Understanding Human Mobility in Africa / The Regional Economic Communities of African Union: SADC

Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and the African Union (AU)

The Regional Economic Communities (RECs) are regional groups of African states. The RECs have developed individually and separated from one another and have different roles and structures. Generally, the purpose of the RECs is to facilitate economic integration between members of the individual regions and through the African Economic Community (AEC), which was established under the Abuja Treaty of 1991. The 1980 Lagos Plan of Action for the Development of Africa and the Abuja Treaty proposed the creation of RECs as the basis for wider African integration, with a view of regional and eventual continental integration. The RECs are increasingly involved in coordinating African Union (AU) Member States’ interests on topics such as peace and security, development and governance. The RECs are closely integrated with the AU’s work and serve as its building blocks. The relationship between the AU and the RECs is mandated by the Abuja Treaty and the African Union Constitutive Act and guided by the 2008 Protocol on Relations between the Regional Economic Communities and the African Union, as well as the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in the Area of Peace and Security between the AU, RECs and the Coordinating Mechanisms of the Regional Standby Brigades of Eastern and Northern Africa. The AU recognizes eight RECs: 

• Arab Maghreb Union (UMA)

• Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)

• Community of Sahel–Saharan States (CEN–SAD)

• East African Community (EAC)

• Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS)

• Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

• Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)

• Southern African Development Community (SADC).

In addition, the Eastern Africa Standby Force Coordination Mechanism (EASFCOM) and North African Regional Capability (NARC) have liaison offices at the AU. [Source: African Union, RECs].

History of the Southern African Development Community (SADC)

The origins of what would become SADC trace back to the late 1960s and early 1970s. During this period, the leaders of major Southern African countries, alongside national liberation movements, coordinated their political, diplomatic, and military efforts to combat colonialism and the oppressive rule of white minorities. The immediate precursor to formal political and security cooperation was the informal grouping known as the Frontline States (FLS). This coalition included countries that actively opposed apartheid and sought to support liberation movements within South Africa and Namibia. [Source: Britannica]

On April 1^st, 1980, the Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC) was launched in Lusaka, Zambia, following the adoption of the “Lusaka Declaration - Southern Africa: Towards Economic Liberation”. The founding member states of SADCC included Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The primary aim of SADCC was to coordinate development projects and reduce the region's economic reliance on apartheid South Africa. SADCC sought to utilize the strengths and resources of its member states to foster greater regional integration and cooperation. SADCC's formation marked a significant shift in regional dynamics, as it aimed not only at reducing dependence on South Africa but also at promoting political liberation, economic development, and social integration among member states. The organization was founded on four main objectives: reducing member state dependence on apartheid South Africa, forging equitable regional integration linkages, mobilizing resources for national and regional development policies, and securing international cooperation for economic liberation. [Source: African Union, SADC]

The transition from SADCC to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) occurred on August 17^th, 1992, during a summit in Windhoek, Namibia, where the Declaration and Treaty establishing SADC were signed. This transformation was driven by the changing political landscape in Southern Africa, particularly the end of apartheid and the independence of Namibia. With this shift, SADC adopted a broader focus on economic integration and development, establishing a legal framework to drive cooperation. The SADC Treaty outlined the organization's objectives, including achieving sustainable economic growth, alleviating poverty, and enhancing the quality of life for the people of Southern Africa. The treaty also established key institutional mechanisms, including the Summit of Heads of State or Government, Council of Ministers, and a Secretariat to coordinate regional activities. [Source: SADC. History and Treaty]

In the years following its establishment, SADC underwent significant institutional development to better facilitate cooperation among member states. An important step was the amendment of the SADC Treaty in 2001, which led to the establishment of additional institutional structures, including the Organ on Politics, Defense, and Security Cooperation (OPDS). This organ was created to address security concerns and promote regional stability, reflecting the recognition of political cooperation as vital for development. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, SADC expanded its membership to include the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, Mauritius, Namibia, Seychelles, and South Africa, broadening its reach and influence in the region. The membership expansion was crucial for fostering a more comprehensive approach to regional development, as it brought together countries with diverse resources and capabilities. [Source: SADC. History and Treaty]

