimed to have been
free and fair by the
competent national
electoral authorities in
accordance with the law
of the land; and

 Challenge of the election
results as provided for in
the law of the land.


title:
Africa-EU negotiations
first Economic Partnership Agreement operational as negotiations continue in sADc

Abstract:
Negotiations on an economic
agreement between
Eastern and Southern Africa
(ESA) and the European Union
(EU) advanced in May when
the two parties agreed to start
implementing an interim
agreement.

body:
Negotiations on an economic
agreement between
Eastern and Southern Africa
(ESA) and the European Union
(EU) advanced in May when
the two parties agreed to start
implementing an interim
agreement.

The interim Economic Partnership
Agreement (EPA) between
the EU and four Eastern
and Southern African states –
Mauritius, Madagascar, Seychelles
and Zimbabwe – came
into effect on 14 May following
several years of painful negotiations.


The agreement provides access
to the EU market free of
import duties and quotes for
exports from the four countries,
which will, in turn, be required
to gradually open their
markets to European exports
over a 15-year period, with exceptions
for certain products
the countries consider sensitive.


The agreement covers provisions
on rules of origin, development
cooperation,
fisheries, trade defence instruments
and dispute settlement.
The ESA group comprises Comoros,
Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea,
Madagascar, Malawi,
Mauritius, Seychelles, Sudan,
Zambia and Zimbabwe.


Comoros, Madagascar,
Mauritius, Seychelles, Zambia
and Zimbabwe concluded an
interim EPA with the EU at the
end of 2007, and the first four
countries signed in August
2009 in Mauritius.


The four countries have
now completed steps towards
ratification so the agreement
can be applied.


All the four countries that
have operationalized the
agreement are also SADC
Member States.


EPAs are trade and development
agreements that the EU is currently negotiating
with the six African,
Caribbean and Pacific (ACP)
regions. These regions are
SADC, ESA, the Economic
Community of Central African
States (CEMAC) and the Economic
Community of West
African States (ECoWAS), and
groups representing
Caribbean and Pacific nations.


They seek to replace the
trade chapters of the 2000
Cotonou Agreement between
the EU and the ACP countries.
In 2000, ACP countries and
the EU opted for a more ambitious
trade and development relationship covering not just
trade in goods, but also services,
trade-related rules, investment
and development
cooperation.


Negotiations for such comprehensive
trade and development
agreements started in
2002. However, it became clear
towards the end of 2007 that it
would not be possible for all
ACP regions to finalise negotiations
before the end of the
Cotonou trade regime on 31
December 2007.


A series of interim agreements
were concluded to minimise
trade disruption for ACP countries arising from
the expiry of the Cotonou
trade regime in 2008 while
maintaining progress towards
comprehensive regional EPAs.


The entry into force of the
interim EPA with the four ESA
countries is seen as a stepping
stone to a wider and more
comprehensive deal currently
under negotiation between the
EU and the whole ESA region.
However, membership of the
various negotiating groups
does not reflect the membership
of the Regional Economic
Communities (RECs). For example,
the ESA group is not
made up of all countries in
eastern and southern Africa.


Similarly, the SADC negotiating
group, consisting of Angola,
Botswana, Lesotho,
Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland
and the United Republic
of Tanzania, is also not made
up of all SADC Member States.


Speaking at a ceremony to
mark the start of the EPA implementation
process between
the EU and ESA, the EU Trade
Commissioner, Karel de Gucht
said the agreement with the
four countries was a result of
“hard work of negotiations”
from both sides.


“With this trade deal we
hope to accompany the development
of our partners in
Eastern and Southern Africa
and open up better and lasting
business opportunities,” he
said.


Abstract:
DISCUSSIONS Are still ongoing
between the European
Union and the SADC group to
produce a comprehensive Economic
Partnership Agreement
(EPA) between the two regions.

body:
DISCUSSIONS ARE still ongoing
between the European
Union and the SADC group to
produce a comprehensive Economic
Partnership Agreement
(EPA) between the two regions.

Various issues have stalled
negotiations, including how to
navigate the complex and numerous
trade arrangements in
southern Africa while maintaining
coherence within the
region.


other challenges are how
to deal with services, investment
and other trade-related
issues such as rules of origin,
as well as some textual provisions
of the interim EPA text
that seem to favour one party
over another.


The SADC negotiating
group comprises Angola,
Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique,
Namibia, Swaziland
and the United Republic of
Tanzania.


South Africa participates in
the SADC group but only as
an observer as the country already
has a trade agreement
with Europe.
 

The other SADC countries
– Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius,
Zambia and Zimbabwe –
negotiated under the Eastern
and Southern Africa group
(ESA), while the Democratic
Republic of Congo is in the
Economic Community of Central
African States (CEMAC).


This fragmented approach,
where SADC and other
African regions are negotiating
under different groups, is
seen as one of the major stumbling
bloc to the negotiation
process. Experts argue that a
comprehensive deal could
have long been reached if the
whole of Africa had negotiated
as a single group.


title:
Chirundu One Stop Border Post a huge success

Abstract:
THE CHIRUNDU One Stop
Border Post between Zambia
and Zimbabwe has more than
halved waiting times for transport
operators and improved
the general flow of persons and
goods in line with SADC’s regional
integration agenda.

body:
THE CHIRUNDU One Stop
Border Post between Zambia
and Zimbabwe has more than
halved waiting times for transport
operators and improved
the general flow of persons and
goods in line with SADC’s regional
integration agenda.

According to a progress report
on the implementation of
the North-South Corridor programme
by Tripartite Taskforce
for SADC, the Common Market
for Eastern and Southern Africa
(CoMESA), and the East
African Community (EAC), the
Chirundu one-stop border has,
since its inception in November
2009, addressed issues of delays
at the border and facilitated
trade among member states.


For example, waiting times
have been reduced by an average
50 percent for freight transport
and 83 percent for
passenger transport. It now
takes about a day for haulage
trucks to clear immigration and
customs formalities at the border
compared to three days previously.


It takes even less for passenger
vehicles – an average 30
minutes from more than three
hours previously.


The report noted that further
reductions in crossing times
was possible through additional
changes such as improved communications
between the Zambian
and Zimbabwean sides of
the border.


Under the one-stop border
post scheme, travellers are
cleared just once for passage
into another country in contrast
with the current situation where
travellers have to be passed on
both sides of the border.


CoMESA-SADC-EAC selected
Chirundu a few years
ago as one of the border posts
for the pilot phase of the onestop-
border initiative that aims
to facilitate trade and movement
of goods and services in
eastern and southern Africa,and Chirundu has become a
new benchmark for regional integration.


This development addresses
issues of delays as well as promoting
the smooth flow of
goods through the removal of
often perceived “restrictive” operational
procedures at borders.


<PIn the long run, the onestop
border post concept seeks
to harmonize customs and immigration
laws at border posts
within the eastern and southern
region.


other ports of entry identified
for implementation of this
concept include the Beitbridge border post linking South
Africa and Zimbabwe, and the
Kasumbalesa post between
Zambia and the Democratic
Republic of Congo.


Beitbridge and Chirundu
are considered to be among
sub-Saharan Africa’s busiest
border crossings with hundreds
of southward or northward
commercial trucks
passing through the two border
posts every day.


Under the North-South
Corridor initiative, CoMESA,
EAC and SADC have identified
border post refurbishment
as one of the initiatives to improve infrastructure and
increase intra-regional trade in
eastern and southern Africa.


