战略与国际研究中心-Africa-Notes_-SADCC_-A-Progress-Report_8页_1mb

SADCC: A Progress Report Summary

Core Content

The Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC), established in 1980, is a regional development organization aimed at promoting economic integration and reducing dependence on South Africa among its nine member states: Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. SADCC was formed in response to the impending independence of Zimbabwe and the need to counter South African economic dominance.

Main Objectives

• Economic Liberation: Reduce dependence on South Africa, particularly in transport, trade, and investment.
• Regional Integration: Create a more coordinated and equitable regional economic framework.
• Self-Reliance: Strengthen national and regional capacities to manage development projects.
• International Support: Gain recognition and practical support for SADCC's development strategies.

Key Information

Structure and Function

• SADCC has a lean secretariat based in Gaborone, Botswana, with an annual budget of only $300,000.
• The organization is decentralized, with each member state responsible for specific sectoral areas.
• The secretariat serves primarily an informational role, rather than a decision-making one.
• The Lusaka Declaration (1980) outlines four key goals: reducing external dependence, promoting regional integration, mobilizing resources, and securing international support.

Sectoral Responsibilities

Challenges

• Decentralization: While intended to promote national involvement, it has led to managerial capacity issues.
• Coordination Problems: Frequent meetings and travel due to inadequate communication systems and limited data resources have increased costs and bureaucracy.
• Transport Vulnerability: SADCC's railway and transport networks are under threat from military disruptions, especially from the MNR in Mozambique, which hampers regional access and economic development.
• Sectoral Imbalance: Member states coordinating specific sectors may receive unequally distributed funding, raising concerns about fairness.

1983 Maseru Conference

• The conference took place in a highly tense environment, following a South African attack and LLA explosions.
• It emphasized condemnation of South African militarization and economic dominance.
• The conference highlighted transport and communications as the top priorities for regional development.
• The industrial development program was criticized for lack of direction and insufficient donor interest, with many donors focusing on transport, food, and energy projects.

Donor Support

• EEC: Largest single donor, providing $170 million annually for regional projects.
• Nordic Countries: Strong supporters, with Norway and Sweden providing significant financial and moral backing.
• World Bank: Has committed $700 million to SADCC members since 1980, with a focus on transport and energy.
• Other Donors: France, Britain, Canada, Brazil, Netherlands, and Italy have also contributed to various SADCC projects.

Transport and Communications Projects

• SATCC (Southern African Transport and Communications Commission) focuses on rehabilitation and maintenance of existing infrastructure.
• Railway Projects:
  • Mozambique Routes: The Maputo, Nacala, and Beira lines are the main focus, with significant funding allocated.
  • Tazara Line: A Chinese-built line from Zambia to Tanzania, in need of extensive rehabilitation.
  • Benguela Line: Almost non-operational due to ongoing conflict in Angola.
• Road Projects: The Southern Perimeter Road in Lesotho is being upgraded with U.S., UK, and EEC support.
• Port Projects: Funding is unevenly distributed, with Nacala receiving the highest percentage (43%) and Dar es Salaam the lowest (7%).

Telecommunications and Information

• PANAFTEL (Pan-African Telecommunications Union) is a key initiative.
• SADIS (Southern African Documentation and Information System) is a major project aimed at improving information sharing across the region.
• SADIS is expected to be online by late 1984 and fully operational by 1993.

Conclusion

Despite its decentralized structure and organizational challenges, SADCC has made impressive strides in focusing attention on regional development needs. It has attracted significant international support, particularly in the transport and communications sectors, and is seen as a key player in promoting economic coordination and self-reliance in southern Africa. However, the lack of a unified strategy, unequal funding distribution, and ongoing security threats remain major hurdles to achieving its full potential.