In 2004, SADC was granted observer status at the United Nations General Assembly, marking a significant recognition of its role in promoting regional stability and development. However, SADC has faced numerous challenges over the last years, including political instability in member states, economic disparities, and natural disasters such as droughts and floods, which have adversely affected food security and development efforts in Southern Africa. The organization has continued to adapt its strategies to address these challenges, with initiatives aimed at enhancing regional integration, improving infrastructure, and promoting trade among member states. The Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) was adopted to provide a framework for SADC's strategic priorities and guide regional projects and programs. [Source: SADC. History and Treaty]

As of October 2024, SADC has 15 member States:

•  Angola
• Botswana
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Eswatini
• Lesotho
• Madagascar
• Malawi
• Mauritius
• Mozambique
• Namibia
• Seychelles
• South Africa
• United Republic of Tanzania
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

Structure and organizations of SADC

In recent years, SADC has evolved significantly, with the establishment of institutions and organs that facilitate its mandate. SADC is comprised of 9 main institutions: the SADC Parliamentary Forum; the SADC of Ambassadors and High Commissioners; the SADC National Committees; the SADC Secretariat; the Standing Committee of Senior Officials; the Sectoral and Cluster Ministerial Committees; the SADC Council of Ministers; the Summit Troika of the Organ; and the Summit of Heads of State or Government. [Source: SADC. Institutions]

The SADC Parliamentary Forum is an inter-parliamentary body composed of representatives from the national parliaments of SADC member states. Established on September 8, 1997, the Forum comprises Presiding Officers and a maximum of five representatives elected by each member state's National Parliament, totaling over 3,500 parliamentarians across the region. Its primary aim is to promote regional integration through parliamentary involvement, encouraging best practices in governance and legislative cooperation. The Forum addresses significant issues such as human rights, gender equality, democracy, and economic cooperation, fostering networking among inter-parliamentary organizations and engaging the regional civil society in SADC activities [Source: SADC. Parliamentary Forum]. The SADC Committee of Ambassadors and High Commissioners was established on February 25, 2005, and it plays a vital advisory role. It facilitates interaction between member states and the SADC Secretariat, advising national committees on the implementation of regional programs. The committee is tasked with overseeing the implementation of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) and the Strategic Plan of the Organ (SIPO), ensuring that Council decisions are followed up and implemented effectively. [Source: SADC. Committee of Ambassadors and High Commissioners]

The SADC National Committees serve as conduits for national-level engagement in regional policy formulation and strategy implementation. These committees are composed of key stakeholders from government, civil society, and the private sector. They play a significant role in initiating SADC projects and providing input for regional strategies, ensuring that national perspectives are considered in SADC's overarching policies and programs. The establishment of these committees is reflected in the SADC Treaty, highlighting their importance in achieving regional goals [Source: SADC. National Committees]. The SADC Secretariat is the executive institution of SADC, located in Gaborone, Botswana. It is responsible for the strategic planning, coordination, and management of SADC programs. The Secretariat implements decisions made by various SADC institutions, including the Summit and the Council of Ministers. Headed by an Executive Secretary, the Secretariat comprises several divisions, including those focused on political affairs, economic planning, and resource mobilization. The Secretariat's mission is to enhance regional cooperation and integration by executing SADC's policies and programs [Source: SADC. SADC Secretariat].

The Council of Ministers is a pivotal institution that oversees the functioning and development of SADC. Comprising ministers from each member state, typically from foreign affairs, economic planning, or finance ministries, the Council meets biannually to assess progress, implement policies, and make decisions on strategic matters affecting the community. The Council plays a crucial role in ensuring that SADC's policies are executed and that member states adhere to their commitments, fostering a collaborative environment for regional development [Source: SADC. SADC Council of Ministers]. The Sectoral and Cluster Ministerial Committees consist of ministers from each member state responsible for specific areas of integration. These committees monitor the implementation of the RISDP and provide policy advice to the Council. Currently, the committees focus on key sectors such as trade, industry, finance, infrastructure, food security, and social development. By overseeing sector-specific activities, these committees ensure that SADC’s objectives are met effectively and efficiently across different domains [Source: SADC. Sectoral & Cluster Ministerial Committees]. The Standing Committee of Senior Officials acts as a technical advisory body to the Council of Ministers. This committee meets twice a year and comprises one Permanent/Principal Secretary or an equivalent official from each member state, usually from ministries responsible for economic planning or finance. The committee's role is to provide expert advice and recommendations on various matters affecting SADC, ensuring that policy decisions are informed by senior officials' expertise [Source: SADC. Standing Committee of Senior Officials].