More than US$1.2 billion
has been raised to implement
the North-South Corridor
project, which traverses eight
countries in eastern and
southern Africa.
Planned programmes include
the construction of more
than 8,000 kilometres of road,
rehabilitation of 600km of rail
track and upgrading of the
Dar es Salaam port in the
United Republic of Tanzania –
one of the biggest and busiest
ports in Africa.


title:
Shire-Zambezi waterways to boost trade in southern Africa

body:
THE ESTABLISHMENT of
the Shire-Zambezi waterways
involving three countries from
southern Africa is expected to
boost trade in SADC and
deepen integration among
member states.


Malawi, Mozambique and
Zambia – the countries developing
the Shire-Zambezi waterways
– in April received a
grant from the African Development
Bank (AfDB) through
the SADC Secretariat to conduct
a feasibility study on the
navigability of the waterways.


The waterway project entails
the construction of an inland
port to provide a direct
waterway transport system between
Nsanje in southern
Malawi and the port of Chinde
in Mozambique, which are
about 238 kilometres apart.


The project offers an alternative
route to the Indian
ocean for landlocked SADC
Member States through Zambia,
Malawi and Mozambique.


The proposed inland port
would have a lifespan of more than 50 yeastevers and be designed
to handle different
types of vessels, with a carrying
capacity of up to 48 containers.



on completion, the
port could be expected to
handle more than 10,000 containers
annually, thereby
reducing transport costs
for exporters and importers
from landlocked SADC
Member States that presently
use Durban port in
South Africa as the route to
the sea.


title:
2020
Towards biodiversity protection

Abstract:
AFRICA IS
 making steady
progress towards reducing the
direct pressures on biodiversity
and promoting sustainable use
of natural resources by safeguarding
different ecosystems.

body:
AFRICA IS
 making steady
progress towards reducing the
direct pressures on biodiversity
and promoting sustainable use
of natural resources by safeguarding
different ecosystems.

Executive Secretary of the
Convention on Biological Diversity
secretariat, Braulio de
Souza Dias, said this progress
should be maintained and improved
to ensure that by 2020
the ecosystems are resilient
and continue to provide essential
services, thereby securing
the planet's variety of life and
contributing to human wellbeing
and poverty eradication.


The 2020 goal is part of the
United Nations Strategic Plan
for Biodiversity and is also one
of the key targets of the Aichi
Biodiversity Targets adopted
in 2010 to address the underlying
causes of biodiversity loss
by mainstreaming biodiversity
across all sectors.


The Aichi Biodiversity Targets,
for example, identify five
strategic goals and 20 ambitious,
yet achievable targets.


Their purpose is to inspire
broad-based action in support
of biodiversity during the
decade from 2011 to 2020 by all
countries and stakeholders,
promoting the coherent and effective
implementation of the
three objectives of the Convention
on Biological Diversity –
conservation of biodiversity,
sustainable use of biodiversity,
and fair and equitable sharing
of the benefits arising from the
use of genetic resources.



Speaking at a recent regional
workshop for Africa on updating
national biodiversity strategies
and action plans held in
Ethiopia, de Souza Dias said despite
the challenges of reducing
the direct pressures on biodi-versity, Africa must continue
with broad-based action in support
of biodiversity.


“Some important advances
have been made in this region
to promote biodiversity and
sustainable use,” he said,
adding that a number of
countries in Africa have been
successful in integrating biodiversity
into poverty reduction
strategies and involving local
communities in protected
areas management.


“None of these are easy victories.
They require tradeoffs
among the interests of different
sectors of society. They can be
politically difficult to achieve
and we would therefore like to
salute these efforts.”


While remarkable progress
has been recorded in Africa,
there is need for intensified efforts
by all stakeholders to
scale up interventions and ensure
that Africa and the rest of
the world are able to meet the
desired targets by 2020.


For example, a number of
people around the world still
remain unconcerned about the
ongoing loss of life on earth.
This is largely because the majority
of people and policymakers
remain unaware of the
irreplaceable contributions
that biodiversity makes to
human wellbeing.


As a result, there is great
need to intensify efforts that
encourage the reduction of direct
pressures on biodiversity.
Countries must also step up
efforts to promote sustainable
use of the environment by safeguarding
different ecosystems.


Ecosystems are critical to
human life as they provide a
variety of goods and services
upon which people depend.


An ecosystem is a biological
system consisting of all the
living organisms in a particular
area and the non-living or
abiotic components with
which the organisms interact
such as air, soil, water, and
sunlight.


Key processes in ecosystems
include the capture of
light energy and carbon
through photosynthesis, the
transfer of carbon and energy
through food webs, and the release
of nutrients and carbon
through decomposition.


Abstract:
Aichi Biodiversity goals

 Goal A

 Address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss by mainstreaming
biodiversity across government and society

body:
Aichi Biodiversity goals

 Goal A

 Address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss by mainstreaming
biodiversity across government and society

 Goal B

 Reduce the direct pressures on biodiversity and promote
sustainable use

 Goal C

 Improve the status of biodiversity by safeguarding ecosystems,
species and genetic diversity

 Goal D

 Enhance the benefits to all from biodiversity and ecosystem
services

 Goal e

 Enhance implementation through participatory planning,
knowledge management and capacity building.


Abstract:
FOLLOWING THE 2010 International
year of Biodiversity,
the UN declared
2011-2020 as the Decade on
Biodiversity, intended to promote
and raise awareness
about the Strategic Plan for
Biodiversity and the Aichi
Biodiversity Targets.

body:
FOLLOWING THE 2010 International
year of Biodiversity,
the UN declared
2011-2020 as the Decade on
Biodiversity, intended to promote
and raise awareness
about the Strategic Plan for
Biodiversity and the Aichi
Biodiversity Targets.

The targets are specific
goals that are related to the
broad themes and goals of
the Strategic Plan.


The plan’s objective is to
ensure countries “take effective
and urgent action to
halt the loss of biodiversity
in order to ensure that by
2020 ecosystems are resilient
and continue to provide
essential services,
thereby securing the
planet's variety of life, and
contributing to human wellbeing
and poverty eradication.”


title:
SADC supports Namibia’s bid to host green climate fund

Abstract:
SADC LEADERS have endorsed
a bid by Namibia to
host the secretariat for the
Green Climate Fund to be established
by the United Nations
Framework Convention
on Climate Change (UNFCC).

body:
SADC LEADERS have endorsed
a bid by Namibia to
host the secretariat for the
Green Climate Fund to be established
by the United Nations
Framework Convention
on Climate Change (UNFCC).


The fund, announced in December
2011 at Durban, South
Africa during the 17th Conference
of the Parties (CoP17) to
UNFCC, seeks to support climate
change mitigation and
adaptation actions in developing
countries.


The fund is expected to raise
and disburse about US$100 billion
a year by 2020, starting
with US$30 billion from 2012 to
help the global community address
issues of climate change,
according to UNFCC.


Six countries in different
parts of the world have expressed
interest in hosting the
fund – Namibia, Mexico, Republic
of Korea, Germany,
Poland and Switzerland.


The decision on the host
country is expected to be made
later this year and presented
for endorsement at the climate
change conference set for
Doha, Qatar in December. The
provisional secretariat is in
Bonn, Germany.


At the SADC Extraordinary
Summit in June in Luanda,
chaired by Angola, southern African leaders endorsed the
candidature of Namibia to host
the Green Climate Fund, and
agreed to lobby the African
Union to support Namibia and
ensure that the African continent
has a sole candidate.


An endorsement by the AU,
which is widely expected,
would put more weight to
Namibia’s application as there
has been some unwritten consensus
among the global community
that such a fund be
situated in a developing country,
where the effects of climate
change are felt most acutely as
high levels of poverty reduce
the capacity to adapt 


The Seychelles Foreign Affairs
Minister, Jean-Paul
Adam, said that Namibia is an
ideal candidate to host the climate
fund as middle-income
small countries are often excluded
from climate change
funding due to their relatively
high per capita Gross Domestic
Product.


