As the September edition of the SADC Development Finance Institutions CEOs’ Forum 2026 comes to a close, we reflect on a significant week of dialogue, collaboration and regional leadership.

From 14–18 September 2026, leaders from development finance institutions, government, the private sector and multilateral organisations convened at the Industrial Development Corporation in Sandton, South Africa, to strengthen cooperation and advance regional development priorities.

Held under the theme, “Corridor-to-SEZ Delivery: Building Bankable SADC Value Chains through Coordinated Finance (NAFA Aligned),” the Forum explored practical approaches to financing regional corridors, Special Economic Zones, sustainable infrastructure and industrial value chains.

Discussions highlighted the importance of supporting SMEs under the AfCFTA, mobilising climate finance, strengthening legislative and policy frameworks, and using public-private partnerships and blended capital to deliver bankable regional projects.

The Forum concluded with a presentation of key outcomes and resolutions, reaffirming the collective commitment of the SADC DFI Network to coordinated action, stronger partnerships and sustainable regional growth.