The Summit Troika of the Organ is responsible for promoting peace and security within the SADC region. This organ operates on a Troika basis, involving a Chairperson, an Incoming Chairperson, and an Outgoing Chairperson, who collectively provide guidance on matters affecting regional stability. The Troika system enhances responsiveness and facilitates swift decision-making during critical situations, thereby strengthening SADC's ability to address security challenges effectively [Source: SADC. Summit Troika of the Organs]. Lastly, The Summit of Heads of State or Government is the highest policy-making institution within SADC. Comprising all heads of state or government from member countries, the Summit is responsible for setting the policy direction of the organization. It meets annually to discuss pressing issues, review SADC’s performance, and elect new leadership for the upcoming year. The Summit's decisions shape the strategic priorities of SADC and provide a platform for member states to negotiate and collaborate on regional challenges [Source: SADC. Summit of the Heads of State or Government].

Most important projects of SADC

Since its inception, SADC has implemented several key projects aimed at enhancing regional integration, trade, and development [Source: SADC. Programmes/Projects]. This is the full list of projects currently implemented by SADC:

• SADC-EU Support to Peace and Security Programme (SPSS)
• African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) IV
• SADC-EU Trade Facilitation Programme
• Support to Improving the Investment and the Business Environment (SIIBE)
• Support to Industrialisation and Productive Sectors (SIPS)
• SADC Dialogue Facility (SDF)
• Integrated Institutional Capacity Building (IICB)
• GCCA+ Intra-ACP Programme (Intra African, Caribbean and Pacific ACP Global Climate Change Alliance Plus)
• Cooperation for Enhancement of SADC Regional Economic Integration (CESARE)
• Luapula Hydropower project
• Lomahasha/Namaacha Cross Border Potable Water Supply Project
• Lesotho Botswana Water Transfer
• Baynes Hydropower Project
• Beira Port Development
• Construction of Standard Gauge railway from Mtwara - Mbamba Bay railway with/and spurs to Liganga, and Mchuchuma
• Extension of National ICT Broadband Backbone (NICTBB) to Mozambique by construction of optical fibre cable and point of presences (PoPs) for providing connectivity with Mozambique

 The four most notable initiatives are the SADC-EU Support to Peace and Security Programme (SPSS); the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) IV; the SADC Dialogue Facility (SDF); and the Integrated Institutional Capacity Building (IICB) Programme. Each of these projects plays a crucial role in addressing the challenges faced by SADC states, contributing to enhanced stability, governance, and cooperation within the region.

The SADC-EU Support to Peace and Security Programme is designed to strengthen the capacity of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. This initiative focuses mostly on promoting peace, security, and democracy across the SADC region. By enhancing the region’s peace and security architecture, SPSS seeks to address critical issues such as mediation, conflict prevention, and the management of organized crime, including gender-based violence. SPSS aligns with the overarching goals outlined in the SADC Treaty and the revised Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020-2030. It aims to bolster conflict prevention and management mechanisms, providing tools for effective early warning systems that can monitor and respond to political, security, and socio-economic threats. The program emphasizes structured engagement with civil society, particularly youth and women, to foster inclusive approaches to conflict resolution and peacebuilding [Source: SADC. SADC-EU Support to Peace and Security Programme (SPSS)].

APSA IV is a continental framework that includes the African Union (AU) as well as its Regional Economic Communities (RECs), including SADC. Established to enhance peace and security on the African continent, APSA aims to prevent, manage and resolve conflicts through a comprehensive approach. The framework focuses on three objectives: improving conflict cycle management, enhancing cooperation within the APSA, and ensuring inclusivity of youth and children in peace and security initiatives. Since its inception, APSA has facilitated significant achievements within the SADC region, including capacity-building training for Regional Early Warning Centre Analysts and support for peace operations. For instance, APSA played a pivotal role in assessing the security situation in northern Mozambique, leading to the deployment of the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM). Such initiatives highlight APSA's commitment to addressing pressing security concerns and fostering stability in the region [Source: SADC. African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) IV].