“Namibia’s bid represents
an important step in our quest
for fairness in terms of international
development mechanisms,”
he said, adding that
southern Africa and the entire
African continent “must be activists
in the fight against climate
change.


”This pro-active approach
may include intensifying efforts
to access the fund
through jointly identifying
projects that would be suitable
for financing.


Research has shown that
most financiers tend to favour
regional projects over individual
country projects as joint
projects have wider impact
and promote regional integration.


Examples of regional projects
that SADC could consider
for financing under the Green
Climate Fund include the Inga
hydropower station in the
Democratic Republic of
Congo, the Mphanda Nkuwa
hydropower project in
Mozambique, and the Kudu
gas project in Namibia.


Although there has been
some scepticism about the
magnitude of the figures and
the conditions to access the
funds, the establishment of the
fund represents another step
toward addressing climate
change in developing countries.


The Green Climate Fund is
expected to promote the paradigm
shift towards low-emission
and climate-resilient
development pathways by
providing support to developing
countries to limit or reduce
their greenhouse gas emissions
and to adapt to the impacts
of climate change.


The Board consists of 24
members, with equal representation
of developing and developed
countries, and will be
supported by an independent
secretariat to administer the
funds. The World Bank would
serve as interim trustee for the
first three years.



The establishment of the
Green Climate Fund was initiated
at the 2010 climate change
conference held in Cancun,
Mexico.
 sardc.net


Abstract:
RIO DE Janeiro, Brazil will
host the United Nations Conference
on Sustainable Development
to be held from 13 to
22 June.

body:
RIO DE Janeiro, Brazil will
host the United Nations Conference
on Sustainable Development
to be held from 13 to
22 June.

Dubbed Rio+20, the meeting
comes 20 years after the
1992 Earth Summit in Rio,
where United Nations members
adopted Agenda 21 – a
comprehensive blueprint of
action to be taken globally, nationally
and locally by UN organisations,
governments and
major groups in every area in
which humans directly affect
the environment.


It also comes a decade
after the 2002 World Summit
on Sustainable Development
held in Johannesburg, South
Africa.


In preparation for Rio+20,
southern Africa is guided by
the Africa position that was
adopted in october 2011 by
African ministers responsible
for the environment. The common
position calls for industrialized
countries to fulfil
previous commitments and
pledges to help Africa’s efforts
in achieving sustainable development.


Abstract:
SOUTHERN AFRICA  is taking steps to ensure that national economies are better prepared to withstand the potential impact of
shocks from a global recession amid warnings of a worsening economic outlook for Europe and America, which are yet to fully recover
from the financial crisis of four years ago.Not leaving anything to chance after the 2008/09 financial crisis inflicted serious damage
to the regional economy four years ago, and SADC is moving to cushion its Member States from the vagaries of the present unstable
global economy. Global economic activity is expected to stall in 2012 and the medium-term in the face of intensified downward risks.

body:
SOUTHERN AFRICA  is taking steps to ensure that national economies are better prepared to withstand the potential impact of
shocks from a global recession amid warnings of a worsening economic outlook for Europe and America, which are yet to fully recover
from the financial crisis of four years ago.Not leaving anything to chance after the 2008/09 financial crisis inflicted serious damage
to the regional economy four years ago, and SADC is moving to cushion its Member States from the vagaries of the present unstable
global economy. Global economic activity is expected to stall in 2012 and the medium-term in the face of intensified downward risks.

 Among the main downward risks are chronic fiscal imbalances and failure to redress excessive debt obligations to the European
Union, and extreme volatility in energy and agriculture prices. The Eurozone economy is expected to go into a mild recession in 2012 as most
economies in the region report contractions in output and suffer from the effects of additional fiscal consolidation.Growth in emerging and developing
economies such as China, Brazil and Russia is also expected to slow due to the weakening external environment and reduced internal
demand.
 

According to a report by the SADC Directorate of Trade, Industry, Finance and Investment (TIFI), the regional economy slowed
only marginally in 2011, expanding by an average 4.7 percent compared to 5.5 percent the previous year. The SADC economy is forecast to grow by
5.1 percent in 2012 although its medium-term prospects may be overshadowed by the recession worries and the prospect of rising food
prices. One of the strategies being pursued by SADC to counter the threat of external shocks and uncertainties is the promotion of diversification
of regional economies.
 

Member States are being encouraged to shift from reliance on commodities towards activities that exploit their comparative advantages
such as manufacturing and services. This strategy is premised on the understanding that narrow-based economies that rely on a few sectors are particularly vulnerable
to the vagaries of global financial shocks compared to more diversified economies.Most southern African economies rely on one or
two sectors, mostly natural resource industries, and are therefore vulnerable in the event of sharp fluctuations in prices of
those commodities.
 

The structure of production of SADC countries is characteristic of a developing region where large shares of GDP originate
in primary sectors of production such as agriculture and mining, whose total contribution is on average over 50 percent of
total Gross Domestic Product (GDP). According to TIFI, statistics on SADC show that only Mauritius and South Africa have
sizeable manufacturing sectors at approximately 25 percent of GDP. The share of manufacturing sector to GDP in the rest of
member states averages less than 15 percent.
 

In addition to having a small manufacturing sector, SADC economies do not produce a diversified range of manufactured products.
SADC Member States produce a similar range of products such as foodstuffs, beverages, tobacco, textiles, clothing and footwear, which are predominantly
agricultural-resource based. As a result, SADC economies are susceptible to volatilities emanating from developments in the international
markets. “Regional economic performance for 2012 and the medium-term will also largely depend on the food situation
as this influences macroeconomic fundamentals such as inflation; and both internal and external balances,” TIFI said in
the report titled “Economic Performance 2011 and Medium- Term Prospects”.
 

Regionally, the food security situation has remained relatively stable, with the majority of staple foods readily available
in local markets and at household level. This scenario is projected to continue in the foreseeable future, with Malawi, South Africa
and Zambia projected to hold sufficient stocks at the close of the 2011/12 marketing season that should cushion shortages in food
deficits in some Member States. “However the downside risk is that due to low globalstocks of maize, South African
white maize will continue to be in high demand and that could push prices up which could be at the detriment of net-importing
countries in the region,” the report said.


Abstract:
THE ANTICIPATED  economic downturn in Europe may affect Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows into SADC, given that
Europe is a major source of FDI into the region. Latest data from the Committee of Central Bank Governors in
SADC shows that FDI inflows into the region declined from US$21.6 billion in 2009 to US$18.4 billion in 2010, representing
an average decline of almost 20 percent, although this average masks some dramatic highs and lows for individual
countries.

body:
THE ANTICIPATED  economic downturn in Europe may affect Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows into SADC, given that
Europe is a major source of FDI into the region. Latest data from the Committee of Central Bank Governors in
SADC shows that FDI inflows into the region declined from US$21.6 billion in 2009 to US$18.4 billion in 2010, representing
an average decline of almost 20 percent, although this average masks some dramatic highs and lows for individual
countries.

 The decline was attributed to the adverse effects of the global financial crisis of 2008/09.No final FDI figure has been
compiled for 2011 although the committee said preliminary reports pointed to an increase in inflows as the region benefited
from the temporary recovery of the global economy. Individual country updates however show commendable growth in FDI inflows into
southern Africa during the past year. 
 

FDI to Zambia in the first 11 months of 2011 stood at US$4.6 billion with a potential for 31,000 new jobs, according to
the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) which is a government body in charge of investment promotion. Zimbabwe approved projects
worth US$6.63 billion in 2011, with more than 55 percent of these in the mining sector at US$3.68 billion. Disaggregated data from the
Zimbabwe Investment Authority shows that the tourism sector was the second largest recipient of FDI in 2011, attracting
a total US$1.58 billion. It was followed by agriculture (US$444.77 million), construction (US$120.9 million), services
(US$128.1 million) and manufacturing (US$670 million).
 

