The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has officially launched its Communication, Awareness and Visibility Strategy 2025-2030 in Gaborone, Botswana, marking a major step in strengthening regional communication and promoting integration. The strategy is designed to increase public awareness of SADC programmes, encourage citizen engagement, and highlight the achievements of the region to support economic growth and development.
The initiative aims to deepen understanding of SADC’s objectives and activities among citizens, fostering greater participation in regional integration efforts. Key accomplishments, such as harmonised driver’s licences, cross-border payment systems, and improved trade facilitation, will be highlighted to demonstrate the tangible benefits of regional cooperation.
A critical component of the strategy is addressing misinformation and false narratives about the region. By providing accurate information, SADC intends to build trust and confidence in its ability to deliver on its mandate and promote integration effectively. Collaboration with media practitioners, communicators, and other stakeholders will be central to showcasing the human impact of regional initiatives, emphasizing how integration improves the lives of communities and individuals.
The launch attracted diplomats, government officials, media representatives, and youth organisations, reflecting strong support for the strategy and its objectives. SADC Secretariat Head of Communication and Public Relations, Ms. Barbara Lopi, noted that the strategy was developed through consultations across all 16 Member States and stressed the importance of effective communication in advancing regional integration and development.
SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, Ms. Angèle Makombo N’tumba, highlighted the region’s achievements and the need to make them visible. She emphasized that effective communication is essential for promoting regional integration and ensuring that SADC’s successes are widely recognized.
GIZ Head of Economic and Development Cooperation, Ms. Simone Gorrtz, encouraged the region to use the strategy as a tool to counter misinformation and promote a clearer understanding of SADC’s work. She added that the strategy provides a framework for communicating the region’s message effectively and reinforcing the benefits of regional integration.
The Communication, Awareness and Visibility Strategy 2025-2030 sets a roadmap for stronger engagement with citizens, transparent dissemination of information, and broader recognition of SADC’s role in driving development and regional cooperation.