SADC DFRC commemorates 20 years anniversary

The SADC DFRC celebrated its 20th anniversary in recognition of its contributions towards the SADC regional developmental goals, through its services to the DFIs, Member State Governments and the broad development finance community in general. The anniversary was held back-to-back with the DFI Network’s bi-annual meetings hosted by the Namibian DFIs viz: Agribank, Development Bank of Namibia, Environmental Investment Fund and the National Housing Enterprise in Swakopmund on 8th June 2023. 

Welcome remarks at the reception were delivered by Her Worship, Councillor Dina Namubes, Mayor of Swakopmund, while the Deputy Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises, Ms Maureen Hinda-Mbuende, officially launched the celebrations. 

 

Speakers highlighted key achievements of the DFRC, among these, over ten thousand (10,000) participants from member DFIs, private sector, governments and state-owned enterprises who benefited from DFRC programmes; growth in DFI Network membership from seventeen (17) at inception to forty-one (41); establishment of a PPP Network and sectoral Sustainable Development Goals working groups as communities of practise to deliver DFI mandates; advisory and technical support to establishment of regional structures, including the SADC Public, Private Partnerships (PPP) Network, the Project Preparation and Development Facility (PPDF) and the Regional Development Fund. In addition, as at end March 2023, the DFRC completed the purchase of its head office in the Gaborone CBD, and now owns. 

 

It is well recognised that the success and accomplishments of DFRC over the twenty years, were made possible due to the unwavering support of various stakeholders, who include the mother body, SADC Secretariat, DFI Network members, Member State Governments and International Cooperating Partners. Through these important stakeholders, the DFRC benefited policy guidance, financial and technical support.

Dr Raphael Karuaihe, CEO for Agribank, who is also a member of the SADC DFRC