China remains the biggest source of FDI in the SADC region. By the end of 2011, China's investments in SADC amounted
to US$9.9 billion, including about US$5 billion in non-financial investments. Chinese investments in mining include significant partnerships
with the Zambian government in the extensive Copperbelt, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)'s stateowned Gécamines in cobalt and heavy earth minerals, and Zimbabwe
in diamonds. Chinese companies have also entered the retail sector, mainly through cheaper textiles in most SADC Member States.

 
“While there are still many uncertainties with the global economic recovery, China and the Southern African Development
Community should strengthen their economic cooperation to help both achieve stable growth and advance the global economy,” Chinese Vice
Premier, Wang Qishan, observed at the recent China- SADC Investment and Business Forum. There are significant opportunities
in southern Africa in mining, agriculture, manufacturing, financial services, information and communication
technologies, tourism and infrastructural development


title:
SADC completes initial assessment of 15-year blueprint

Abstract:
THE SADC  Secretariat has completed a desk assessment of the first five years of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development
Plan (RISDP) that will form the basis of an independent review of the 15-year plan. The aim of the desk assessment
was to analyse performance as well as to identify the challenges encountered so far and lessons learnt during implementation
of the RISDP from 2005 to 2010. The review provides an overview of the implementation status of the differentsectors outlined in the RISDP.

body:
THE SADC  Secretariat has completed a desk assessment of the first five years of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development
Plan (RISDP) that will form the basis of an independent review of the 15-year plan. The aim of the desk assessment
was to analyse performance as well as to identify the challenges encountered so far and lessons learnt during implementation
of the RISDP from 2005 to 2010. The review provides an overview of the implementation status of the differentsectors outlined in the RISDP.

According to SADC Executive Secretary Tomaz Salomao, a broader assessment that involves all key stakeholders in the Member States
is the next step and is expected to provide a more comprehensive analysis, showcasing the impact of the interventions to date in order
to chart the way forward for the next 10 years of implementing the RISDP. “Therefore, as envisaged, an independent review covering
all the stakeholders of SADC will now be done starting in 2012 to enable Member States and external stakeholders
from civil society, private sector and others to reflect on the key issues that should become priorities in the next
phase of implementation,” he said. 
 

Such an approach builds on in-depth analysis from internal and external perspectives and should encourage and clarify political steering
and leadership.The desk assessment has revealed that all sectors were able to either fully or partially reach most of the different outputs and targets
within the stated timeframes. “The consultative process in the Secretariat has revealed very satisfactory levels of
RISDP implementation over the past five years,” said Salomao. SADC has developed or approved critical policies, protocols and frameworks,
and has established implementing  nstitutions, thus increasing its visibility since implementation started in 2005.

 
Human resource constraints were cited as a major impediment to improving the organisation’s performance.
Issues identified by the review include the need to:

 • accelerate implementation at Member State level;
 
• ensure effective structures for Secretariat and Member State cooperation;
 
• deepen consultation at Member State level; 
 
• ensure realistic targets and ongoing RISDP evaluation; and,
 
• tackle human, financial and technical resource constraints at the SADC Secretariat.
 
 
 

The review also identified some of the main challenges to be addressed in the next 10 years of implementing the
RISDP, as follows: 
 
o strengthen monitoring and evaluation;
 
o ensure the mainstreaming of RISDP cross-cutting issues such as gender and climate change;
 
o improve the think-tank capacity of the Secretariat;
 
o maintain SADC as a platform for common pan- African and global positions; and,
 
o ensure more effective and efficient stakeholder participation. 
 
 
 


The Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government last August directed the Ministerial Taskforce on Regional Economic Integration
to review the RISDP to identify priorities and reorient the region’s integration agenda. The RISDP review is expected to result in the
development of a focussed work programme for implementation of high-impact programmes to enhance developmental regional integration.

 

The review also helps to prioritise SADC’s work programme to achieve optimum impact from limited resources. The RISDP contains timebound
targets that are considered as beacons leading toward continental and international goals, in particular the continental African Economic
Community and the UN Millennium Development Goals. The overriding target is to attain annual economic growth rates of at least seven
percent, necessary to halve the proportion of people living in poverty by 2015.

 

The proposed review of the RISDP and reorientation of SADC’s priorities comes in the wake of current Tripartite negotiations
between SADC, the East African Community and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). The negotiations are expected
to result in the establishment of the Tripartite Free Trade Area to strengthen intraregional trade by creating a
wider market, increased investment flows, enhanced competitiveness and the development of cross-regional infrastructure.


title:
wa Mutharika’s death a blow to Africa’s integration agenda

Abstract:
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. Doubling as Malawi’s Agriculture Minister, Mutharika introduced
a grain subsidy programme in 2005 to increase the provision of maize seed and fertilizer to smallholder farmers
by more than 75 percent.

body:
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. Doubling as Malawi’s Agriculture Minister, Mutharika introduced
a grain subsidy programme in 2005 to increase the provision of maize seed and fertilizer to smallholder farmers
by more than 75 percent. 

As a result, Malawi’s maize production trebled from about 1.2 million metric tonnes in the 2004/5 agricultural season
to 3.4 million metric tonnes in 2007/08. In addition, the average farmer’s yield increased to two metric tonnes per hectare
from 0.8 metric tonnes in 2005 as government provided vouchers to farmers to buy appropriate inputs.
 


Despite widespread criticism by economists and multilateral agencies who argued that the expansion of subsidies
would worsen Malawi’s budget deficit and create distortions in the market, wa Mutharika stood by his programme
to ensure that low-income farmers are empowered. Recent successes in turning around the agricultural sector  and ensuring
 food security for the country have confounded critics. In fact, the significant increase in production has
saved Malawi more than US$120 million annually that it could otherwise have spent on food imports. 
 


As chair of the African Union in 2010, Mutharika urged member states to invest heavily in the construction of
infrastructure such as food storage facilities, roads and railway to support their food security programmes.
He proposed a road map for Africa to achieve sustainability in food security, which essentially advocated for a new partnership
among African nations.
 


His strategy involved improving agriculture and food security on the continent through interventions such as subsidies to smallholder farmers,
improvements in irrigation, increased budgetary allocations, private sector investment and affordable information and
communications technology. A former World Bank economist, wa Mutharika is also credited with adopting wideranging
measures that significantly improved Malawi’s economic performance during his first term in office.  
 


These included a zero-tolerance policy on corruption and fiscal indiscipline, resulting in the country experiencing economic
growth each year and keeping its inflation rate within the single digit mark. However, wa Mutharika’s good track record
 during his first term in office was quickly forgotten in 2010 when he refused to be bullied by Britain and invited 
the wrath of Malawi’s former colonial ruler by expelling the British high commissioner. 
 


For routinely standing his ground against Western powers, wa Mutharika was labelled an intolerant and autocratic
leader whose government became a target of external regime change agents. Donors responded by withdrawing their support to the
country and making governance rather difficult. Newly appointed Malawi President Joyce Banda is faced with a
 daunting task to restore stability in the country.

 

 Banda – the first women president in southern Africa and the continent’s second after  President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia – needs to improve Malawi’s economic performance by improving the
availability of basic commodities and restoring relations with development partners. Other challenges facing Banda in her new post include
how to deal with outside interference, particularly from the West and some of the multilateral  financial institutions
such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
 


The IMF has for example, recommended that Malawi first devalues its currency, the Kwacha, before the institution could resume
its programme in the country. However, history has shown that the devaluation of currencies does not usually benefit
the poor and instead pushes them deeper into poverty. She will also be expected to deal with pressure from development
partners who have linked their assistance to alleged respect for human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender people and the right to freedom of the press.
 


