The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has bid farewell to outgoing European Union Ambassador to Botswana and SADC, Petra Pereyra, with the two institutions reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation on regional integration, peace, trade and sustainable development.
The SADC Secretariat hosted a farewell ceremony on Aug. 26 to mark the conclusion of Pereyra’s four-year tenure in Botswana and the wider SADC region.
SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi praised Pereyra’s leadership and commitment to deepening relations between the regional bloc and the EU during her tenure.
Magosi said cooperation between SADC and the EU had expanded in scope and impact, with the European bloc supporting initiatives covering economic integration, peace and security, trade facilitation, infrastructure, climate resilience and sustainable development.
“Together with both our teams and our Member States, we have realised many things,” Pereyra said, highlighting the partnership’s contribution to regional integration and stability.
The EU ambassador said collaboration with the SADC Secretariat reflected a shared belief in regional integration as a driver of peace, stability and prosperity.
EU funding expands regional programmes
Magosi highlighted the mobilisation of €196 million under the EU’s 2021-2027 Multiannual Indicative Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa.
The funding represents an increase from the €150 million secured under the previous European Development Fund programme, according to SADC.
The resources have supported regional programmes aimed at promoting economic integration, growth and sustainable development across Southern Africa.
Pereyra also highlighted the impact of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which has supported investments in critical sectors across the region.
The strategy is part of the EU’s broader effort to strengthen infrastructure and connectivity while supporting sustainable development and economic opportunities in partner regions.
Focus on regional integration
Pereyra said the partnership between the EU, SADC Secretariat and EU member states had been built around common objectives, including regional integration, peace, stability and sustainable development.
Magosi thanked the outgoing ambassador for her contribution to the relationship and her efforts to advance SADC’s integration and development priorities.
The farewell comes as SADC and the EU continue to cooperate on regional programmes aimed at strengthening economic integration, improving trade and addressing security and climate-related challenges.
Both sides reaffirmed the importance of maintaining the partnership and building on progress achieved during Pereyra’s tenure.
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