Zambia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has launched a training program aimed at strengthening the country’s role in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regional integration. The training, which took place in Lusaka, focuses on project management and resource mobilization for regional integration, targeting Zambia’s SADC National Committee staff.
Officiating the event, Ms. Etambuyu Anamela Gundersen, the Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation, stressed the importance of building national capacity to effectively coordinate and implement SADC projects. The program, supported by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) under the Southern African Development Community Strengthening National Regional Linkages Programme (SNRL), brought together participants from government institutions, academia, civil society, and the private sector.
Ms. Gundersen reiterated Zambia’s commitment to the SADC regional integration agenda, which she sees as essential for improving living standards. She called for closer collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of regional projects. While acknowledging that the support from GIZ and SADC is time-limited, she emphasized the need for Zambia to meet the set milestones for the projects.
She also praised the contributions of GIZ and SADC in supporting Zambia’s efforts, particularly in improving the tracking and awareness of regional programs. Ms. Gundersen expressed confidence that the capacity-building efforts would lead to successful projects, particularly in sectors outlined in Zambia’s Eighth National Development Plan, including agriculture, industrialization, mining, infrastructure, and regional trade.
Dr. Mubita Luwabelwa, SADC’s Director of Planning and Policy, highlighted the importance of such capacity-building programs in achieving regional integration. He commended Zambia for its partnership with SADC, noting the Ministry’s crucial role in advancing the region’s goals.