In her acceptance speech during her inauguration, Banda called on all Malawians to work together in rebuilding
the country, especially during this difficult time as it mourns its leader. “I want all of us to move into the future with hope and
with that spirit of oneness and unity. I just sincerely hope that there is no room for revenge and that we shall stand
united,” she said.
 


Under the Malawian constitution, the vice president takes over when the sitting president can no longer govern due to
death or illness. Under the Constitution, the vice president will assume the office of president for the remainder of the term
and appoint another person to serve as vice president for the same period. She is Malawi's fourth president since the country’s independence
in 1964. Her predecessors are Kamuzu Banda, Bakili Muluzi and wa Mutharika. She is the founder and leader of the People's Party
which was formed in 2011.
sardc.net


title:
SADC, Japan agree on infrastructure development

Abstract:
SADC AND  Japan have agreed to set up a project identification and follow-up mechanism as part of measures to
strengthen the implementation of infrastructure projects in southern Africa. In an effort to scale up infrastructure
development in the region, the Group of SADC Ambassadors in Japan in collaboration with the SADC Secretariat and the
Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs convened the “SADCJapan Infrastructure Investment Seminar” from 14-15 March.

body:
SADC AND  Japan have agreed to set up a project identification and follow-up mechanism as part of measures to
strengthen the implementation of infrastructure projects in southern Africa. In an effort to scale up infrastructure
development in the region, the Group of SADC Ambassadors in Japan in collaboration with the SADC Secretariat and the
Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs convened the “SADCJapan Infrastructure Investment Seminar” from 14-15 March. 

The seminar engaged the Japanese government and business community and showcased the SADC infrastructure
portfolio of projects, particularly in the priority areas of energy, transport, information and communication
technology, and water. It was agreed, among other issues, that a project identification and follow-up mechanism consisting 
of representatives from the SADC Group of Ambassadors (assisted by the SADC Secretariat) and the Japanese government working with its
private sector should be instituted.

 

In this regard, both sides agreed that a follow-up mechanism should be developed and incorporated into the annual
planning cycle of the SADC Secretariat in order to ensure continuity of projects. The Japanese government reaffirmed its support to
SADC infrastructure within the framework of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) IV and the yokohama
Declaration and Action Plan of 2008.
 


Angolan Minister of Transport, Augusto Da Silva Tomaspraised the role Japan has played to date in the development
of Africa and highlighted the vast opportunities SADC offers to Japanese public and private sector investors
in terms of trade, investment and infrastructure development.
 


Tomas is the current chairperson of the SADC Cluster of Ministers responsible for Infrastructure. The meeting agreed that
projects will be presented to the upcoming TICAD Ministerial Follow-up Meeting to be  held in May in Senegal as well
as to the next SADC Council of Ministers meeting to be held in Mozambique in August. It was also agreed to engage
the Japanese private sector in the development of SADC infrastructure hence the  importance of developing
strategic partnerships with Japanese investors under the auspices of the TICAD framework.
 


SADC has created a conducive environment for investment, by among other things, implementation of the Protocol on Finance and Investment
and the recent establishment of a Project Preparation and Development Facility (PPDF) that aims to facilitate
preparation of bankable projects. The long-awaited launch of the SADC Regional Infrastructure Master Plan later
this year is expected to guide development in key infrastructure such as road, rail and ports.
 


The master plan should allow the region to develop an efficient, seamless and cost-effective transboundary infrastructure
network that would promote socio-economic growth in Member States as a thriving economy depends on
a reliable infrastructure both at the national and regional levels. The proposed creation of a Tripartite Free Trade Area
(FTA) involving SADC, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the East African Community (EAC)
also enhances the opportunities for infrastructure investment in southern Africa.
 


Progress is already evident in the plans by the Tripartite grouping to strengthen the North-South transport corridor
between Dar es Salaam in the United Republic of Tanzania and the South African coastal city of Durban.
The investment conference was attended by some 250 delegates drawn from the Japanese government and business
community, the SADC Secretariat and representatives of COMESA and the EAC.
 


It was sponsored by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan Bank for International Cooperation
(JBIC), Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) and United Nations Industrial Development Organisation
(UNIDO).


Abstract:
SADC DEPUTY  Executive Secretary for Regional Integration,
João Samuel Caholo, identified the region’s priority projects requiring
investment partners as:

body:
SADC DEPUTY  Executive Secretary for Regional Integration,
João Samuel Caholo, identified the region’s priority projects requiring
investment partners as:  

 • energy generation and transmission projects aimed at addressing current challenges relating to regional and national
energy security; 
 
• rehabilitation, expansion and modernisation of road, rail and port infrastructure;
 
• development of ICT broadband networks as part of implementation of the SADC Regional Information Infrastructure;
and
 
• water projects within the SADC Strategic Water Infrastructure Development Programme relating to water supply and
sanitation, irrigation and hydro-power development.


Abstract:
THE UNITED  Nations Conference on Sustainable Development set for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in June 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. The Rio+20 conference comes 20 years after the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio, where adopted
Agenda 21 was adopted as a comprehensive blueprint of action that was to be taken globally, nationally and locally by
UN organisations, governments and major groups in every area in which humans directly affect the environment.

body:
THE UNITED  Nations Conference on Sustainable Development set for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in June 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. The Rio+20 conference comes 20 years after the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio, where adopted
Agenda 21 was adopted as a comprehensive blueprint of action that was to be taken globally, nationally and locally by
UN organisations, governments and major groups in every area in which humans directly affect the environment.
 
The global community will meet again in Brazil from 20-22 June to agree on measures to reduce poverty while promoting
sustainable and fair use of resources.
The Rio +20 conference will have two themes:  

o Green Economy in the Context of Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication 
  
o Institutional Framework for Sustainable Development. 
 
 
 

The aim of the conference is to secure renewed political commitment for sustainable development, assess progress in the
implementation of agreed multilateral environmental agreements, and how to respond to emerging challenges facing the
global community. At least seven key areas have been identified for discussion – energy, water, food, jobs, cities,
oceans and disasters. These are the areas considered critical towards poverty reduction and sustainable development.

 
With regard to energy, the global community seeks to find ways of promoting the uptake of cleaner energy sources such
as wind, hydro and solar energy that are less polluting to the environment. On food, methods are being sought on 
how to grow, share and consume food without degrading the environment, due to the added pressure of climate 
change on agriculture.

 
In respect to water, the conference will seek solutions to improve and increase access to
cleaner and safe water. According to a UN report, there is sufficient freshwater to achieve this goal.
 However, bad economies and poor infrastructure are hindering the world from providing its population with clean
and safe water With regard to jobs, Rio+20  will aim to offer action plans and policies that create employment,
particularly for the youths. Emphasis will be put on “green jobs” in agriculture, industry,
services and administration as these contribute to preserving and restoring the quality of the environment.

 
On cities, oceans and disasters, the conference will seek ways that make cities more habitable, as well as protecting the
oceans from over-fishing and destruction as they are vital conduits for trade and transportation. In preparation for Rio+20,
southern Africa is guided by the “Africa Consensus Statement to Rio+20” that was adopted in October 2011 by African ministers
responsible for the environment and approved by the African Union summit early this year.

 
The African common position calls for developed countries to fulfil previous commitments and pledges to help Africa’s efforts in achieving sustainable
development. Other proposals are for Rio+20 to explore the possibility of reactivating and reinvigorating the National Councils for
Sustainable Development to enable them to coordinate, consolidate and ensure the mainstreaming of cross-cutting
issues in the highest decisionmaking bodies. 

