National CSO capacity workshop

Lusaka, April 12-13, 2023

On 12th and 13th April, the Consumer Unity and Trust Society (CUTS) International, Lusaka in collaboration with Action Aid held a national CSO workshop to strengthen Non State Actors (NSAs) participation in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regional integration agenda. The workshop was aimed to mobilise NSAs in Regional Integration in SADC and to bring their voices together and find ways to enhance their capacities to effectively contribute to the implementation of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP 2020-2030) and SADC vision 2050.

Further, the workshop provided a platform for stakeholders to understand the current advocacy landscape, opportunities and challenges within the context of SADC regional integration.

Opening the meeting, CUTS board members Sajeev Nair noted that one of the areas where the SADC lagged behind for several years is the engagement mechanism with Non State Actors, which is now being prioritized. “We are delighted that the SADC Council of Ministers adopted the SADC –NSA engagement mechanism at the 42nd summit, along with other changes such as transforming the SADC Parliamentary forum at SADC Parliament. These are positive changes that are taking place at SADC level, at a time when the continent is prioritizing the Africa Continental Free Trade Area that aims to establish a common market for the whole of Africa.” he said.