As the SADC region pursues sustainable growth pathways and structural transformation, the management of its natural endowments and most importantly water, land and energy resources is critical. National Development Plans of SADC Member States set ambitious targets in a variety of sectors including water, food and energy. In order to avoid competition and create synergies between sectoral development agendas, integrated planning and cross-sectoral coordination is crucial.
The SADC Regional Water Policy was adopted in 2005. The Policy is implemented through a rolling Regional Water Programme implemented through 5-year Regional Strategic Action Plans (RSAP). The current RSAP IV (2016-2020) consists of 8 programmes, of which one is focused on the Water, Energy, and Food (WEF) Security Nexus.
In the energy sector, a Regional Energy Access Strategic Action Plan (REASAP) was approved in 2011, setting broad goals for improving access to modern forms of energy as well as specific policy mechanisms to achieve increased access. A Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Strategy and Action Plan (REEESAP) was approved in 2017, and a SADC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE) was established in 2015 and is hosted by the Republic of Namibia.
In order to drive food security, the Regional Agricultural Policy (RAP), 2014 has been adopted, and SADC is working on its implementation through a Regional Agricultural Investment Plan. SADC has also approved the establishment of Regional Agriculture Development Fund to further support implementation of the Policy.
The SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap (2015-2063) was approved in April 2015. This framework is aimed at driving industrial development and has been placed at the core of the developmental integration agenda of SADC. Inherent in this policy is recognition from SADC Member States that industrial development is central to diversification of their economies; development of productive capacity; and the creation of employment in order to reduce poverty and set their economies on a more sustainable growth path.