 
Meeting in Luanda, Angola for their recent SADC Council of Ministers meeting, SADC said a technical consultation seminar for Member States would be held in Angola prior to Rio+20.
“The meeting is specifically aiming at affording the region an opportunity to have a common understanding of the environmental
issues that will be discussed at the summit,” the ministers said in a statement.


Abstract:
AFRICAN MINISTERS,  meeting in October 2011 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, adopted a common African position for
Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development.  The position includes:

body:
AFRICAN MINISTERS,  meeting in October 2011 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, adopted a common African position for
Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development.  The position includes:   

• A call for the conference to adopt concrete measures, supported by adequate means of implementation that would
ensure accelerated implementation of sustainable development commitments;
  
• A request to industrialized countries to fulfil previous commitments and pledges to support Africa’s efforts in
achieving sustainable development;
  
• Developed countries should commit to a second period under the Kyoto Protocol from 2013-2017, and reduce their
emissions by 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2017, and provide appropriate additional and long-term financing, technology
and capacity-building support to enable developing nations to face the adverse effects of climate change;
  
• Need to define the green economy as a tool for achieving sustainable development, and to assess the opportunities
and challenges related to this concept, as well as the means for implementation needed to achieve a smooth transition
to a green economy in African countries;
  
• Strongly urge the international community to support African countries to benefit fully from the sectors in which
there is a comparative advantage.


title:
New power generation projects to add 1,770 Mw in 2012

Abstract:
SOUTHERN AFRICA  expects to commission new power projects between 2012 and 2016 that will add 14,300MW of electricity to the
regional grid, allowing the region to match supply and demand, according to the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP).
Part of this capacity will be initiated in 2012 through commissioning new and rehabilitated energy generation
projects that will add about 1,770 megawatts (MW) of electricity, The power will come from Botswana, which is expected
to commission 600MW this year, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa, contributing a total of 430MW
and 300MW respectively.

body:
SOUTHERN AFRICA  expects to commission new power projects between 2012 and 2016 that will add 14,300MW of electricity to the
regional grid, allowing the region to match supply and demand, according to the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP).
Part of this capacity will be initiated in 2012 through commissioning new and rehabilitated energy generation
projects that will add about 1,770 megawatts (MW) of electricity, The power will come from Botswana, which is expected
to commission 600MW this year, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa, contributing a total of 430MW
and 300MW respectively. 

New power generation projects to add 1,770 Mw in 2012 SOUTHERN AFRICA will in the next few years experience a
gradual increase in the uptake of cleaner energy sources that result in reduced carbon emission. 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
favours renewable energy as opposed to fossil fuels. Renewable energy sources such as solar, hydro and wind
are less polluting to the environment, and unlike fossil fuels such as coal will last forever. Meeting in Gaborone,
Botswana, for their 2nd SADC workshop on Renewable Energy Strategy and Action Plan (RESAP), energy experts from
the region said it was time southern Africa increased its uptake of cleaner energy sources to ensure sustainable
development, and agreed on the following: 
   

• Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) must achieve a renewable energy mix in the regional grid of at least
32 percent by 2020 and 35 percent by 2030; 
 
• Member States must identify all renewable energy projects that can be connected to the regional grid;
 
• SAPP must develop a Renewable Energy Development Plan that lists projects according to priority and should be
 linked to the proposed SADC Infrastructure Master Plan;
  
 

Region sets Angola will contribute an additional 315MW, followed by the United Republic of Tanzania and Namibia with
160MW and 90MW. Zambia and Zimbabwe are expected to contribute 56 MW and 30MW in additional power generation.

However, the additional power generated in Angola will not be enjoyed by the rest of the region since the country
is not yet linked to the SADC grid. This leaves 1,460MW as the addition to the regional power grid.
Last year, southern Africa managed to commission at least eight energy generation projects that added about
1,230MW of electricity to the regional grid, slightly above  the 1,110MW of additional electricity commissioned the
previous year.

The SADC region has been experiencing power shortages dating as far back as 2006 due to a combination of factors including
the diminishing generation surplus capacity against increasing growth in demand.


Abstract:
SOUTHERN AFRICA  will in the next few years experience a gradual increase in the uptake of cleaner energy sources that
result in reduced carbon emission. 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 favours renewable energy as opposed to fossil fuels. 
Renewable energy sources such as solar, hydro and wind are less polluting to the environment, and unlike fossil fuels
such as coal will last forever. Meeting in Gaborone, Botswana, for their 2nd SADC workshop on Renewable Energy
Strategy and Action Plan (RESAP), energy experts from the region said it was time southern Africa increased its
uptake of cleaner energy sources to ensure sustainable development, and agreed on the following:

body:
SOUTHERN AFRICA  will in the next few years experience a gradual increase in the uptake of cleaner energy sources that
result in reduced carbon emission. 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 favours renewable energy as opposed to fossil fuels. 
Renewable energy sources such as solar, hydro and wind are less polluting to the environment, and unlike fossil fuels
such as coal will last forever. Meeting in Gaborone, Botswana, for their 2nd SADC workshop on Renewable Energy
Strategy and Action Plan (RESAP), energy experts from the region said it was time southern Africa increased its
uptake of cleaner energy sources to ensure sustainable development, and agreed on the following:

    
• Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) must achieve a renewable energy mix in the regional grid of at least
32 percent by 2020 and 35 percent by 2030; 
  
• Member States must identify all renewable energy projects that can be connected to the regional grid;
  
• SAPP must develop a Renewable Energy Development Plan that lists projects according to priority and 
should be linked to the proposed SADC Infrastructure Master Plan;SADC to showcase projects at an investors’ roundtable;
  
• By 2015 all SADC Member States should have updated and consolidated their renewable energy resource maps;
  
• By 2015 all SADC Member States and SAPP should have assessed their grid capacity for renewable energy
and identified requirements for grid upgrades, if any;
  
• By 2015 all Member States should have undertaken Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) for the various 
renewable energy types in their countries;
  
• By 2020 at least one of the renewable energy technologies should be manufactured in the SADC region.


title:
Energy ministers meeting set for lesotho

Abstract:
SADC MINISTERS  responsible for energy are scheduled to meet in Lesotho to review the energy situation in the
region and address obstacles in an effort to ensure demand and supply are evenly matched.

body:
SADC MINISTERS  responsible for energy are scheduled to meet in Lesotho to review the energy situation in the
region and address obstacles in an effort to ensure demand and supply are evenly matched. Other issues 
on the agenda will include the status of implementation of ongoing rehabilitation and new power projects as well as
measures to address structural, operational and institutional challenges hindering development in the energy
sector.


title:
Diversification of the economy key to sustainable development

Abstract:
SOUTHERN AFRICA  could achieve sustainable development if countries in the region do more to broaden their economic
bases that rely heavily on single sectors, mainly agriculture and mining. Strengthening other sectors such as
 tourism, manufacturing and energy will serve as a buffer against external financial shocks such as the global financial downturn
that affected the world in 2008, and looks set to return this year.

body:
SOUTHERN AFRICA  could achieve sustainable development if countries in the region do more to broaden their economic
bases that rely heavily on single sectors, mainly agriculture and mining. Strengthening other sectors such as
 tourism, manufacturing and energy will serve as a buffer against external financial shocks such as the global financial downturn
that affected the world in 2008, and looks set to return this year. 

A 2010 report by the SADC Ministerial Task Force on Regional Economic Integration shows that those countries
that diversified into other economic sectors such as fisheries and manufacturing were not as badly affected by
the global financial crisis as those that solely depended on one sector for development. To minimize the impact of
global economic turbulence on SADC Member States and achieve sustainable development, the SADC Trade Industry
Finance and Investment (TIFI) Directorate is urging countries in the region to consider diversifying their economies.

