This week, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Infrastructure Directorate convened its 2025 Infrastructure Performance Review and Planning Retreat at the Kafue Gorge Regional Training Centre (KGRTC) in Zambia. The retreat, which runs as part of the SADC Infr@Dialogue Series, brings together policymakers, infrastructure experts, and international partners to assess regional infrastructure progress and plan for the future.
The event was officially opened by Ms. Mapolao Rosemary Mokoena, SADC Director of Infrastructure, who emphasized the importance of innovation in driving economic growth and regional integration.
"Innovation is the key to unlocking opportunities for sustained economic growth. Our discussions this week will focus on climate resilience, energy security, and economic corridors that will shape the future of infrastructure in the SADC region," she stated.
Key Infrastructure Topics Under Discussion
The Infr@Dialogue Series is a flagship platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and joint planning of regional infrastructure projects. This year’s retreat is focused on:
The Congo River Water Transfer Project, aimed at enhancing water and energy security.
Economic Corridors, particularly the development of the North-South Corridor to drive industrialization and trade.
Climate Resilience Systems, ensuring sustainable infrastructure solutions for water and energy security.
Technical experts, government officials, and representatives from SADC subsidiary institutions and international cooperating partners have engaged in panel discussions and strategy sessions to tackle these pressing challenges.
KGRTC’s Role in Regional Energy Solutions
Hosting the retreat at KGRTC highlights the center’s growing reputation as a hub for infrastructure capacity-building. In his address, Mr. Davies Chinkusu, KGRTC Director, reaffirmed the center’s commitment to advancing energy solutions in Africa.
"KGRTC is working on solar and mini-hydro projects to help mitigate the region’s power deficit. We are seeking strategic partnerships to support our vision of becoming a center of excellence in energy technologies," he said.
The discussions held during the retreat are expected to shape future infrastructure projects and investment strategies within the SADC region. With key recommendations emerging from the event, stakeholders remain optimistic about fostering regional integration and sustainable development.
As the retreat concludes, participants leave with a renewed commitment to strengthening infrastructure, fostering innovation, and driving economic prosperity across the SADC region.
