09/06/2026
From Doubt to Delivery: Regional Integration Wins Growing Support Across SADC
Regional integration in Southern Africa is no longer viewed as a distant policy aspiration. Across the SADC region, stakeholders are increasingly seeing, experiencing, and acknowledging the benefits of regional cooperation, according to the latest perception survey conducted in 2025 under the Strengthening National–Regional Linkages (SNRL) programme, a SADC initiative supported by the German Government and implemented by GIZ.
The survey reveals a significant shift in confidence towards regional integration efforts over the past two years. While State Actors increased their overall rating of regional integration performance Civil society organisations, academics, and private sector representatives were particularly cautious, giving regional integration (RI) a modest rating of 4.6 out of 10.
The picture looks different with the latest (2025) perception survey showing growing confidence in RI efforts across the region. State actors’ ratings increased from 5.6 to 6.5, while Non-State Actors' ratings rose even more significantly, from 4.6 to 6.0.
"For the first time, it can be clearly seen that regional integration is no longer viewed as a distant policy goal. Stakeholders are increasingly seeing and experiencing the results on the ground", the survey report states.
Through the SNRL programme, Member States received targeted support to strengthen National Contact Points, improve coordination structures, build institutional capacity, and create more opportunities for engagement between governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector.
Additionally, civil society is becoming part of the conversation with one of the most encouraging findings of growing confidence among Non-State Actors (NSAs). In 2023, the survey showed only 3% believed there had been significant progress in implementing SADC agreements at national level. By 2025, that figure had increased to 24%. Similarly, perceptions of progress in aligning national policies with regional priorities rose from 7% to 33% for the NSAs.
The report further stated that "The results show that more citizens' representatives, researchers, and businesses are not only aware of regional integration efforts but are increasingly recognising their value and impact."
Mozambique recorded one of the most notable shifts, moving from mixed perceptions in 2023 to unanimous agreement across stakeholders in 2025 that significant progress had been made in aligning national policies with regional priorities. Zimbabwe also demonstrated a remarkable transformation. Where uncertainty previously dominated responses, stakeholders now report clear evidence of progress and stronger visibility of regional integration efforts.
Stronger cooperation between SADC Member States can support trade, improve movement of goods and services, strengthen economic opportunities, and help countries work together to address shared development challenges. When regional commitments are effectively implemented nationally, the benefits can reach businesses, communities, and citizens across the region.
The findings are based on a baseline (2023) and endline (2025) perception survey conducted across participating SADC Member States. The survey included state actors and non-state actors, assessing perceptions of regional integration performance, institutional effectiveness, and policy alignment using standardised scoring and structured questionnaires.
Embassy Gaborone