 
“The effects of the recent global economic crisis have demonstrated that no economy is safe from destabilizing
external events,” TIFI said a recent report, titled “Regional Economic Performance in 2011 and Medium-term Prospects
for SADC”. “Diversifying economies is one way of countering these shocks and uncertainties,” TIFI said adding that
“economies which are narrowbased, including resource-dependent countries which most SADC Member States have
vulnerabilities stemming from a lack of diversification in one or more economic dimensions.”

 
TIFI said most SADC countries are aware that their economies are undiversified and hence vulnerable to external
shocks. “The countries recognize that having a diverse economy – that is, one based on a wide range of profitable sectors, not
just a few – play a key role in sustainable economy.” President Seretse Khama Ian Khama has already stated
publicly that Botswana will do more to broaden its economic base and diversify into agriculture and tourism.

 
“We have long recognized that the diversification of the economy both within the minerals sector and beyond is a key strategy for our future
survival,” he said, adding that the “combined effect of our investments in the various sectors will be job creation as well
as poverty alleviation.” TIFI proposed a widerange of diversification options that SADC countries could pursue in making their
economies more resilient and stable.

 
One such avenue is horizontal diversification, which is more applicable to agriculture as an economy migrates into
alternative crops. In this case, Member States would strive to broaden the range of agricultural products they produce so
that they do not rely on just one crop. An alternative route is vertical diversification, which is a strategy whereby new products
or services are added that are complementary to the existing product or service line Most SADC Member States
could benefit from product beneficiation, particularly in the extractive industries.

 
A third option available to SADC Member States is diversification into non-naturalbased activities that exploit
comparative advantage such as manufacturing and services. This is the preferred solution for SADC in the long run
and should, therefore, be a long-term objective of most countries’ development strategies, according to TIFI.
Diversification could also follow the route of trade preferences signed between trading blocks as in some cases preferences 
encourage export diversification by providing tariff exemptions to certain markets.

 
However, the preferences have at times stifled diversification by making commodity dependence profitable. For example,
if the preferences come to an end, so goes the sectors and products developed to benefit from them. As such, there is need for
SADC countries to come up with vibrant measures that ensure that their diversification programmes are a success.

 
Brazil offers one of the best examples of successful diversification. The South American  country has been for many
years the world's largest producer of coffee. However, since the 1990s coffee is no longer central to the Brazilian economy.
 The country diversified into other areas including manufactured goods and “green” fuel products, propelling its economy to
become the tenth largest in the world.


Abstract:
THE STRUCTURE  of production in SADC Member States is characteristic of a developing region where large shares of
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) originate in primary sectors of production such as agriculture and mining whose total
contribution is on average more than 50 percent of total GDP. Statistics on SADC show that only Mauritius and South
Africa have sizeable manufacturing sectors at approximately 25 percent of GDP. The share of manufacturing sector to GDP
in the rest of Member States average less than 15 percent.

body:
THE STRUCTURE  of production in SADC Member States is characteristic of a developing region where large shares of
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) originate in primary sectors of production such as agriculture and mining whose total
contribution is on average more than 50 percent of total GDP. Statistics on SADC show that only Mauritius and South
Africa have sizeable manufacturing sectors at approximately 25 percent of GDP. The share of manufacturing sector to GDP
in the rest of Member States average less than 15 percent.

 In addition to having a small manufacturing sector, SADC economies do not produce a diversified range of manufactured products. They produce a similar range of products
such as foodstuffs, beverages, tobacco, textiles, clothing and footwear, which are agricultural-resource based.
As a result SADC economies are susceptible to volatilities emanating from developments in the international markets.
The sustainability and ability of the economies to offer their populations the opportunity of jobs and creation of wealth
are therefore limited. TIFI Directorate .


title:
Mauritius gender quota law 5– another step forward

Abstract:
A NEW  gender law in Mauritius that requires one-third of candidates in local elections to be women represents another
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.

body:
A NEW  gender law in Mauritius that requires one-third of candidates in local elections to be women represents another
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.

Under Mauritian law, the town and village councillors are elected every five years and their main role is to ensure
the smooth running of five towns and 108 villages, overseeing the provision of services such as garbage collection
and road maintenance. They are also tasked with taking care of the environment and organizing cultural,leisure
 and sporting activities.Just 6.4 percent of all village and town councillors are women at present. 

 
The quota system  is expected to enable at least 1,300 women to participate as candidates in the forthcoming local elections.
The new law falls far short of the 50-percent target for women’s participation in political decision-making by
2015 set by the African Union and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) of which Mauritius is a member. 
The fact that the quota system applies only to local elections means that the representation of women in
positions of authority in Mauritius remains low.

 
Mauritius is one of the lowest in SADC in terms of the number of women in decisionmaking positions such as parliament parliament
and cabinet, and is one of two member states yet to append its signature to the SADC Protocol on Gender and
Development. The other is Botswana. Only 10 women were elected into the 70-seat unicameral House of Assembly in
the 2010 general elections, while three more were appointed among the eight “best losers”, a total of 13 women
and just 19 percent of the seats in parliament.

 
 A total of 62 parliamentarians are elected by direct popular vote under a block system where each voter casts three
ballots for three candidates from each of the 21 constituencies, including the island of Rodrigues off the south-east
coast of Mauritius, which elects two deputies. The remaining eight candidates are drawn from a list of “best losers” to ensure a fair
representation of various communities of the country. This voting method is not used to address the gender imbalance,
yet women make up the largest number of voters as well as just over half of the population of Mauritius. Only three women serve as
ministers in the 25-member Mauritian cabinet, representing just 12 percent. Prime Minister Navichandra Ramgoolam said
the new quota system is expected to see a significant increase in participation by women in the socio-political
process of the island nation, adding that more should be done to elevate women to positions of authority.

 
“We must ensure that the number of women candidates rises considerably,” Prime Minister Ramgoolam said. On the need to extend the gender
quota system to national elections, he said the government would wait for the outcome of a study by a team of constitutional
experts before taking a decision to review the system. Mauritius is scheduled to hold national elections in 2015
and expectations are that the necessary changes to the laws would have been made to ensure that more women are
elected to parliament and appointed to Cabinet.

 
In the 15 members’ states of SADC, South Africa has the highest representation of women in parliament at 45 percent, followed by Mozambique
at 39.2 percent and Angola at 38.6 percent. These countries have electoral systems based on proportional representation that
encourage participation by women, as well as voluntary political party quotas. A minimum 30 percent representation
 s a constitutional requirement in the United Republic of Tanzania which has guaranteed seats for women.


title:
Zambia appoints first woman police commissioner

Abstract:
ZAMBIAN PRESIDENT  Michael Sata has appointed Stella Libongani as Inspector- General of Police, making her the first woman to
occupy such a position. Libongani becomes the first woman in southern Africa to head the police force. Until
her appointment, she was the deputy head of the police. She joined the police service as a cadet assistant
superintendent and was deployed to Kitwe East police station as officer-in-charge in 1998 and has risen
through the ranks to become head of the police.

body:
ZAMBIAN PRESIDENT  Michael Sata has appointed Stella Libongani as Inspector- General of Police, making her the first woman to
occupy such a position. Libongani becomes the first woman in southern Africa to head the police force. Until
her appointment, she was the deputy head of the police. She joined the police service as a cadet assistant
superintendent and was deployed to Kitwe East police station as officer-in-charge in 1998 and has risen
through the ranks to become head of the police.


title:
SADC has made progress in promotion of women rights

Abstract:
SADC IS  committed to developing more innovative programmes necessary to empower girls and women, particularly
in rural areas, SADC Executive Secretary, Tomaz Salomão said in a message to mark International Women Day.
International Women’s Day is held on 8 March each year and this year’s commemorations took place under the theme “Connecting Girls, Inspiring
Futures”. “It is quite pleasing to note that over the years SADC has made notable progress in the promotion and protection of
women and girl’s rights,” Salomão said. However, there is “a lot that still needs to be done for women and girls to enjoy the
full fundamental rights, freedom and dignity.”

body:
SADC IS  committed to developing more innovative programmes necessary to empower girls and women, particularly
in rural areas, SADC Executive Secretary, Tomaz Salomão said in a message to mark International Women Day.
International Women’s Day is held on 8 March each year and this year’s commemorations took place under the theme “Connecting Girls, Inspiring
Futures”. “It is quite pleasing to note that over the years SADC has made notable progress in the promotion and protection of
women and girl’s rights,” Salomão said. However, there is “a lot that still needs to be done for women and girls to enjoy the
full fundamental rights, freedom and dignity.”


