Newly Appointed SADC-DFRC CEO Meets with Botswana Development Corporation

On November 20, 2024, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the SADC Development Finance Resource Centre (SADC-DFRC), Mr. Zwelibanzi Sapula, accompanied by Mr. Bryan Masheleng, Data Analyst, paid a courtesy visit to Mr. Cross Kgosidiile, Managing Director of the Botswana Development Corporation (BDC). The meeting, held in Gaborone, provided an opportunity to align visions and explore areas of collaboration between the two organizations.

Mr. Sapula shared his transformative vision for the SADC-DFRC, emphasizing its potential to evolve into a regional financial institution owned by the SADC Development Finance Institution (DFI) Network. This entity would address critical gaps in cross-border financing, reduce borrowing costs for member states, and catalyze regional integration efforts.

The BDC team, including Ms. Gosego Phele, Strategy Manager, and Ms. Agodirwe Mapoko, Brand & Marketing Manager, highlighted the Corporation’s pivotal role as Botswana’s oldest DFI. They outlined its contributions to diversifying the economy beyond diamond mining and supporting commercial viability for early-stage and Greenfield investments. They also emphasized the need for solutions, such as project preparatory funds, to financing gaps during the formative stages of projects.

Discussions also explored how deeper collaboration among DFIs in the region could address mutual challenges. Ms. Phele stressed the importance of syndicate funding and closer partnerships to unlock resources for impactful projects. Mr. Sapula proposed forming thematic groups within the SADC DFI Network to enhance knowledge sharing and foster collaboration on shared priorities across the region.

Mr. Kgosidiile concluded by affirming the importance of continued engagement between the BDC and the SADC-DFRC, ensuring the two entities remain aligned in advancing sustainable development and economic growth within the region.

This productive engagement, with valuable contributions from both Mr. Masheleng and