The SADC Dialogue Facility is a program aimed at enhancing cooperation and dialogue among SADC stakeholders to promote regional integration. Funded by a €3 million European Union grant, the SDF focuses on institutionalizing policy dialogues between SADC and its key partners, including International Cooperation Partners and Non-State Actors. By facilitating multi-stakeholder policy dialogues, the SDF seeks to fast-track the implementation of the SADC integration agenda. The program encourages peer-to-peer exchanges and cross-sector dialogues, allowing for technical learning and expertise sharing. SDF aims to strengthen stakeholder engagement in the regional integration process and improve the quality of regional policy development. Additionally, it addresses challenges such as limited involvement of diverse stakeholders and the need for lessons learned from other regional integration processes. The ultimate goal is to create a collaborative environment that fosters sustainable economic growth and social opportunities for citizens in the SADC region [Source: SADC. SADC Dialogue Facility (SDF)]. 

The Integrated Institutional Capacity Building (IICB) Programme focuses on enhancing the capacity of the SADC Secretariat and Member States to implement the regional integration agenda. Aligned with the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) Regional Indicative Programme, IICB aims to accelerate progress towards SADC’s objectives by strengthening institutional frameworks and service delivery mechanisms. The programme consists of two specific objectives: enhancing the capacity of Member State structures for regional agenda implementation and improving service delivery by the SADC Secretariat. Through targeted interventions, IICB supports ten SADC Member States, including Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Malawi, to develop national structures aligned with regional priorities. By promoting coordination and resource mobilization, IICB aims to foster a more agile and responsive SADC Secretariat that can effectively address regional challenges [Source: SADC. Integrated Institutional Capacity Building (IICB)].

SADC and Free Movement of People

The South African Development Community (SADC) has a long-standing commitment to managing migration in the region, recognizing its significance for socio-economic development and regional integration. SADC's migration projects are aimed at addressing the complexities of human mobility, enhancing the governance of migration, and ensuring that the rights of migrants are protected. Key initiatives include the Regional Labour Migration Framework, the Labour Migration Action Plan (2020-2025), the SADC Guidelines on Portability of Social Security Benefits, and the development of a Regional Migration Policy Framework [Source: IOM, 2018].

Adopted in 2014, the SADC Regional Labour Migration Framework aims to improve the management of labour mobility within the region. Historically, the mining sector has been a major driver of migration in Southern Africa, with a significant flow of labour across borders. The framework seeks to address the challenges associated with labour migration, including irregular migration and the integration of migrants into host communities. By providing guidelines for the effective management of labour migration, the framework aims to foster sustainable economic growth and enhance the benefits of migration for both countries of origin and destination [Source: IOM, 2018]. In alignment with the Regional Labour Migration Framework, SADC adopted the Labour Migration Action Plan (2020-2025) to promote skills transfer and match labour supply with demand across the region. The Action Plan emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the rights and welfare of migrant workers, in accordance with Article 19 of the SADC Protocol on Employment and Labour. By enhancing the capacity of member states to manage labour migration effectively, the plan aims to eliminate obstacles to the free movement of labour and facilitate regional integration [Source: IOM, 2020].

To further support the rights of migrant workers, SADC has developed guidelines on the portability of social security benefits. These guidelines ensure that workers moving within the region can maintain their social security rights and benefits, including pensions and occupational injury benefits, acquired in different member states. This initiative is crucial for protecting the welfare of migrants and promoting their long-term integration into host communities. In response to the increasing complexities of migration flows in the region, SADC is in the process of developing a Regional Migration Policy Framework. This comprehensive policy instrument aims to promote regular, safe, and orderly migration by outlining key strategies and actions for migration governance. The framework will also define the roles and responsibilities of various actors involved in migration management, enabling member states to align with global, continental, and regional frameworks on migration. Once operational, the Regional Migration Policy Framework will facilitate the development of National Migration Policies and tailored National Action Plans, enhancing the coherence of migration governance across the region [Source: SADC, 2021].