Abstract:
THE WORLD’S  largest transfrontier park, the Kavango- Zambezi, was launched in March 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.

body:
THE WORLD’S  largest transfrontier park, the Kavango- Zambezi, was launched in March 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. 

Situated in the Okavango and Zambezi river basins where the borders of the five countries converge, the KAZA
TFCA covers an area of about 444,000 square kilometers consisting of 36 national parks, game reserves, community
conservancies and game management areas. The conservation area boasts of numerous tourist attractions such as the Victoria
Falls between Zambia and Zimbabwe, San Rock paintings in Botswana, whitewater rafting and other water sports,and the
 absorbing wildlife population in the region. 
  

This high concentration of attractions is expected to create an entirely new assortment of tourism opportunities in
 southern Africa, presenting new opportunities for socio-economic development in SADC, thus strengthening socio-economic
development and integration.The opportunities include the joint marketing of attractions, presenting prospective
tourists with a wide range of opportunities and experiences. A joint report by the Peace Parks Foundation and the Development
Bank of Southern Africa predicts that the conservation area could attract as many as eight million tourists
to the region annually as well as creating employment for thousands of people. 
  

Speaking at the launch, the representatives of partner countries reaffirmed their commitment to regional economic
integration through sustainable management of transboundary natural resources and tourism development, adding that implementation
should be accelerated. They said that tangible results should be delivered to the local communities since they
are the owners of the natural resources and bear huge opportunity costs associated with biodiversity conservation such
as human-wildlife conflicts.
  

Namibian Minister of Environment and Tourism, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said it is the responsibility of all the
five countries to ensure that KAZA TFCA is developed as a sustainable conservation and tourism development programme.
“Harmonizing natural resource management approaches and tourism development across our international
boundaries will enhance the ecosystem’s integrity and natural ecological processes,” she said. 
  

The establishment of the KAZA TFCA is founded on the SADC ideals articulated in the Protocol on Wildlife Conservation
and Law Enforce ment of 1999, that commits Member States to “promote the conservation of shared wildlife resources through the
establishment of transfrontier conservation areas.” The transfrontier conservation areas concept is based on
the principle that the flow of nature, including rivers, wind, vegetation and animals, is not bound by political boundaries.

  
Existing TFCAs in the SADC region include, among others, the Greater Limpopo TFCA made up of conservation
areas in Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe; and the Lubombo TFCA shared by Mozambique, South Africa and Swaziland.


title:
Zambia, Zimbabwe intensify preparations for international tourism summit

Abstract:
ZAMBIA AND Zimbabwe are preparing to co-host a major global tourism conference next year at Victoria Falls,
and have initiated various projects to ensure that the meeting is a major success. The United Nations World Tourism Organization
(UNWTO) General Assembly is to be held at Victoria Falls/Mosi oa Tunya in 2013, the second time for Africa to
host the assembly after Senegal in 2005.

body:
ZAMBIA AND Zimbabwe are preparing to co-host a major global tourism conference next year at Victoria Falls,
and have initiated various projects to ensure that the meeting is a major success. The United Nations World Tourism Organization
(UNWTO) General Assembly is to be held at Victoria Falls/Mosi oa Tunya in 2013, the second time for Africa to
host the assembly after Senegal in 2005.  

Zambia and Zimbabwe won the bid to co-host the 20th Session of the UNWTO General Assembly over other competitors
Russia, Turkey, Jordan and Qatar. Zimbabwe plans to build a new conference centre in the resort town of Victoria Falls
to accommodate delegates to the General Assembly. The conference centre is expected to have a seating capacity of 
to 5,000 delegates, with committee rooms, golf course, three-star and fivestar hotels.

  
Both countries are refurbish- ing local airports in anticipation of the influx of visitors. The UNWTO general assembly,
which meets every two years to discuss and give direction to global tourism, is expected to boost tourism in the
two countries as well as across the region.


title:
President Michel appointed global tourism ambassador

Abstract:
SEYCHELLOIS  PRESIDENT  James Michel has been appointed a global ambassador for tourism by the United Nations
World Tourism O r g a n I s a t I o n (UNWTO), becoming the first serving head of state to be accorded such an honour.
Michel received the “Global leaders for tourism campaign open letter” from UNWTO secretary general Taleb Rifai in March
during the official opening of the Carnaval International de Victoria in Seychelles. Rifai said it is the first time that
such a letter is presented to heads of state and government. He added that by accepting the letter, Michel
automatically becomes a world ambassador for tourism. Seychelles Nation

body:
SEYCHELLOIS  PRESIDENT  James Michel has been appointed a global ambassador for tourism by the United Nations
World Tourism O r g a n I s a t I o n (UNWTO), becoming the first serving head of state to be accorded such an honour.
Michel received the “Global leaders for tourism campaign open letter” from UNWTO secretary general Taleb Rifai in March
during the official opening of the Carnaval International de Victoria in Seychelles. Rifai said it is the first time that
such a letter is presented to heads of state and government. He added that by accepting the letter, Michel
automatically becomes a world ambassador for tourism. Seychelles Nation


Abstract:
MALAWI  IS  expected to hold general elections by May 2014, allowing the country’s new President Joyce Banda to serve
the remainder of the current term following the sudden death of former President Bingu wa Mutharika in April.
Under the Malawi Constitution, the president is elected jointly with a first vice president but the president may
appoint a second vice president if he or she considers this desirable in the national interest. The second vice president
cannot be appointed from the party of the president.  

The 2014 elections are expected to be a five-way race between Banda’s People’s Party; the Democratic Progressive
Party of Mutharika; the Malawi Congress Party led by veteran politician John Tembo; the United Democratic
Front; and the Alliance for Democracy. There are more than 35 other smaller registered political parties.
The Malawian parliament is discussing a constitutional amendment that will harmonise local government, parliamentary
and presidential elections in 2014. The last House of Assembly and presidential elections in Malawi were held in May
2009.

body:
MALAWI IS   expected to hold general elections by May 2014, allowing the country’s new President Joyce Banda to serve
the remainder of the current term following the sudden death of former President Bingu wa Mutharika in April.
Under the Malawi Constitution, the president is elected jointly with a first vice president but the president may
appoint a second vice president if he or she considers this desirable in the national interest. The second vice president
cannot be appointed from the party of the president.  

The 2014 elections are expected to be a five-way race between Banda’s People’s Party; the Democratic Progressive
Party of Mutharika; the Malawi Congress Party led by veteran politician John Tembo; the United Democratic
Front; and the Alliance for Democracy. There are more than 35 other smaller registered political parties.
The Malawian parliament is discussing a constitutional amendment that will harmonise local government, parliamentary
and presidential elections in 2014. The last House of Assembly and presidential elections in Malawi were held in May
2009.


